Mt. SAC Football Triumphs in Thrilling Victory Over El Camino, Advances to Southern California Finals
Walnut, Calif. – In an intense back-and-forth battle, the Mt. SAC Football Team emerged victorious over El Camino College on Saturday, November 30, securing a 48-24 win in a thrilling showdown. With the win, the Mounties remain undefeated at 11-0 and advance to the next round of the playoffs, while the Warriors conclude their season with a hard-fought defeat, finishing with a 7-4 record.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The game began with an early spark from Mt. SAC's offense, as quarterback Noah Fuailetolo connected with Juwan Grant on a 41-yard touchdown pass seconds into the first quarter, giving the Mounties a quick 7-0 lead. However, El Camino responded swiftly with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Karen to Joshua Long at 13:46, tying the game at 7-7.
The Warriors started to gain momentum, with Elijah Holmes breaking free for a 60-yard touchdown run, followed by a 41-yard field goal from Cooper Dileva, to put El Camino ahead 17-7. But Mt. SAC answered just before the end of the first quarter, as Jacob Bonilla drilled a 29-yard field goal and Devin Miles scored on a 7-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 17-17 going into the second quarter.
The Mounties struck first in the second quarter as Miles found the end zone again on a 4-yard touchdown run at 10:02, giving Mt. SAC a 24-17 lead. El Camino tied it up once more at 24-24 after a 51-yard touchdown pass from Karen to Triston Thomas at 7:19. But the game's defining moment came moments later when Mt. SAC's Juan Salas intercepted a pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Mounties back in front, 31-24.
As the game moved into the second half, Mt. SAC maintained control. A 19-yard field goal by Bonilla at 8:48 of the third quarter extended the Mounties' lead to 34-24. Miles then added his third rushing touchdown of the game, a 3-yard run, giving Mt. SAC a commanding 41-24 advantage. In the fourth quarter, Samuel Green Jr. sealed the victory with a 2-yard touchdown run, making it 48-24 and ensuring the game was out of reach for El Camino.
FROM HEAD COACH BOB JASTRAB:
"I'm very pleased with the effort and determination of our football team," Jastrab said. "They have earned the opportunity to play in the Southern California Championship this Saturday."
BY THE NUMBERS:
Total Offense:
- Mt. SAC: 380 yards (151 passing, 229 rushing)
- El Camino: 400 yards (168 passing, 232 rushing)
Rushing Attack:
- Mt. SAC: Devin Miles dominated with 23 carries for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 7.7 yards per carry.
- El Camino: Elijah Holmes contributed 6 carries for 84 yards and 1 touchdown, including a 60-yard run.
Passing:
- Mt. SAC: Noah Fuailetolo completed 9 of 13 passes for 107 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.
- El Camino: Tyler Karen completed 10 of 19 passes for 168 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
Receiving:
- Mt. SAC: Juwan Grant caught 3 passes for 66 yards and 1 touchdown, averaging 22 yards per catch.
- El Camino: Joshua Long had 3 receptions for 65 yards and 1 touchdown, including a 58-yard score.
Defense:
- Mt. SAC: Tallied 4 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions, including a 41-yard pick-six by Juan Salas.
- El Camino: Recorded 1 sack, 4 tackles for loss, and 1 interception (Manuel Reynoso).
Special Teams:
- Mt. SAC: Jacob Bonilla was perfect, hitting 2/2 field goals (long of 29 yards) and all 6 extra points.
- El Camino: Cooper Dileva hit 1/2 field goals (long of 41 yards) and made all 3 extra points.
AWARDS:
Offensive Player of the Game: El Camino's wide receiver Jaden Moore was awarded Offensive Player of the game with 18 carries for 107 rushing yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He also added a reception and made key contributions throughout the game.
Defensive Player of the Game: Mt. SAC's defensive back Juan Salas was named Defensive Player of the game for his 41-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter. His game-changing pick-six broke a 20-20 tied and shifted momentum in favor of the Mounties.
Most Valuable Player: Mt. SAC's running back Devin Miles was recognized as the game's Most Valuable Player after a dominant performance in which he rushed for 176 yards on 23 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. He scored three touchdowns (7, 4, and 3 yards) and recorded his longest run of 50 yards.
UP NEXT:
On Saturday, December 7, the No. 1 seeded Mt. SAC Mounties will take on the No. 2 seeded Riverside City Tigers at Hilmer Lodge Stadium for the Southern California Football Association title. The winner will advance to the 3C2A Football Championship Playoffs, where they will face the winner of the College of San Mateo vs. Modesto game. With the Tigers being the defending 3C2A State Champions, the Mounties face a tough challenge ahead. Can Mt. SAC continue its dominant run in this thrilling cross-town rivalry for the Southern title?
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Mt. SAC Football on twitter @mtsacfootball or Instagram /mtsacfootball/
Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics
For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.