MORAGA, CA - Campolindo had another strong showing from quarterback John Torchio and running back Shun Ishida on Friday night, as their Cougar team toppled El Cerrito, 51-26.
“Our team did a great job with two wins over some good teams,” Ishida said. “We still have to continue to improve and practice hard over the season.”
Torchio had three long passes to Vince Mossotti ranging from 15 to 20 yards.
The Gauchos started the game with a big bang pass from quarterback Tyler Dickinson to Malikhi Miller, but the Cougars dominated the rest of the way. Miller was the Gauchos' offensive weapon, receiving three long passes ranging from 10 to 20 yards. El Cerrito was not able to establish a running game. Halfback Lanique Wilkes had 12 carries ranging four to six yards per carry.
A key fourth down conversion during the second quarter started the momentum for Campo and Ishida found the end zone on a four-yard run.
The Gauchos were not able to generate much offense in the first half, courtesy of the Cougars defensive effort from defensive backs Ryan Regan and Max Schoenberger. Regan also received a long pass for 17 yards.
During the third quarter, a short punt from El Cerrito wide receiver Derrick Langford bounced backwards. The Cougars left the field thinking the it was a dead ball, but it was still a live ball and Langford alertly picked up the ball and ran for a touchdown. The Cougars later got a safety when Langford stepped out of bounds during a punt. The Gauchos started to put pressure on Torchio's passing game, stopping his runs, sacking him, and forcing a fumble recovered by lineman Chris Brahney.
During the fourth quarter, Langford fielded a short kickoff, breaking away for a 72-yard kick return to cut the lead 37-20. Dickson then scored on a quarterback sneak to make the score 37-26 Campo with 6:54 to go.
At the 42-yard line, the Campo defense put pressure on Dickson and Torchio picked off a pass for a touchdown. Another interception by linebacker Grant Larsen on Dickson's pass resulted in running back Kyle Leuteneker diving in the end zone from the one-yard line.
“The defense made big plays when we needed it,” Ishida said.
El Cerrito (2-1) has a bye week, while Campolindo (2-1) has a home showdown with up-and-coming Rancho Cotate (2-0) next Friday night.
Scoring Summary
El Cerrito-Miller 29 pass from Dickson (kick failed)
Campo-Leuteneker 1 run (Ortman kick)
Campo-Ishida 4 run (Ortman kick)
Campo-Mossotti 16 pass from Torchio (Ortman kick)
Campo-Windatt 8 pass from Torchio (Ortman kick)
El Cerrito-Langford 77 punt return (Wilkes run)
Campo-Safety, Langford steps out of bounds
Campo-Ishida 15 run (Ortman kick)
El Cerrito-Langford 72 kick return (run failed)
El Cerrito-Dickson 3 run (pass failed)
Campo-Leuteneker 2 run (Ortman kick)
Campo-Torchio 42 interception return (Ortman kick)
Player Stats
Campolindo
Rushing: Ishida 23-108-2, Nelson 3-21, Regan 4-20, Leuteneker 6-11-2, Torchio 14-89
Passing: Torchio 12-21-140-2
Receiving: Ishida 2-20, Regan 4-43, Leuteneker 2-15, Windatt 1-8-1, Mossotti 3-54-1
El Cerrito
Rushing: Wilkes
Passing: Dickson 15-28-187-1
Receiving: Miller 4-91-1
