El Camino Real Shuts Down Kennedy, 20-0

Lest anyone suspect that El Camino Real High’s upset win over San Fernando last week was a fluke, the Conquistadores on Friday night provided more evidence that they are for real in a convincing 20-0 win at Kennedy.

Conquistadore running back Ryan Marine ran 16 times for 139 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Evan Howland added 30 yards in 11 carries.

The win kept El Camino Real (4-1, 3-0) unbeaten in Northwest Valley Conference play.

Playing before a homecoming crowd, Kennedy’s spread offense looked like it was spread too thin.

Quarterback Mike McMullen completed only 11 of 33 attempts for 80 yards and threw two interceptions. Running back Ontiwaun Carter returned to the lineup after missing a week because of a bladder infection. After being held to 45 yards in 18 carries, he might just as well have stayed in bed.

The Cougars finished with 139 yards in offense.

“Those guys are tough,” Kennedy Coach Bob Francola said in an understatement.

El Camino Real gave an early indication of how the game would go, scoring on its first possession. In what was to become a familiar sight, Marine ran straight up the middle behind center Troy Snider and guards Juan Hernandez and William Manning. El Camino Real ground out a 12-play, 73-yard drive with Marine scoring from the one.

A few plays later, the Conquistadore defense made its mark, forcing Kennedy wide receiver Jimmy Rodriguez to fumble and recovering at the Cougars’ 18-yard line.

Howland finished a short drive by diving in from the one. After a missed conversion, El Camino Real’s second of the game, the Conquistadores led, 12-0.

By halftime, Kennedy had only 57 yards in offense.