Maiden Racer Downs Kennedy

Who needs Quincy Wright?

The El Camino Real High football team didn’t--at least, for one game. With Wright, one of the region’s top running backs, sidelined with a bruised knee, the Conquistadores turned to Jared Maiden, who made the most of the opportunity.

Maiden rushed for 214 yards and a touchdown in 28 carries and the Conquistadores held on for a 22-14 Northwest Valley Conference victory Friday at El Camino Real.

The Conquistadores (5-1, 2-1 in conference play) also received an outstanding performance from wide receiver Demond Daniels, who had five catches for 124 yards and a 32-yard touchdown catch.

But it was mostly the efforts of Maiden, who pounded straight ahead for most of his yards.

“I’m not much for moves,” Maiden said. “So, I like to go pretty much straight ahead. It seemed to work today.”

It worked particularly well in the first half when Maiden rushed for 185 yards and a one-yard touchdown as the Conquistadores opened up a 22-0 lead.

Kennedy (4-2, 2-1) fought its way back in the second half, scoring on runs of one and 24 yards by running back Jason Jones. The Golden Cougars had their chances in the fourth quarter, only to watch drives stall at their own 47 and 46 in the final six minutes.

Jones led Kennedy with 80 yards in 19 carries. Quarterback Ray Rodriguez completed 13 of 23 passes for 115 yards and Matt Garnas had seven catches for 79 yards.