El Camino College Loses Southern California Bowl, 27-21

Running back Tony Gaiter scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner on an 18-yard run with 5:07 left in the game to give San Bernardino Valley College a 27-21 win over El Camino College in the Southern California Bowl on Saturday at Chaffey College.

Late in the game, El Camino was able to drive to the San Bernardino 15-yard line, but quarterback Jerry Singleton was sacked by San Bernardino linebacker Trent Naeve on fourth down with 20 seconds left.

El Camino came back after trailing 14-0 in the first half, sparked by a 57-yard punt return by wide receiver Latario Rachal. The Warriors defense responded with three third-quarter interceptions by defensive backs Shawn Parnell, Ken Birdine and Andrew Alvillar.

Alvillar’s interception helped tie the score when running back Ivan Wilson scored on a 22-yard run three plays later. Wilson finished the game with 64 yards in 15 carries.

Singleton, who completed 14 of 36 passes for 125 yards, threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Wilson with 8:51 left to give El Camino the lead. The drive was aided by a halfback option pass by Wilson to wide receiver Jon Cummins, good for 45 yards.

However, the Warriors were unable to stop the San Bernardino rushing attack as running back Chris Whitaker scored on a nine-yard run 41 seconds later to tie the game again. Whitaker finished with 94 yards rushing in 14 carries.

After El Camino was forced to punt, San Bernardino marched 70 yards in six plays, culminating in Gaiters run.

“This game was full of momentum swings,� said John Featherstone, El Camino coach. “It was just going back and forth. I’m proud of my team for coming back but San Bernardino showed why they were undefeated coming into the game.�

El Camino’s offense had trouble getting on track in the first half. Gaiter scored the only points with touchdown runs of nine and 24 yards. He finished with 112 yards in 18 carries.

“Our running game has been working all year,� said Ron Smedley, San Bernardino coach. “Our offensive line did a great job and both teams played well. We just had a little bit of luck to win.�

Fumbles proved costly for El Camino. Wide receiver Tony Knox fumbled on a reverse in the second quarter that led to Gaiter’s second touchdown, and running back Michael Phillips fumbled into the end zone in the third quarter, ending a Warrior scoring opportunity.