El Camino Falls to Union Mine in Home Opener

The were hoping to bounce back from last week's season-opening loss at Colfax but fell at home on Friday to the Union Mine Diamondbacks of El Dorado 18-10.

The Diamondbacks scored three touchdowns to El Camino's one TD but failed to convert on any extra point attempts. It was still enough for the win.

The Eagles had a chance to make things interesting in the final minutes but a pass attempt by junior starting quarterback Jonah Lessard on 4th and 5 with the ball around midfield and 26 seconds on the clock was incomplete, allowing Union Mine to celebrate the road win.

"Our defense played outstanding and kept us in the ballgame," said El Camino Coach Adam Reinking. "We made some mistakes on offense...we've got a lot of football left."

The first half was sluggish for both sides as the only score was a 36-yard field goal by El Camino senior Demetrius Kuwabara. The Eagles couldn't capitalize on a second-quarter interception by Kuwabara. An El Camino touchdown soon thereafter was called back following a holding penalty.

With 8:59 left in the third quarter, Lessard ran in for a 7-yard touchown run to put the Eagles up 10-0.

From there, Union Mine kept El Camino from scoring. Diamondbacks senior fullback Kona Teixiera took a six-yard pass for a touchdown with about 2:24 left in the third. The point after attempt was blocked, making the score 10-6 in favor of El Camino.

The fourth quarter saw junior Union Mine running back Sean Tow score from one yard out, with 10:24 left in the game. A two-point conversion was missed. The Diamondbacks now led 12-10.

About four minutes later, Union Mine junior wide receiver Scott McIntyre broke loose for a game-clinching 38-yard touchdown pass. The ensuing kick missed, leading to the final score.

At halftime, El Camino honored Capt. Joseph Schultz, a 1993 ECHS graduate, who died May 29 while serving with the US Army in Afghanistan.

"It's overwhelming," said Betsy Schultz, Joseph's mother, who accepted a framed El Camino football jersey with "CAPT. SCHULTZ" on the nameplate.

"It means there's a lot of honor, respect and dignity in this student body," Schultz said. "There's a sense of family continued here."

El Camino's next game is Sept. 9 at River City in West Sacramento.

In other action Friday, and won on the road. The Cougars beat Rancho Cotate of Rohnert Park 15-14 in a game played at Grant High School. The Matadors beat Mesa Verde of Citrus Heights 28-10 in a game played at San Juan High School.

The other two Carmichael-area programs, and , face off at 1 p.m. Saturday for bragging rights on American River Drive. Carmichael Patch will be at the game so check back Sunday for photos and a recap.

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