WEST HILLS — Every head coach preaches the importance of starting a game fast. For Chaminade Eagles head coach David Machuca, his dream came true; his team dominated Bishop Amat from the opening kickoff Friday night.
Chaminade’s LeHenry Solomon returned the opening kick for a touchdown, setting the tone for the night. From there on out, the Eagles made sure to sink their claws in for the remainder of the game.
“We prepared so well over the last two weeks. We executed at a high level tonight,” Machuca said postgame. “The kids were prepared, and I think they did a tremendous job over the last two weeks to get this win. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Chaminade Eagles soared to start off Mission League play, defeating the Bishop Amat Lancers 35-0, defending home turf. Explosive plays were the name of the game for Chaminade (3-3, 1-0 Mission League), getting seven on the offensive side of the ball. Screen passes were a primary reason, with two of them going at least 30 yards.
Wideout Elijah Williams took one for 73 yards, and running back Sebastian Seib took another for 30 – both went for touchdowns.
“Watching the film,” Machuca said on getting explosive plays. “Understanding that we had to execute at a high level, and because of the execution throughout the week. I mean, it just all worked out the way we planned.”
Eagles’ skill position players weren’t the only ones soaring. Chaminade dominated the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense all night. Offensively, they set the tone by picking up stunts and defensively they held down the Lancers’ rushing attack, and had four sacks.
Entering the matchup, Bishop Amat (3-3, 0-1 Mission League) had 990 rushing yards in five games, with 765 passing yards with two passing touchdowns. Running back Ryan Salcedo spearheaded the attack, with 744 yards. The Eagles didn’t let him reach above 100 for the night.
“That was a big game play for us,” Eagles defensive lineman Hudson Manning said. “A lot of teams are run-heavy teams. So game plan – we were thinking, run, run, run. So we’re trying to stop that run and make him pass, which we did.”
Chaminade next faces unbeaten Sierra Canyon. The win is a confidence booster, but it won’t matter in 24 hours.
“We have a saying in our program,” Machuca said. We want to go 1-0 each week. We’ll watch the film, and then tomorrow, at 1 p.m., it’s over, and then we’re going to get ready for Sierra Canyon.”