Oceanside junior running back Neke Letuli called Friday night’s City Championship against crosstown rival El Camino at Simcox Field at John Carroll Stadium “more than just a football game.”
“It’s about representing Oceanside, our community, and everyone who came before us,” Letuli told The Coast News.
For Oceanside senior offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo, a University of Michigan commit, the rivalry is a family affair.
“Everyone on both sides grew up together going to the same elementary and middle school so it’s always cool to have bragging rights. This rivalry has been going on since 1976 when the schools split so it’s really deep. My dad, uncles and cousins all played for Oside in this rivalry game so it’s cool to carry on the family name and leave my mark.”
Across the field, El Camino senior kicker Adam Spencer had similar thoughts.
“There is always a lot of energy surrounding this game,” he said. “It brings up a lot of memories for me. Several of the Oceanside players were on my freshman team.”
For Wildcats junior quarterback Kai Storer, the rivalry also stretches back to childhood.
“I know how important this game is and I’m very excited to be a part of it,” he said. “I have been watching El Camino since I was a little boy. My older brother and sister graduated from El Camino. I have a lot of respect for a lot of those players on Oceanside I have grown up and played Pop Warner and am friends with most of the players on that team. They are competitors.”
El Camino entered Friday’s game with a 1-8 record, but the number that mattered more was 26-26 — the all-time series record between the crosstown rivals.
“Their record to me doesn’t mean anything,” Oceanside senior lineman Lotu Seumalo said. “This game means more than the other regular-season games.”
“They get overlooked because of their record,” Oceanside junior quarterback Anthony Barquinero added. “But all of them have been working hard and putting in the work and effort all season.”
Oceanside struck first, with Barquinero finding Letuli for a 37-yard touchdown on the Pirates’ opening possession.
Spencer answered with a 46-yard field goal, but Oceanside scored three times in the second quarter to take a 28-3 halftime lead.
Letuli rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries and added a 37-yard touchdown reception. Barquinero completed 12 of 15 passes for 215 yards and four touchdowns, with two interceptions.
El Camino intercepted Barquinero twice in the third quarter but managed only a 42-yard field goal from Spencer. Barquinero found Darien Mahoney for a 25-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter as Oceanside completed the 35-6 victory.
The win moved Oceanside ahead 27-26 in the all-time series. It also evened the four-year rivalry record for the Pirates’ seniors at 2-2, after El Camino won the first two meetings and Oceanside claimed the last two.
Oceanside finished the season 6-4, while El Camino closed at 1-9.
Mahoney, playing in his first City Championship, caught two touchdown passes.
“Feels good having a plus one on them,” he said.
“We wanted to protect our city and make our school proud,” Letuli added. “We know how much this rivalry means to everyone.”
