Chaminade football shakes off slow start to rout Crespi

WEST HILLS – It all went right for Crespi until it didn’t.

The Celts came in as an undefeated and inspired team scoring quickly, ready to extend their win streak. But Chaminade’s offense was overwhelming, rolling up the points en route to a 55-14 win.

“Everyone just did a good job today,” Chaminade quarterback Jaylen Henderson said. “From the defense to our run game everything clicked.”

Henderson lead the Eagles with 163 yards on 15 of 20 passing, while also rushing for two touchdowns. Willy Camacho added two touchdowns.

Crespi’s Blake Adams struggled, ending the game with 78 yards on 8 of 26 passing.

The Celts quieted the crowd, scoring back-to-back field goals three minutes into the game. The Eagles botched a punt return and a kickoff to give Crespi favorable position near the end zone. Chaminade limited the damage, and quickly turned things around.

“We kind of shot ourselves in the foot to start the game, but we got right back into it,” Coach Ed Croson said.

Camacho got the Eagles on the scoreboard with a 40-yard touchdown run. Chaminade took a 7-6 lead and never looked back. Henderson threw a 30-yard touchdown pass and Camacho rushed for a 32-yard touchdown to put Chaminade up 21-6. The Crespi crowd grew quiet as the Chaminade side of the field erupted in cheers.

“We started to expose their defense and that’s when it opened up for us,” Henderson said.

It was the Henderson and Camacho show in the first half as Henderson scored another touchdown with a 20-yard run with 2:03 left.With less than 30 seconds left, the Eagles got the ball back and wasted no time. Henderson led his team to the Chaminade end zone and capped off an explosive first half with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jordan McIntrye.

“We couldn’t let go of the gas coming out of the half,” Croson said.

Henderson quickly extended the Eagles’ lead. He capped a drive drive with a 16-yard rush.

Chaminade’s defense continued to feast on the Crespi offense, forcing multiple turnovers. Destin Whitaker sealed the decision, scoring on a 39-yard run to give the Eagles a 55-6 lead.

“It was a big win for us and we’re getting better every week,” Croson said. “We’ve got more tough opponents coming up.”

Crespi’s sole second-half touchdown came with 9:30 left in the game.

Chaminade will hit the road for a game against Oxnard on Friday. Crespi will look to bounce back at home against El Camino Real Friday.