The stage was set for a dramatic come-from-behind victory in coach John Featherstone’s career-finale but freshman kicker Nathan Hierlihy’s 48-yard game-winning field goal attempt was tipped at the line of scrimmage and fell short.
El Camino’s 2015 season came to an end in a 38-36 loss to No.1 ranked Long Beach City College on Saturday at Redondo Union High School.
“I really felt we were going to find a way to win,” Featherstone said. “Our kids played hard until the end but Long Beach beat us fair and square.”
The game featured a halftime celebration for Featherstone, who is retiring after 31 years with the football program. Featherstone spoke to the crowd surrounded by friends, family and former EC players.
“The ride has been wonderful,” Featherstone said. “We coach for the kids and our goal is to make sure they get to the next level academically.”
EC trailed 38-23 with just under five minutes left in regulation. With the Vikings pinned back on its own three-yard line, Long Beach running back Deonte Dixon took the hand off, fumbled and EC sophomore defensive lineman Taniela Lolohea recovered the ball in the end zone to cut the lead, 38-30.
On the ensuing drive, the EC defense forced a punt and Hernandez led the offense down the field, connecting with freshman wide receiver Dajuan Parham for a 20-yard touchdown with 2:14 left on the clock.
The two-point conversion attempt for the tie fell short but the game was far from over.
The EC defense stepped up and forced another punt. The Warriors went to work with the ball on their own eight-yard line and 29 seconds left in the game.
Hernandez completed a 32-yard pass to Parham followed by a 30-yard reception by freshman wide receiver Stevie Williams. With nine seconds left, EC attempted a 48-yard field goal but the kick was tipped by a LBCC defender and fell short.
“I felt confident going into the kick,” Hierlihy said. “I’ve made that kick before but unfortunately they were able to get a hand on it.”
The loss was Featherstone’s final game after 31 years with the program. He finishes his storied career with an overall record of 214-119-1.
“I wanted to get that win so bad for (Featherstone) because he deserved it,” Hernandez said. “That man deserved to win. He’s the best head coach ever.”
