By Bodie DeSilva / FOR THE UNION TRIBUNE

OCEANSIDE — Run, run and run some more.

That’s exactly what El Camino High School did in Friday’s San Diego Section Division 1 quarterfinal game. The fourth-seeded Wildcats ran the ball 45 times for 334 yards, overwhelming fifth-seeded Mount Miguel, 43-27.

El Camino opened the game with seven consecutive rushing attempts, moving deep into Mount Miguel territory. El Camino’s third down pass would fall incomplete leading to an opening field goal. It would end up being their only pass attempt of the night.

Mount Miguel went 60 yards on the ensuing drive with quarterback AJ Stowers connecting with receiver AJ Logan for a 15-yard touchdown. El Camino quickly moved the ball into Mount Miguel territory before a fumble gave the ball back to the Matadors.

El Camino intercepted AJ Stowers and followed it up with a 67-yard run by Leo Bell on their first play, quickly putting themselves back in the red zone. Running back Kingston Faatiti finished the drive with an 11-yard touchdown that regained the lead for the Wildcats at 9-7.

El Camino’s defense then put pressure on Stowers, forcing a fumble that was scooped up and returned by Zak Ballow for a 30-yard touchdown.

Mount Miguel appeared to go three-and-out on their final drive of the first half until a personal foul on El Camino following a third down sack gave the Matadors new life. They were able to cash in during the closing seconds of the half with Stowers finding Logan for their second touchdown on the night. The 2-point attempt was no good, giving El Camino a 15-13 halftime lead.

Starting from their own 34-yard line to open the second half, Mount Miguel went three-and-out. El Camino took advantage of a poor punt and scored quickly on a 37-yard touchdown run from Leo Bell to make the score 22-13. Mount Miguel then muffed the ensuing kickoff, leading to Kingston Faatiti’s second touchdown of the night.

After another three-and-out and a punt that was returned into Mount Miguel territory, Kington Faatiti found the end zone for the third time, giving the Wildcats a 36-13 lead.

Stowers led Mount Miguel down the field to end El Camino’s 21-0 scoring, connecting with Brandon Arrington for his third touchdown pass of the night. El Camino responded with a 65-yard touchdown drive and then intercepted Stowers for the second time, ending all hope for Mount Miguel.

Faatiti finished the night with 26 carries for 143 yards and three touchdowns, leading El Camino’s devastating ground attack. Leo Bell wasn’t far behind Faatiti, rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

A fight between both teams broke out during the handshake line, leading to pushing and shoving throughout the field. El Camino’s staff worked to get their team back to the locker room while Mount Miguel worked to lead their players back to their sideline.

The Wildcats, who advance to the CIF semifinal round for the fifth straight time, will be taking on a familiar opponent in San Marcos next Friday. They’ve faced off eight times since 2016 with El Camino taking each of the past three matchups.

El Camino 43, Mount Miguel 27

Mount Miguel 7 6 8 6 27

El Camino 3 12 21 7 43

EC – Spencer FG 27

MM – Logan 17 pass from Stowers (Ettleman kick)

EC – Faatiti 11 run (Conversion failed)

EC – Ballow 30 fumble return (Conversion failed)

MM – Logan 5 pass from Stowers (Conversion failed)

EC – Bell 37 run (Spencer kick)

EC – Faatiti 14 run (Spencer kick)

EC – Faatiti 5 run (Spencer kick)

MM – Arrington 5 pass from Stowers (Stowers to Arrington conversion)

EC – Sega 4 run (Spencer kick)

MM – Hunter 35 run (Conversion fails)