Cleveland’s Bethea Leaves El Camino Real in Dust

James Bethea rushed for 255 yards and five touchdowns in 23 carries to lead Cleveland High over El Camino Real, 47-23, in a West Valley League game on Friday night at Cleveland.

The senior, who leads region City Section running backs in scoring, scored on runs of 39, one, 22, four and 51 yards.

Jonathan Graham of El Camino Real (4-4, 1-2 in league play) completed six of 10 passes for 74 yards and scored on a 28-yard run after the Conquistadores recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff.

El Camino Real later recorded a safety and took a 16-7 lead when Joseph Washington connected with Kenton Morris on a 17-yard halfback option pass play.

Cleveland (4-4, 2-1) then rolled off 34 consecutive points, highlighted by three Bethea scoring runs for a 41-16 lead with 8:20 to play.

Cleveland’s Eddie Whitaker completed six of 12 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard scoring pass to Ontae Chaney in the first half. Chaney had four receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns.