The 5-foot-8, 185-pound running back started his high school career as a receiver.

Camara was part of East Union’s 9-1 freshman team and was a key figure in the passing game.

“Going into my sophomore year, I started realizing that my body type was more of a running back’s I’m a stockier guy, so that’s when I went away from the receiver route and decided to try running back.”

Good call.

Camara goes out with single-season program records following his outstanding performance in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV final last Saturday at Sacramento City College. The fourth-seeded Lancers (9-3) lost a heartbreaker to No. 2 Roseville (11-2) on a last-second field goal, 31-29, but Camara left his mark on the field.

Roseville’s defense previously surrendered 200-plus yards to opposing teams just twice all season — to top-seeded Twelve Bridges and No. 5 Placer, two teams EU vanquished on the way to the final.

Camara did it himself, rambling for 205 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. It was his third 200-yard effort in four games. He also had a receiving touchdown.

“It’s the most memorable time of my life, and I wouldn’t have done it with any other group of guys,” Camara said. “Everyone doubted us all year. I know we didn’t finish with a section title, but we made a huge statement, made school history and had an amazing year.”

Camara’s first several touches of the game were an adventure. He lost a fumble on the very first play from scrimmage and vowed to make up for the mistake on every touch that followed.

After the defense held for a turnover on downs, Camara took the Tigers on a punishing 48-yard ride, busting and spinning through six tackles before finally going down on Roseville’s 10-yard line.

“Honestly, I wasn’t thinking much, I just ran through anyone I could,” Camara said. “I was still a little angry from coughing up the fumble on the first touch of the game, so I just wanted to run through everyone who got in my face.”

Two plays later, Camara went back to his receiving roots.

Quarterback Kirk Simoni, with a free rusher fast approaching, spotted Camara in the left flat for an 11-yard touchdown. Camara juked a defensive back at the 5-yard line on the way in.

“Last year, I had a decent amount of receiving yards, and I’m glad I was able to get at least one (receiving TD) this year,” Camara said. “That play was all on Kirk. Just a great reaction and great throw by him.”

He later scored on a 2-yard run that was followed by Simoni’s two-point conversion rush that gave the Lancers a 29-28 lead with 2:48 remaining.

Camara ended his senior campaign with 1,849 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground — both new school records.

“Huge shout-out to my line,” Camara said. “I say it every time, but they open up the holes for me. I definitely would have never thought I’d have the season I had.”