Temecula Valley quarterback Caden Chrisman rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown in the Golden Bears' 23-6 win over Santiago on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The Big West Conference-South Division opener in Corona pushed Temecula Valley to 6-0, a mark the program had not reached since 2005. Chrisman, a junior, earned Offensive Player of the Game honors from MaxPreps for his performance.

The quarterback highlighted his rushing contribution on X on Tuesday, Oct. 6, sharing a clip of his best runs from the game.

Caden Chrisman, on X: "Wasn't only able to contribute passing this week but also on the ground."

First-year head coach Joel Nichols made the running identity clear after the Santiago game. "We know Caden can throw the ball, but we are a running team," Nichols told the Press Enterprise on Oct. 1. "And the proof is in the proverbial pudding there."

The numbers back him up. Through six games, Chrisman ranks second on the team with 61.8 rushing yards per game and three rushing touchdowns, trailing only running back Deven Krause, who leads with 98.0 yards per game and six scores, according to MaxPreps stats updated Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Chrisman has also thrown for two touchdowns with a 61.9 percent completion rate and a 75.4 quarterback rating.

The Golden Bears piled up 234 rushing yards against Santiago, averaging 8.1 yards per carry, according to the Press Enterprise. Jermel Bryant Jr. capped a seven-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to open the scoring. Kicker Colin Elia matched his career high with three field goals, including a career-long 49-yarder as the first half expired. Cornerback Cade Cunningham recorded two interceptions.

Chrisman told the Press Enterprise on Oct. 1 that a culture shift has fueled the historic start. He said more players have stepped into leadership roles and bought into winning, adding that without that buy-in, "you can't win games and create change."

Temecula Valley (6-0 overall, 1-0 Big West-South) has outscored opponents 127-74 this season. The Golden Bears travel to King (5-1) on Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. for another league game, then host Great Oak on Friday, Oct. 16.