Bellflower High's defense didn't allow a second-half point, its offense controlled the clock and its special teams scored the winning touchdown Friday in a 21-14 victory over host Paramount.
Three Buc turnovers led to a 14-7 halftime deficit, but two touchdowns in an eight-second stretch of the third quarter spurred Bellflower to victory. Quarterback Swain Williams ran in from 6 yards to tie the game at 14 with 7:59 left in the third, and Isaac Lee scored after a Paramount fumble near the end zone on the ensuing kickoff.
Led by seniors Lee, Dijon Barnes and Jose Ochoa, the Bellflower defense made big plays when needed. Paramount was stopped on fourth down deep in Buc territory twice in the second half, denying the Pirates the opportunity to tie the score.
With the victory, Bellflower retook ownership of the Glory Days Sportsmanship Bowl, the perpetual trophy awarded to the winner of the Bellflower-Paramount game every year. Last year, Paramount beat the Buccaneers 14-13 at Ron Yary Stadium.
Deon Moore had a good game for Paramount. The senior caught a 23-yard TD pass in the second quarter and nearly ran back a punt late in the game. Jahlon Wright added a 70-yard interception return for a TD in the first quarter.
Bucs recover in second half
About the Bloggers
Prep Sports Editor Dave Werstine has worked in and around the greater Long Beach area covering high school sports since the mid-1980s. Dave sums up his own athletic career as a "Jack of all trades and a master of none." Whether the ball is kicked, hit or thrown, Dave enjoys being part of it. If you have game, e-mail opinions, story ideas or news tips to dave.werstine@dailybreeze.com.
David Felton is a lifelong sports fan who began covering prep athletics in 1990. He's lived and worked in Long Beach since 2000 and has developed a deep respect and appreciation for the athletic history of this community. Email him at dave.felton@dailybreeze.com.
Robert Morales began covering prep sports in the greater Long Beach area in 2007. When a local football coach asked him how he felt about reporting on preps after many years of covering boxing, auto racing and various other sports, he replied, "Hey, if I'm going to cover prep sports anywhere, I'm glad it's this area because of the level of athletics, the intensity displayed by the athletes and coaches and the support of the community." Email him at robert.morales@dailybreeze.com.
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