OXNARD- Leshon Bell showed he can make things happen on defense.
Bell forced and returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown to spark a big defensive performance by Dos Pueblos in a 28-0 shutout of host Rio Mesa Friday night at Elmont Michaelson Stadium.
Bell, a senior safety, forced one of three turnovers caused by the Charger defense, which held Rio Mesa (0-4) to only 20 yards rushing for the game. Junior Alfonso Ponce De Leon recovered a fumble and senior safety Tyler Welch had an interception deep in Rio Mesa territory. The Chargers converted on each turnover.
Junior quarterback Barrett Burnes completed 7 of 14 passes for 68 yards and had three total touchdowns, one passing and two rushing. Junior running back Angel Davison led all rushers in the game with 68 yards on 17 carries.
Dos Pueblos drove 70 yards, mixing formations with Burnes at quarterback and a wildcat package with Bell. Burnes threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Matt Sessler to give Dos Pueblos a 7-0 lead with 1:06 left in the opening stanza.
Special teams set up the second Dos Pueblos touchdown. Rio Mesa punter Leandro Marquez was tackled in the backfield, fumbling to Ponce De Leon who returned it to the Spartan 2-yard line. Burnes barreled through the left side of the line for the touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
Burnes converted Welch’s interception into a touchdown on a 1-yard keeper before Bell’s fumble return for touchdown finished off the Spartans.
Information courtesy of the Ventura Star
