PLAYER OF WEEK : Bell’s 4 Touchdowns Solve Scoring Problem

Although running back Andy Bell gained 165 yards in the first two games this season, Harvard High had not scored a touchdown. The lack of points seemed to bewilder Bell.

“We’ve had trouble putting the ball in when we’re inside the 10-yard line,” Bell said.

Bell and Alex Huh helped solve the Saracens’ problem, each scoring a touchdown in the third game. But against Agoura last week, it was all Bell as the 5-11, 170-pound senior gained 266 yards and scored on runs of 19, 53, 9 and 21 yards in a 50-34 victory.

“A couple of times the hole was completely plugged,” Harvard Coach Gary Thran said. “He stopped, went up field and picked up eight or nine yards when there should have been losses.”

Bell has learned to utilize his size and speed effectively, Thran said.

“He’s not strong or overpowering, but he knows how to use the block,” Thran said. “He has great vision. The yards he gets are hard ones.”

Bell realizes his high-profile performance will make him a target for defenders.

“That’s the only bad part about having a big game,” he said. “But if our line is doing the job, they can come after me as much as they want and it’s not going to help.”