HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL : Bell Leads Harvard Run Past Salesian

The carnival-like atmosphere at Harvard High’s homecoming game was no distraction for Saracen running back Andy Bell, who kept his eyes on the field and the ball tucked to his side in leading Harvard to a 31-16 Sante Fe League victory Saturday afternoon over Salesian.

Bell went over the 1,000-yard mark in rushing with 158 yards on 15 carries. He scored on runs of 13 and 45 yards in front of a overflow crowd.

“A lot of the fickle fans come out of the woodwork for this game,” said Bell, who has rushed for 1,081 yards this season. “You have to play for yourself. You can’t play for the crowd.”

Harvard (6-1, 3-0 in league) rushed for 316 yards but could manage only 72 yards passing.

Harvard quarterback Mike Patterson did not complete a pass until late in the second quarter when he connected with Peter Andersons on three passes for 60 yards and Steve McRae on a 12-yard pass. Patterson did not attempt a pass in the second half.

Dominic Sandifer put the Saracens ahead early in the first quarter with a 36-yard field goal. Bell’s scoring runs and five- and two-yard touchdowns runs by Alex Huh gave Harvard a 31-0 halftime lead.

Salesian (2-5, 1-3 in league) scored twice in the fourth quarter on a 22-yard reception by Danny Perez and Antonio Gonzalez’ six-yard catch from Darren Taylor.

Bell, who played only the first series in the second half, was replaced Marty Holly who rushed twice for 28 yards and James Colee who rushed seven times for 30 yards.

“We’ve been trying to spread it around more,” Harvard Coach Gary Thran said. “Patterson’s been running the option pretty well. We’ve been trying to take the pressure off Andy.”