Bloomington Is 45-0 Victim of Fontana

A 45-point margin of victory is common in games involving the Bloomington High football team under third-year Coach Don Markham.

But being on the losing end isn’t normally a part of the Bruins’ script.

Bloomington, which set a national high school scoring record in 1994 and had outscored its first two opponents this season, 130-40, was humbled by Fontana, 45-0, Thursday night before an estimated 4,000 at Colton High.

The Steelers (2-0-1), one of the top Division I teams in the Southland, had too much quickness, speed and depth for Division VII Bloomington (2-1).

It’s the first time a Markham-coached team has been shut out. He has been a head coach since 1970, including stops in Oregon and Colton.

Markham has drawn much criticism throughout his career for running up the score against outmanned opponents.

Some might say that he had it coming to him, but Markham isn’t concerned.

“It doesn’t matter if they beat us by 48, 58, 68 or 78, it’s just a loss,” Markham said.

Fontana Coach Dick Bruich wasn’t about to get involved in a controversy. After building a 35-0 lead at the half, he played his second and third units most of the second half.

Bloomington’s double-wing formation offense, which generated 880 points two years ago, managed only 178 yards, while committing four turnovers.

Meanwhile, Fontana scored on running plays of 93, 54, 46, 45 and 36 yards. Andre Perry rushed eight times for 126 yards and two scores, including the 93-yard run; Art Gipson had 136 yards and two touchdowns in only five carries.