Simi Valley Loses Bell to Injury

Calvin Bell of Simi Valley, the region’s second-leading receiver, is out for the season after breaking the ring finger on his left hand.

Bell, who has 40 receptions for 532 yards and four touchdowns, sustained the injury in the first quarter of a game Oct. 16 against Thousand Oaks, but he continued to play, catching seven passes and rushing for 44 yards.

Bell, a junior wingback, did not play Friday night in a 36-15 loss to San Luis Obispo and will undergo surgery Monday to have two screws placed in the finger.

“I think I made it worse by playing on it,” Bell said.

It will be difficult for Simi Valley to fill Bell’s shoes. In addition to being quarterback Tim Bird’s top target, he has rushed for 224 yards and four touchdowns, returned two punts for touchdowns, is the Pioneers’ leading scorer with 48 points, is the punter and has one interception.

Bell said his doctor told him he will recover in time to play basketball.