Jefferson Rings Up Victory Over Bell to Even Record

It took Jefferson High nearly the entire first half to iron out the kinks in its offense Friday against Bell.

But once the Democrats got their timing down, big plays carried them to a 29-6 Southeastern Conference victory at Jefferson.

Playing in a freshly painted stadium before an enthusiastic crowd of students and a spirited band, Jefferson (1-1) displayed the speed that could help the Democrats challenge for supremacy in the conference.

Senior running back Bayon Harris gained 96 yards in 14 carries and scored on a 38-yard run for Jefferson, which rebounded from last week’s 38-12 season-opening loss to San Fernando.

“All week, our coaches talked about staying focused and not giving up,” said Harris, who also made several key tackles on defense and special teams. “We’re just now starting to put it together. Everyone is helping out.”

Senior quarterback Malcolm Overton completed only four of 13 passes for Jefferson, but two went for touchdowns. Overton connected with Francisco Silva on a 30-yard scoring play with 42 seconds left in the first half to give the Democrats a 7-0 lead. He hooked up with Jessie Charles on a 45-yard pass play with two minutes left in the game that gave Jefferson its final margin.

Charles, a senior, also scored on a 65-yard play--a halfback option-pass from freshman John Brown.

Jefferson’s defense came up with two big plays and contained Ramon Ochoa, Bell’s multitalented quarterback.

Rodney Smith intercepted a pass by Ochoa in the end zone early in the third quarter when Bell was threatening to tie the score. Dejuan Ward tackled Ochoa on a sprintout for five-yard loss and a safety that gave Jefferson a 9-0 lead with 5:21 left in third quarter.

Ochoa, a senior, scored Bell’s touchdown on a 65-yard punt return in the third quarter that pulled the Eagles (0-2) to within 9-7.