Guards dominate again

Jose Balderas

Bellarmine-Jefferson High running back Derek Leiphardt has the Midas

touch.

However, instead of turning things into gold, the junior creates

touchdowns almost every time he touches the football.

Leiphardt touched the ball just five times Saturday afternoon and

managed to accumulate four touchdowns, as his Bell-Jeff team defeated

visiting Santa Fe League rival Daniel Murphy, 59-14, at Memorial

Field.

“I’m really happy with the way the kids played today. They played

with a lot of pride as a team. It is a great way to start league,”

Bell-Jeff Coach Rolando Aguirre said.

The victory against the Nobles helped the Guards (7-0) continue

their dominant start to the season. Bell-Jeff has gotten off to the

best start in the school’s 59-year history.

Combining a strong running game with a lethal passing attack --

led by senior quarterback Brendon Doyle -- the Guards were able to

jump two places into the No. 2 spot in CIF Southern Section Division

XII, trailing only top-ranked Bishop Union.

At game time, the temperature was 95 degrees, but the hot and

humid weather didn’t seem to hinder the Guards’ explosive

quick-scoring offense that has tallied 295 points and is averaging 49

points a game.

Bell-Jeff’s first drive lasted only three plays, and was concluded

with Leiphardt’s 55-yard touchdown scamper.

“It’s just awesome to see the offensive line make those huge holes

for me, and then it’s easy to follow,” Leiphardt said.

Following a Noble drive that resulted in a punt, the Guards got

the ball back at their own 18 to begin their second drive. After a

5-yard run, Doyle connected with Leiphardt for a 76-yard touchdown

pass -- one of three on the afternoon for Doyle.

Before the end of the first quarter, Leiphardt dashed his way

through the Murphy defense for a 58-yard touchdown.

As the quarter ended, the Guards found themselves with a

comfortable 32-0 lead.

Murphy (0-5) struggled through much of the game due to the

physical play of the Guard defense, which held its opponent to 180

yards of total offense.

On defense, Joey Diaz got into the act, as he intercepted a pass

and returned it for a 62-yard touchdown.

Doyle was able to take advantage of the spotty Noble defense,

which was inevitably slowed down by the heat, throwing six

completions for 204 yards.

As the two teams headed into the locker room at the half, the

Guards padded their lead to 46-0.

The teams agreed to a running clock throughout much of the second

half in attempt to speed up the game -- and to keep the contest from

becoming even more lopsided.

The running clock seemed to be the only thing that could limit the

Guards’ offensive explosion, as Bell-Jeff got only one possession in

the second half.

The Guards also received a fine defensive game from Carmichael

Curdy, who proved to be a thorn in Murphy’s side all day. He

intercepted a pass and returned it for 40-yard touchdown and

recovered a fumble.

Unfortunately for the Guards, they won’t get a chance to add to

their fine season this week, as they are off with a bye.

However, they will return to play L.A. Salesian in a league road

game on Oct. 31.