CITY SECTION 3-A : Bell Wins Its First Title, 25-3

David Belk tried to keep Birmingham High’s dream postseason alive.

Belk had three interceptions in the second half in an attempt to overcome a 15-point halftime deficit, but Bell scored a 25-3 victory to win the City Section 3-A Division football title Friday night at Gardena High.

The title is the first in football for the Eagles (11-3).

Birmingham (7-6-1) came into the final as the lowest-seeded team hoping to win a title for retiring Coach Chick Epstein. But playing without fullback Marvin Powell, the Braves were held to 153 yards in offense.

Powell sprained his neck in last week’s semifinal victory over Wilson and was advised by doctors to not play in the final.

Two of Belk’s interceptions came deep in Bell territory during the third quarter. A furious pass-rush by Bell, led by linebacker Isodro Vargas and lineman Alain Toca sacked Brave quarterback Paul Prince four times in the second half.

Prince completed four of 10 passes for 53 yards and two interceptions.

One of the completions appeared to be a 40-yard touchdown reception for Jason Howard midway through the fourth quarter, but Howard fumbled just before he reached the end zone.

It would be the closest the Braves would get.

“It’s been so emotionally tough,” Epstein said. “We thought Marvin had a broken neck last week and when we got down we just couldn’t make a big play.”

Bell sealed the title late in the third quarter on a 70-yard run by junior tailback Vern Benard for the only score of the second half.

On the Eagles’ previous possession, Benard had a 64-yard touchdown called back because of a penalty.

“We just ran the exact same play and it worked again perfectly,” said Benard, who rushed for 179 yards in 17 carries.

Bell quarterback Gustavo Valenzuela completed eight of 19 passes for 167 yards and was intercepted four times.

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