Defense Helps Fullerton Win

Fullerton’s defense caused two turnovers in the first 4 1/2 minutes of the second half and the Indians held on to defeat Bellflower, 14-6, at Bellflower Thursday night.

Dustin Sober recovered the second-half kickoff at the Bellflower 15-yard line and four plays later, Ryan Murray scored on a two-yard run to give Fullerton a 7-6 lead.

Five plays into Bellflower’s next drive, Abel Hernandez intercepted a pass from Ramon Figueroa at Bellflower’s 32-yard line. Fullerton quarterback Michael Echaves scored on a two-yard run moments later and Fullerton’s defense held the rest of the night.

Fullerton (2-1) was missing running back Armando Lopez, who was injured in last week’s game against Santa Ana Valley.

“I’m proud of all the guys,” Fullerton Coach Julian Smilowitz said. “We battled and made a lot of improvement. Our defense did a great job.”

Bellflower ran only nine plays in the fourth quarter, but the outcome was not decided until a wide-open Vince Peterson dropped a pass at Fullerton’s 40-yard line on the last play of the game.

Murray led all rushers with 128 yards in 29 carries. Echaves was eight of 17 for 82 yards passing.

Fullerton’s defense held the Buccaneers to 148 yards, just 22 in the fourth quarter.