The Sunnyvale Sun
Sports
Mustangs ring up 32-0 win to keep bell
By BRAD WALL
Coming into their match-up with one win combined, the Homestead Mustangs and the Fremont Firebirds were each due for a breakout game.
Unfortunately for the Firebirds, the Mustangs got their due first as their defense was too good and running back Shamir Ross too elusive en route to a 32-0 win in the 21st annual Bell Game.
"We haven't lost the bell since I've been here, and all week we've been saying we're not going to lose it now," said Ross.
Along with being the first win of the season, it was also the Mustangs sixth consecutive win in the Bell Game.
"It's nice to get a win and get some momentum, especially in the league we play in. There are no gimmes in the De Anza League," said Mustangs head coach Charlie Bostic.
Behind the blocking of Josh Laber, Jeff Arellano, Phillip Birton, Jeff Neale and Jonathon Pique, the Mustangs featured a balanced rushing attack as Ross, Kevin Rodgers and Brian Backo, who each ran wild throughout the game.
"We've been moving the ball well all year; we've just been getting bad breaks," said Bostic. "We had two games where we rushed for over 350 yards and still lost."
Ross had 10 carries for 86 yards and three touchdowns, Rodgers had eight carries for 54 yards and Backo had 13 carries for 72 yards and two touchdowns. For the game, the Mustangs had 37 carries for 235 yards.
Although the Mustangs dominated the game, the Firebirds were in a position to make it competitive for much of the first half. However, when push came to shove, the Mustangs running game and defense took over.
Following touchdown runs of three and 26 yards by Backo, the Mustangs were up 12-0 with just 1:18 left in the first half.
However, the Firebirds were finally starting to piece together a good drive thanks to the tough running of sophomore Patrick Washington and a nifty 17-yard pass from quarterback Daunte Mills to Kenny Pope.
Facing a second and 10 from the Mustangs 36-yard line, Washington was stripped and the Mustangs fell on the ball, giving them one more chance to put up some points.
After a 20-yard pass from quarterback Alex Jones to Backo set the Mustangs up at the Firebird 40-yard-line, Ross took over. With just 18 seconds left in the half, Ross took the handoff and dashed down the sideline for a 40-yard touchdown run and an 18-0 Mustang lead.
After that, it was up to the defense.
Mustang linebacker Dominic Chapot led the charge for the Mustangs on defense as he was in the middle of just about every big defensive stop.
The Mustangs defense was absolutely dominant as they forced four turnovers, held the Firebirds to under 200 yards of total offense and managed to keep the speedy Mills in check.
"Our defense has been playing hard all year and we just hadn't been getting a lot of breaks," said Bostic. "I'm happy with them, they played really well today."
Mills did manage to show flashes of his ability in the second quarter during the Firebirds best drive of the game. After avoiding the pass rush, Mills scrambled right and beat the outside containment for a 14-yard gain.
Six plays later, Mills again showed his athletic ability by scrambling to his left and throwing a perfect lob pass to Pope for a 17-yard gain.
For the Firebirds, Washington was their main weapon on offense as he finished the game with 18 carries for 55 yards and one reception for 15 yards.
Regrettably for the Firebirds, that was the extent of their offensive highlights. However, Firebirds head coach Ron Demonner didn't offer up any excuses.
"The best team won," said Demonner.
The Mustangs will take their 1-4 to the road this week then they travel to Los Gatos to take on the Wildcats on Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m. The same day the Firebirds, also 1-4, travel to Los Altos to face the Eagles at 3:30 p.m.
