GAME OF THE WEEK : Landazuri’s Extra Effort Keys Victory for South Gate

South Gate High overcame a sluggish start to defeat Southeastern Conference rival Bell, 14-13, Friday night at Bell.

With South Gate clinging to a 14-7 fourth-quarter lead, Bell quarterback Gus Valenzuela connected with Freddie Alcala on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 44 seconds left. Bell opted to go for the two-point conversion, but South Gate’s Ronnie Landazuri broke up a pass to preserve the victory.

“You have to go for the win,” Bell Coach Henry Santiago said. “If I had to do it again, I would do the same thing.”

Landazuri, a junior defensive back, also had two interceptions, including a pass in the end zone to end a Bell scoring threat in the first quarter.

“We knew this game would come down to who scored the most points in the fourth quarter,” Landazuri said.

Landazuri’s heroics ruined an 82-yard drive by the Eagles.

South Gate scored the game-winning points when quarterback Juan Vasquez hooked up with Eddie Montez on a 34-yard touchdown. Vasquez completed 10 of 20 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns to Montez, who had five receptions for 103 yards. The Rams’ Hoffman Cortes gained 106 yards.

South Gate had two opportunites to score inside the 10-yard line in the first half but fell short.

The Rams led 6-0 on a 21-yard pass from Vasquez to Montez with eight minutes left in the third quarter. Dulio Orellana blocked the extra point.

Bell scored on its next possession with Herrera hauling in an 11-yard pass from Valenzuela. Vern Benard, who rushed for 79 yards in 17 carries, gained 62 yards in six tries on the drive.

Valenuzela completed 15 of 22 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

Next week: Jefferson at South Gate; Bell at Locke