HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: FLINTRIDGE PREP 35, BELL-JEFF 21 FLINT. PREP SHOWS BETTER HALF RETURN CHANGES MOMENTUM IN WIN.

Byline: IVAN OROZCO Staff Writer

BURBANK -- All it took was a cut to the right and a shake of the hips for Alex Clayton to blaze past coverage and race to the end zone for a touchdown to open the second half.

The 88-yard kickoff return gave Flintridge Prep of La Canada Flintridge the momentum it needed in its comeback victory 35-21 over Bell-Jeff of Burbank at Burroughs High on Saturday.

Clayton's runback tied the score at 21-21.

After that, the Rebels (2-0) controlled the clock with the running of Zachary Goldstein (22 carries, 146 yards and two touchdowns).

Goldstein scored on an 8-yard run to give the Rebels a 28-21 lead in the third quarter and sealed the win with a 5-yard touchdown run with 1:15 left.

``This is just confidence,'' Goldstein said. ``Now we know what this team is capable of. I don't think we'll be happy with anything but CIF (championship).''

Flintridge Prep coach Brad Miller was impressed with Goldstein during practice this week, but after Saturday night's performance, Miller was more than satisfied.

``We stressed all week patience to Zach (Goldstein),'' Miller said. ``He showed remarkable patience tonight to wait for his blockers and he earned extra rewards tonight.''

The Bell-Jeff defense earned Miller's respect with its second half performance.

The Rebels held Guards running back Jorge Chaidez to 53 yards in the second half.

Chaidez had gotten past Flintridge Prep's defense early. He rushed 14 times for 117 yards in the first quarter. He finished the first half with 23 carries and 163 yards.

Bronson Ketchum also bullied the Flintridge Prep defense. He scored two touchdowns in the second quarter (1 yard and 9 yards), adding to the one he scored from 3 yards out in the opening quarter.

Chaidez (34 carries, 216 yards) and Ketchum (21 carries, 85 yards) had their way until Miller adjusted.

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