Malcom Helps Tustin Rush Past Bellflower

Led by Branden Malcom’s two touchdowns, Tustin cruised to a 21-0 victory over Bellflower in a Southern Section Division VI first-round playoff game Friday night at Tustin High.

Malcom, who rushed for 110 yards in 22 carries, scored the game’s first touchdown late in the first quarter. After the Tillers drove 61 yards in 14 plays, Malcom carried it in from the two for a 7-0 lead.

With 6:34 to play in the half, Tustin took to the air to extend their lead. On third and eight, quarterback David Miller found Mike Zill for a 60-yard pass play over the middle to put Tillers ahead at halftime, 14-0.

After forcing two Bellflower fumbles in the third quarter, Tustin scored its last touchdown with 26 seconds left to play. Malcom carried it in from the one.

Miller, who completed two of six passes for 80 yards and a touchdown, also rushed for 52 yards in six carries.

Bellflower quarterback Ramone Figueroa completed three of four passes for 51 yards.

“My hat goes off to Bellflower,” Tustin Coach Myron Miller said. “They put a lot of pressure on us tonight, and our offense struggled a bit. Defensively we played great.”

The Tillers (8-3) advance to play Loara (9-2), a 28-21 winner over Laguna Hills, in the second round.