Clemons Spells Gutierrez Admirably

Santa Clara’s Tim Gutierrez, the top returning quarterback in Ventura County, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee two weeks ago and did not play in a season-opening 27-0 win over Bell-Jeff on Saturday.

Coach Steve Dann kept the injury a secret because he didn’t want Bell-Jeff to stack its defense against the run.

But it was the passing of Kasha Clemons that ended Santa Clara’s two-game losing streak to Bell-Jeff. Clemons, who normally plays wide receiver and outside linebacker, completed 5 of 9 passes for 70 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Gutierrez, however, will be back in the lineup this week. “He tested his knee in practice and said it felt great,” Dann said.