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Menlo College senior running back Payton Bell was named NAIA Independent Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Bell had a breakout performance in the Oaks' season-opening 42-25 victory over highly-regarded Occidental. He finished with 202 total yards and scored three touchdowns.

Bell rushed for 189 yards on 34 carries, the second highest single-game rushing total in Menlo history.

The Oaks trailed, 17-14, entering the fourth quarter before Bell scored the go-ahead touchdown run with 14:19 remaining. He also recorded the game's final points with 1:27 to play.

Bell came within 10 yards of Oaks' all-time leading rusher, Duane Miller, who accumulated 198 yards against Whittier on Oct. 4, 2003.

Menlo hosts Chapman at noon Saturday in its home opener.

— Palo Alto Online Sports

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