By Rick Assad
It didn’t look like it was going to be a productive night for the Burbank High football team when it faced Golden Valley on Thursday at Kemp-Kallem Field.
On a blistering day in which the temperature reached triple digits and a warm evening despite the sun setting, the Bulldogs needed and used a 15-point fourth quarter in order to walk away with a 22-15 decision.
Senior running back/linebacker Troy Wells, who finished with a game-best 174 yards on the ground and had 27 carries, scored two rushing touchdowns including a three-yarder with 6:19 left in the game that capped a 52-yard, six-play march for the Bulldogs (2-2).
Hector Valencia is Burbank’s head coach and was frustrated early in the game.
“I liked the way the running game picked up in the second half,” he said. “I did not like the way we went three and out on the first two drives.”
Valencia was also glad that the defense played so well.
“We definitely have to give credit to the defense for forcing them to have some long drives and have some key stops and a key interception at the end of the game,” he said.
Junior wide receiver/strong safety Diego Plancarte had the pick in the fourth quarter that was critical as it prevented the Grizzlies (2–2) from scoring after marching to the Burbank 36-yard line.
Golden Valley darted ahead 7-0 with 11:22 left in the second quarter after a blocked punt set up a 29-yard, nine-play drive when sophomore quarterback Jaxon Ray found his way into the end zone from one-yard.
The Bulldogs responded to make it 7-7 with an 11-yard scoring run from Wells as 1:49 remained before halftime as Burbank used seven plays and moved the ball 69 yards.
Golden Valley seized control 15-7 with 8:46 left in the third period after sophomore quarterback/wide receiver Cornell Glass ended a seven-play, 65-yard trek by scoring on a one-yard burst.
Senior running back/defensive back Aaron McCormick tacked on a two-point conversion as the Grizzlies had an eight-point advantage.
Burbank proved to be a scrappy team as it clawed back and evened it at 15-15 when senior quarterback Damian Corona unloaded a 20-yard pass that hit Plancarte’s fingertips.
Luckily it landed into the hands of senior tight end/linebacker/defensive end Kaylem Valencia’s hand for a touchdown.
When Corona, who can scramble and add rushing yards, took off for the two-point conversion and it was successful, the score was deadlocked.
“What I liked about the game was our ability to show who was the better team in the second half and come out with the win at home,” said Corona, who completed six of 13 attempts for 133 yards. “What I liked about my play was the dual threat ability and connection with my receiver [Diego] Plancarte (four receptions for 102 yards).
After winning the initial contest versus visiting Cabrillo 38-0, Burbank had consecutive losses to host Centennial Las Vegas 74-41 and host Calabasas 47-7, a third setback could have been problematic.
Valencia was especially impressed by several players and also one unit.
“Troy and Diego had a great offensive game. I think Damian got better as the game went on and made some clutch throws when we really needed him to play well,” he said. “I think our offensive line stepped up for sure after not having a great performance last week.”
Burbank will host Birmingham next Friday with a 7 p.m. start.
