By Rick Assad
Turning the football over is never good and it wasn’t on Friday evening when Burbank High gave up the ball three times to La Canada in an Arroyo League game at Kemp-Kallem Field before a fine turnout.
One of the miscues led directly to a touchdown as Bulldog senior quarterback Damian Corona saw his pass returned 61 yards for a score by senior wide receiver/defensive back Brandon Mohaghegh with 6:17 remaining in the second quarter and a 7-0 lead for the visitors.
The Bulldogs (4-4 and 1-1 in league) scored two touchdowns in the second half as Corona and junior wide receiver/defensive back Diego Plancarte (five receptions for 47 yards) teamed up on a 16-yard pass play that trimmed La Canada’s lead to 14-7 as 7:15 was left in the third quarter.
Corona guided the Bulldogs 62 yards and used 10 plays and the march infused a sense of confidence in the team.
When Burbank senior running back Troy Wells (144 yards on 21 carries) located the end zone on a 26-yard jaunt and 11:25 remaining in the fourth period, the game was deadlocked at 14-14 as Corona drove his team 56 yards on six plays.
“The name of the game is execution,” said Corona, who completed nine of 20 pass attempts for 95 yards with two interceptions. “We’re coming back next week strong and getting the win. What’s done is done. I’m focused on next week and I’m making sure we secure this win.”
The Spartans (7-1 and 2-0 in league), who are assured a share of the league title, pulled ahead 14-0 with 11.3 seconds left before halftime as senior quarterback Joe Bell drilled senior wide receiver/defensive back Ross Piken with a five-yard pass that ended a 90-yard, 12-play march for a two-touchdown advantage.
The dagger for the Spartans was a quick three-play, 75-yard march as Bell weaved his way down the field on a 69-yard gallop. Bell then added a two-point conversion run for an eight-point cushion.
On the final march of the contest, Bell carried the ball nine straight times that included a 20-yard dash on second and four from the La Canada 49-yard line that placed the ball at the Burbank 31.
On Burbank’s first possession, Corona was intercepted on the sixth play of the drive by Pike.
The second drive ended when Wells fumbled after gaining seven yards.
The third time the Bulldogs had the ball the drive concluded with a punt after five plays.
Burbank’s next series ended on a pick-six and the next series was done after five plays and a punt.
Just before halftime, Burbank ran one play as Wells carried the ball for five yards.
The Bulldogs came out of the break and scored on their first possession of the second half and their next series once again scored to even the score.
On Burbank’s next possession the drive stalled after 10 plays and a fourth down and 18 from the La Canada 36 saw Corona run for six yards.
For all intents and purposes, this played sealed the game in favor of the Spartans.
Burbank senior tight end/linebacker/defensive end Kaylem Valencia had two catches for 20 yards and junior wide receiver/defensive back Gavin Azizian delivered two receptions for 28 yards.
Burbank hosts always tough Muir next Friday at Kemp-Kallem Field and the game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
