Burroughs High’s 20-point loss to Calabasas last week wasn’t as one-sided as the final score would indicate.
In fact, the Indians were ahead by six points midway through the third quarter before the hard-charging Coyotes scored 26 unanswered points.
Tonight’s nonleague matchup against Rosemead on the road should be a great deal easier for the Indians, but nothing is ever guaranteed.
The Panthers are winless after an opening-week setback to Northview, 37-24, and a blanking by Diamond Ranch, 49-0.
Rosemead is more prone to throw the football than run it, so the Indians’ defense will be a key.
Though the defense allowed 45 points to the Coyotes, it’s not likely Rosemead will be able to score that many points against a team that can pressure the quarterback and stop the run.
In the 45-25 loss to Calabasas, senior free safety Robert Awunganyi had three tackles and seven assists, while senior cornerback Jarret Wrobel finished with four solo tackles and three assists.
Senior outside linebacker Nico Frugone picked up eight assists and a solo tackle, senior defensive end Cole Gurley had one and a half sacks and senior strong safety/linebacker Devlin Jimenez collected a sack.
Senior quarterback Steven Hubbell, who hit 11 of 22 passes for 129 yards, was in the middle of three touchdowns for the Indians, including a pair of rushing scores and a 42-yard touchdown toss to senior wide receiver Nick Mercado.
Tailback Chance Bell churned out 142 yards on 27 carries with a touchdown in the second quarter.
Bell, a junior, who led the Indians in rushing a season ago, will have to do more of the same, as will senior running back/wide receiver Cade Borland, who had 48 yards on five carries against the Coyotes.
Rosemead’s passing attack is paced by senior quarterback Steven Nava, who has completed 44 of 82 for 435 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in two games.
Nava’s favorite target is junior wide receiver Darien Camacho, who has snared 16 passes for 203 yards with two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jordan Parham has caught 10 passes for 139 yards.
The Panthers’ running game has averaged 50.5 yards over the two losses, with senior running back Angel Lopez accounting for 68 yards on nine carries and one score.
