BHS Football - Week 7

Burbank High's Sam Bethany, right, intercepts a pass during a Pacific League game against Glendale. (Roger Wilson/The Leader).

Burbank Leader

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Bulldogs come undone

FOOTBALL: Burbank can’t get anything going in the second half in a 37-14 league loss to host Glendale.
By Gabriel Rizk

GLENDALE — In need of a turnaround to bolster its playoff hopes, the Burbank High football team was undone by two costly second-half turnovers instead.Going head-to-head with a Glendale squad that is one of several other teams bunched near the middle of the Pacific League ladder, the Bulldogs slipped a rung on Thursday night, losing, 37-14, to fall to 1-3 in league with three games left.

“I don’t want to take anything away from Glendale’s effort, but we beat ourselves pretty bad tonight,” said second-year Burbank Coach Ted Amorosi, who formerly coached the Nitros. “We dropped five passes and had nine penalties in the first half alone.“[The Nitros] continued to convert on third-and-long situations when [our defense] had done a great job on first and second down. We don’t convert.”Glendale (4-3, 1-3 in league) was seven of 12 on third down, while the Bulldogs (3-4 overall) were just two for 12 and did not score over the final 29-plus minutes of the game.Burbank’s opening drive of the third quarter moved 52 yards to the Nitros’ 8-yard line, but stalled on third and goal with a sack of quarterback Kevin Hunter by Aaron Baykov for an eight-yard loss at the 4:22 mark.The Bulldogs came up wide left on the ensuing 33-yard field goal attempt and remained behind, 24-14.With just under three minutes left in the third quarter,

Burbank defensive lineman Justin Maroldi recovered a fumble by Nitros quarterback Moises Chavez on the Glendale 47-yard line. But on the very next play, Burbank was unable to hold onto the football and lost a fumble right back to the Nitros’ Jean Khajarian.Glendale then drove 45 yards for a score and a 30-14 lead on Chavez’s 26-yard pass to Jordan Bradshaw with just over 1:00 left in the third quarter.“That was it,” Amorosi said. “If we had been able to turn that one into eight points, then we’re right back in the game within one score.“We were actually gonna go for the onside kick to start it off, but handing it right back to them is not the way to win a football game.”A missed point-after attempt on Glendale’s touchdown allowed Burbank to stay within two possessions and the

Bulldogs had the ball with 8:00 to play in the game.But a Baykov interception of a tipped pass at the 7:39 mark of the fourth quarter sealed the win for Glendale.That turnover led to the Nitros’ final touchdown, a two-yard hookup between Chavez and Bradshaw at the 4:48 mark.Chavez passed for a career-high 331 yards and five touchdowns, with four of those caught by Bradshaw, who finished with 224 receiving yards.Burbank scored first, on a nine-yard run by Darian Walker that capped off a 61-yard drive with 12 seconds left in the first quarter.Glendale went up, 14-7, during a four-minute span in the second quarter that saw the Nitros score on a 12-yard pass form Chavez to Charles Crosby, recover an onside kick and score again on a 34-yard Chavez-Bradshaw connection.An interception of Chavez and 39-yard return by Sam Bethany set up Burbank with first and goal on the Nitros’ 6-yard line. Bethany then scored on a one-yard run at the 5:21 mark of the second period to tie the game at 14.

“We need to win our football game this Thursday against Hoover,” said Amorosi, whose team was coming off a 47-7 loss to Muir and closes out the season against Arcadia and archrival Burroughs. “That’s the only thing we can control right now.”

BHS Football - Week 6

Published Saturday, October 18, 2008 - Burbank Leader

Loss takes its toll on Bulldogs

FOOTBALL: Burbank left battered and bruised after 47-7 Pacific League loss against host Muir.
By Jeff Tully

PASADENA — The Burbank High football team expected a tough, physical battle Friday in a Pacific League game against Muir.But what the team probably couldn’t have fathomed was the eventual physical toll the game would take on the Bulldogs players.
Two Burbank players required medical care at a hospital and a third suffered a possible concussion in the contest at Muir High.In the end, the Bulldogs hobbled to a 47-7 loss.“There was a time in the game where we probably had eight or 10 of our guys who were on the sideline with injuries,” Burbank Coach Ted Amorosi said. “The injury bug really bit us big time [Friday].”At times, the Bulldogs sideline looked more like a triage unit, as the team’s medical staff tended to the wounded and dinged-up players.One of the worse injuries was suffered by junior Sam Bethany, a versatile offensive and defensive weapon for Burbank (3-3, 1-2 in league).Bethany scored the Bulldogs’ only touchdown of the night on a 15-yard sweep with 11:28 remaining in the second quarter. However, on the play he was hit at the goal line and pushed out of bounds. He landed on a concrete long jump runway adjacent to the field, sliding on his back. The friction of the fall opened a big gash on his back.Burbank kicker Anthony Cervantes converted the extra point kick and the Bulldogs had a 7-6 lead.But the Mustangs (5-1, 3-0) came roaring back, posting 14 points in the second quarter to take a 20-7 lead at the half.Still with a manageable deficit, Burbank attempted to get back on track in the second quarter. However, two consecutive fumbles led to two Muir touchdowns, and the Bulldogs were looking at a 34-7 disadvantage.“Turnovers really killed us,” Amorosi said. “We kind of shot ourselves in the foot.”Burbank couldn’t stop Muir senior quarterback Reuben Thomas. Thomas carried the ball seven times and gained 160 yards, scoring three times on runs of 32, 24 and 84 yards. He also passed for a touchdown.“We just have to learn from this, regroup and get ready for Glendale next week,” Amorosi said. “That’s all we can do.”

Richard G. Roberts BHS 1929 Dies

BHS - Class of 1929
Thought his obit is very interesting.

Richard Gordon Roberts
1911 – 2008

Richard Gordon Roberts, 96, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2008, at his Hollywood Beach home.
He was born in Los Angeles on July 22, 1911, to Richard Noah Roberts of Missouri and to Charlotte Barthelemy of Illinois. He fist attended Main Street School and graduated from the eighth grade at 97th Street School after surviving the Spanish Flu of 1918. He began high school at Manual Arts High, a new and progressive public school with its own print shop and bindery. Gordon recalled how one beloved teacher, " Daddy " Maynard, continued to teach into his eighties. Gordon transferred to Fremont High after his father’s death in 1926, and then spent his senior year at Burbank High where he took the lead in Moliere’s " Le Medecin Malgre Lui, " graduating in 1929.
In his early childhood he explored Los Angeles from atop Mount Wilson down into abandoned wells. Gordon knew L.A., when horses still pulled the iceman’s wagons. He remembered how his dad still said, "whoa" whenever he drove his Republic truck into the driveway, sitting on his father’s shoulders to get a good view of the crowd when the paperboy announced, "Extra, Extra, Armistice" or seeing famous dignitaries such as George V. Clemenceau, Mac Arthur and Pershing waving to the throngs of people gathered in what is today called Pershing Square. His 56th Street neighbors included hardworking Swedish, Irish, German Jewish, Mexican, and Austrian immigrants, but also, a Civil War nurse, a Southern Belle who taught Sunday school, and Mrs. Stevens who had a beautiful overgrown tropical garden.
When then dream of college evaporated after graduation, he turned to manual labor hauling soda ash at Holly Products, soldering at Hamilton Medical Supplies, working at the movie studios where he espied stars such as Hedy Lamar and Vivian Leigh or caddying at the Wilshire Country Club where he encountered other hungry young men who carried clubs for wealthy men and women that included Howard Hughes and the Ralph’s grocery brothers. His ambition was now to remember everyone’s story and every detail. The memories became his lucre and war chest. Remembering was for him the honored responsibility of the living and pleasurable pastime. His other great release from the grim years of the depression was sailing to Catalina on his friend Reggie’s boat where he developed his great love of the sea.
In 1940 Gordon joined the L.A. Fire Dept., but his life was made complete on August 1, 1942, when he married Carmel Bonnaud in Hollywood. She was the most enchanting woman he had ever met. He made her a promise to be faithful and devoted to her for his entire life. He kept his promise.
Early in 1943 he was drafted into the army and sent to Fort Devon, Mass., and Carrabelle, Fla., for training where Carmel joined him. In 1944 he shipped out to serve in the Pacific with the Amphibious Boat and Shore Regiment, 4th Brigade in New Guinea, then along the Cagayan River on Mindanao to Luzon – reaching Manila as it lay wasted and burning after. His unit arrived in Osaka, Japan in 1945, and was finally shipped stateside on Christmas Day, 1945.
After the war Gordon was stationed on the Fire Boats of San Pedro, promoted to Captain in 1950, then, in 1953 he moved to the San Fernando Valley with Carmel and his two daughters. As the family prospered, vacations became longer and Gordon shared his love of camping, the trees and American history with his family at spectacular places like Yosemite, Flathead Lake and Acoma. On a trip to the East Coast, Gordon provided an hour-long spontaneous lecture on warfare on a hilltop overlooking Gettysburg.
After his retirement in 1970 he realized his dream of touring Europe with his family for six months. From snow-laden forests of Austria to the sun-drenched gardens of the Alhambra in Spain, Gordon reveled in the sights and treasures of Europe. He enjoyed a quiet retirement with family and friends, helping to form and support the Channel Islands Beach Community, traveling to Hawaii and Japan, reading the Bible, and passing out political billfolds at election time. He was a familiar sight beneath his straw hat on Hollywood Beach talking to all passerby. After Carmen passed in 2004 he kissed her photograph every morning then would look out to sea. One of his last prayers was "Dear Lord, please take care of the United States, " and his last words were "Let’s go, I love being off-shore with you. "
He is survived by his daughters, Christine McKinnon of Port Hueneme, Laura Roberts of Hollywood Beach, and his grandson, Richard McKinnon of Port Hueneme. The family would like to extend its special thanks to Personal Parent caregivers Lidia Felix and Al Gallegos for their help in Gordon’s last weeks.
Funeral services were held at Funeraria del Angel Mortuary on July 19, 2008, Rev. Dr. Daniel Green delivered the Pastor’s message. Soloist Mr. George Meade led the gathering of family and friends singing "The Battle Hymn" accompanied by Mr. Paul Hinkle. Burial services followed immediately at Santa Clara Cemetery in Oxnard.

BHS Football - Week 5

Published Saturday, October 11, 2008 12:07 AM PDT Burbank Leader
Sports

’Dogs sputter in loss

FOOTBALL: Bad second half leads to Burbank’s demise in 20-12 Pacific League loss to Crescenta Valley at home.
By Jeff Tully

MEMORIAL FIELD — Things couldn’t have gotten much worse for the Crescenta Valley High football team in the first half Friday against Burbank.Its usually potent offense stalled — on the ground and through the air — and mistakes proved costly.
The Bulldogs were able to capitalize on the Falcons’ struggles by jumping out to a nine-point lead at the half.However, the tables turned in the second half — big time.Burbank committed its share of mistakes and its offense was limited to just a field goal as Crescenta Valley was able to regroup to earn a 20-12 Pacific League victory at Burroughs’ Memorial Field.Falcons Coach Tony Zarrillo said his squad just didn’t play its brand of football in the first half.“I thought we came out like we weren’t ready to play,” said Zarrillo, whose squad improved to 4-1, 2-0 in league. “That’s just not the type of football we’ve played this season.”For Burbank Coach Ted Amorosi, he said that his Bulldogs (3-2, 1-1) beat themselves.“We made just too many mistakes in the second half,” he said. “We gave [the Falcons] the ball too many times and gave them great field position I am not pleased.”The Bulldogs’ defense did a solid job corralling the Falcons offense in the first half. Crescenta Valley was only able to gain two yards rushing and 24 yards passing in the first two quarters.After a stalemate through the first quarter, Burbank found the end zone in the second quarter. After the Falcons fumbled on a punt, Nate Galles scored on a one-yard sweep with 7:37 remaining to put the hosts on the board.Burbank added a 26-yard field goal with 18 seconds left before the half.Enduring a 9-0 deficit, Crescenta Valley looked like a rejuvenated team in the second half.On their first possession, the Falcons put together an impressive 12-play scoring drive. It was capped off with a one-yard touchdown run by junior running back Harry Pessy.During the drive, Falcons senior quarterback Karsen Reedy — who completed just two passes for 24 yards in the first half — completed four of five passes for 33 yards.On Burbank’s ensuing possession, Crescenta Valley capitalized on a big Bulldogs mistake. Falcons junior linebacker Andrew Carcich picked off a Kevin Hunter pass at the Burbank 34-yard line and rumbled into the end zone untouched.With Crescenta Valley holding a 13-9 lead, Burbank was forced to settle for another 26-yard field goal with four seconds remaining in the third quarter to cut the deficit to one.The Falcons were able to pad their lead at the 11:47 mark of the fourth quarter on a remarkable pass play. At their own 26, Reedy dropped back and hoisted a pass in the direction of junior wide receiver Mike Bako, who was able to make a one-handed catch — in stride — sprinting 74 yards for the score.Bako hauled in three passes for 103 yards.Hunter completed 12 of 25 passes for 136 yards. However, he did have two interceptions.Although Burbank’s defense played well in the first half, it had its problems in the second half.“You can’t expect the defense to be able to keep it up when they’re out there for so long,” Amorosi said. “The offense just didn’t help them very much.”

John Henry Meier BHS47 Passes away

John Henry Meier (1926-2008)

John Henry Meier, 81, passed away peacefully Sept. 16, 2008, in his home surrounded by his family. John was a Crescent City resident for 30 years until he moved in 2000.
He was born Dec. 7, 1926, in Los Angeles to John and Mildred Stone Meier. While John attended Burbank High School, World War II was in full swing.
At age 15 he worked at Lockheed Aircraft. In 1944, his patriotism and love of airplanes influenced his decision to leave high school a year early and join the Navy at age 17. He served his country assigned to P.T. Boat Base 17 in Samar, Philippines. In 1946 he became a veteran at age 19 as Yeoman third class.
After returning home from the war, John graduated from Burbank High, class of 1947. John loved to play softball. While attending Glendale Junior College, John was invited to play on the LDS church softball team at the Glendale West Ward. As a result of good friends and influences, John was impressed enough to attend Brigham Young University, where he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. John graduated from BYU in 1952 with a degree in education. He started his teaching career in Utah but soon moved back to California to teach sixth grade at Fremont Elementary.
John married Idora Marie Bickel on Feb. 21, 1957, in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. They had six children. John loved his work as a teacher. He was deeply committed to making school a fun place for children to learn.
In 1970, John and his family moved to a small farm in Crescent City, where he taught fourth grade at Joe Hamilton School. He loved the cool, clean air, salmon fishing and the beautiful redwoods. As hobbies, John enjoyed radio-controlled model airplanes, building and flying his ultra-light aircraft and communicating with his "old buddies" around the country on his ham radio.
As a member of the LDS church, John held the office of High Priest and served as a member of the Elders Quorum Presidency, High Priest Group leadership, Bishopric and Scout leader. He helped 8 scouts earn Eagle status.
In the summer of 2000, John and his wife moved to Salt Lake City. His greatest joy became seeing his grandchildren excel in school. "Be kind to your teachers" was his frequent advice.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Idora, his four children: Ken (Cecilia), Colleen (David) Evans, Rob (Laura), and Joan (Chris) Hansen; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents and two children, Markus and William, "the twins."
Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Grand View Ward, 5017 W. Grand View Peak Drive in Riverton, where friends may call an hour prior. Interment will be in Herriman Cemetery.

Burbank wins opener - Week 4

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL  WEEK 4: Burbank wins opener


Burbank Leader

FOOTBALL: Locals beat Pasadena, 35-14, to begin Pacific League play on a high note.
By Jeff Tully

PASADENA — Cody Cardenaz had to have his injured ankle heavily taped prior to his Burbank High football team taking on Pasadena Friday in the Pacific League opener for both squads.During the game, the senior wide receiver twisted his knee and had to hobble off the field.
Although he was injured, it wasn’t evident in his play, as Cardenaz caught three touchdown passes — including a school-record 98-yard effort — to help defeat host Pasadena, 35-14, at Pasadena City College.“I was a little banged up, but it didn’t bother me,” said Cardenaz, an all-league cornerback in 2007. “I just wanted to stay out there and do all that I could.”Cardenaz was involved in the record-setting pass play with 11:46 left in the game. With Burbank (3-1) pinned back at its own 2-yard line, senior quarterback Kevin Hunter scrambled to his left in the endzone. He found a streaking Cardenaz sprinting down the left sideline, and the receiver outran coverage and found the endzone.The play broke the record of 92 yards set in 1997 when quarterback Cliff Lohner hooked up with Juni Williams in a game against Hart.Cardenaz caught six passes for 201 yards. Hunter threw all three touchdowns, and a fourth to Cole Hazelwood on a 12-yard play in the second quarter. Hunter completed 11 of 17 passes for 257 yards. The other Burbank touchdown came on the ground. Darien Walker found the endzone on a 12-yard scamper with 9:24 left in the first half.Although his Bulldogs were able to get past Pasadena (0-4), Burbank Coach Ted Amorosi was not particularly pleased with his team’s performance — especially when his squad faces Crescenta Valley next week.“I’m not proud of this win,” Amorosi said. “I’m disappointed with this win because we played ugly. We didn’t play our brand of football. We played sort of down to what [Pasadena] was doing and we let them stay in the game when it should have been dead and gone by halftime.”


Burbank played well in the first half, jumping out to a 21-0 lead. However, it was aided a great deal by the 109 yards in penalties racked up in the first half by Pasadena.“This effort [Friday] will lose the game for us against Crescenta Valley,” Amorosi said. “We need to get better as a program. We still have a long way to go.”

Photos of BHS Coaches

This photo was given to me by a member of the Senior Bulldogs. There is no date on it, but the coaches are Back Row: Ray Turner (Tennis), Maurice Wiley (JV Football), Pete Peterson (B Basketball), Les Bruckner (Varsity Football), Roy Lockwood (Varsity Basketball). Front Row: Ray Trainer (Rifle Team), Bob Brower ( B Football), Don McMurray ( Track & Cross Country), Richard "Dick" Minasian ( Baseball & Athletic Director).

This photo was given to me by a member of the Senior Bulldogs. There is no date but the coaches are from l to r Roy Lockwood, A. Gerald Ogborn, Richard "Dick" Minasian.

BHS Cent. Meeting Dates Changed

Hello All,

I apologize for this late notice, but we need to change the next committee meeting from this Wednesday (10/1) until Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 pm in the BHS Library. A couple of members could not make the meeting, and I completely forgot about a doctor’s appointment I had scheduled. Please plan on meeting on the 15th for dessert and an update on all of the fantastic Centennial events you helped make happen. (We continue to get plenty of positive feedback- kudos to all of you.) We will also give an update on finances and book sales. Again, I am sorry for the late notice.

All the Best, Dave

David Thomson
BHS Social Science
Centennial Chair
Key Club Advisor
818-558-4700 x51162
davethomson@burbankusd.org