Mistakes derail Burbank in playoffs

FOOTBALL: Locals unable to win second- round CIF game against West Covina at Memorial Field, 49-28.

By Jeff Tully
Saturday, November 29, 2008

MEMORIAL FIELD — The Burbank High football team was trying to notch its second straight stunning postseason victory in as many weeks.For more than three quarters Friday, it looked as if the Bulldogs were well on their way to accomplishing that monumental feat. However, turnovers and penalties finally caught up to Burbank in the fourth quarter, as West Covina scored 28 unanswered points late in the game to earn a 49-28 CIF Southern Section Southeast Division quarterfinal win at Memorial Field.

Burbank (6-6) was attempting to reach the semifinals for only the second time in school history. It was also trying to build on a 20-14 first-round win last week against No. 2-seeded Santa Fe. That was the first playoff win for the program in 81 years.“What these kids have been able to do this season has forever changed the face of our program,” said Burbank Coach Ted Amorosi, whose squad placed fourth in the Pacific League and had to win a coin flip to even get into the postseason. “I just want to really thank all of our seniors.”

Amorosi said he is proud of what his team has been able to overcome throughout the season.“They can really hold their heads up,” he said. “They never gave up and they never said die. They were able to make it through some tough times, when things got rough for us this season.”

At times against West Covina (10-2) — the runner-up in the San Antonio League — Burbank was its own worst enemy. Along with committing four turnovers, it also was whistled for 19 penalties that went for 127 yards.“Penalties and turnovers, that’s what killed us,” Amorosi said.Burbank was actually leading early in the fourth quarter. After Leo Rodas scampered for a 21-yard touchdown, the locals had a 28-21 advantage with 11:34 left.However, on the next possession, West Covina’s Jon Hernandez found the endzone on a 26-yard touchdown run and the score was tied at 28 with 10:03 remaining.

After another West Covina score, Burbank, trailing, 35-28, tried to drive the ball down the field. However, the Bulldogs fumbled the ball on their own 45-yard line, giving up possession.West Covina was able to score touchdowns on its last four possessions in the fourth quarter. With Burbank unable to move the ball, West Covina, paced by running back Ricky Johnson, began to pour it on.The locals had no answer for Johnson, who rushed for 218 yards in 23 carries and had touchdown runs of 10, 50 and 70 yards.

Although the field was muddy from the recent rains and players had trouble with their footing all game, the conditions didn’t seem to bother Johnson.“We’ve played on a few grass fields this season, but nothing this bad,” Johnson said. “I just told myself that I had to battle through it and do all that I can.”

The Burbank offense was led by senior wide receiver Cody Cardenaz, who had 14 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown.Burbank was able to score first with 7:02 left in the first quarter on a six-yard run by Nate Galles.After West Covina came back to take a 21-14 lead, the locals tied the score with 7:31 left in the third quarter on a one-yard plunge by quarterback Kevin Hunter.“I take my hat off to West Covina, that’s a very good football team,” Amorosi said.