Taking full advantage, the Eagles were able to claw their way back to a 28-14 victory at Chaminade.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group of players,” Burbank first-year Coach Ted Amorosi said. “I think we took some huge steps as a program with our performance [Friday]. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
On paper, it looked as if the Bulldogs (0-2) could be headed for a lopsided loss. The Eagles (2-0) are ranked No. 4 in the tough CIF Southern Section Western Division and have a slew of Division I prospects. In addition, the team advanced to the division semifinals last season, losing to eventual champion Dominguez, 26-19.
If that wasn’t enough, Chaminade is led by senior quarterback Ryan Griffin, who threw for 31 touchdowns and more than 3,100 yards in 2006.
Despite the hype, the Bulldogs came out gunning, recovering an onside kick to start the game.
On the first play from scrimmage, Eric Blatz got the ball on a double reverse and scampered down the left sideline for a 53-yard touchdown.
With Burbank leading, 6-0, Chaminade came back and took a one-point lead on a touchdown with 1:06 remaining in the first quarter.
Undaunted, the Bulldogs came roaring back, as Darian Walker went in for a two-yard score. When quarterback Kevin Hunter hit Blatz on a pass for the extra point, Burbank savored a 14-7 lead at the half.
Unfortunately for Burbank, the second half wasn’t as rosy. The team’s offense stalled, as the Bulldogs were unable to score on their seven possessions in the half.
“[Chaminade] made some adjustments in that second half, and we just didn’t move the ball very well,” Amorosi said.
Behind Griffin and sophomore running back Cory Bess, Chaminade was able to put 21 unanswered points on the board in the second half.
“We watched film of Burbank, and we weren’t surprised. We knew they were a good, physical team,” Eagles Coach Anthony Harris said.
Walker carried the ball 18 times for 77 yards and a touchdown for Burbank.
