Burroughs hoping for solid run

The Burroughs High football program has developed quite a reputation for churning out quality offensive linemen.

Current Jacksonville Jaguars starting tackle Eben Brinton is a product of the Indians' program.

The talented group of linemen have allowed a long list of Burroughs running backs to thrive. Last season, senior Dalton Williams earned All-CIF and All-Area accolades after carrying the ball 196 times for 1,529 yards (7.8 yards a carry) and 21 touchdowns. The yardage total put him fourth on the Indians' all-time single-season rushing list. He was also named the Pacific League's Offensive Player of the Year.

Williams joined an impressive list of players, which includes Thomas Kyle, Joe Wiggan and Dominique Barnes, who have had success on the ground for the Indians the past few years.

"Since we had our running backs coach Earl Hollingshed come over to us from Texas, he has been able to really turn our running game around," said Burroughs Coach Keith Knoop, whose team shared the Pacific League title with Burbank last season. "He seems to really connect with the running backs, and he is able to get the most out of them."

Getting the linemen prepared is coach Mike Reily, whom Knoop has called "the best O-line coach around."

Attempting to follow in the footsteps of the successful running backs of the past is senior Tadeo Zuniga (5-feet-6, 172 pounds). With Williams carrying the majority of the load on the ground a year ago, Zuniga rushed for just 249 yards in 46 carries and had two touchdowns.

Despite his small contribution a year ago, Knoop said he expects Zuniga to step to the forefront this season.

"He is stronger and faster than he was last season," Knoop said. "He is running around like a possessed human being. Last year he tried to do too much on his own when he got the ball. Now he knows how to use his offensive line to help him, and he knows where to go."

Also seeing time at running back will be senior Casey Barbello (5-9, 193) and junior Zander Anding (6-0, 185).

Anchoring the offensive line will be returning senior all-league standout Steven Escoboza (6-1, 290), who will play left tackle. He will be joined by junior right tackle Raul Martinez (6-2, 244), senior left guard Garret Schiavello (5-9, 210), junior right guard Gus Ferrat (6-1, 220) and senior center Rokie Hussakhoon (5-9, 193).

"We do have some size on the O-line," Knoop said.