Barrett Rebounds in 34-0 Win

Burroughs High quarterback Jeff Barrett stayed late at practice every day this week. He had long talks with his parents. Then he prayed.

The problem was interceptions--namely four of them against Notre Dame last week.

Whether it was the extra work, the parental advice or divine intervention, Barrett redeemed himself against La Canada on Friday night. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 117 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran for another score to lead Burroughs to a 34-0 victory at home.

The win kept the Indians unbeaten after three games and affirmed their No. 1 ranking in the Northwestern Conference.

And Barrett can breathe a little easier this week.

“I was shot after last game. I was thinking, ‘I’m not a good quarterback.’ Thank God for this game,” he said.

Burroughs trampled a La Canada defense that had allowed just 10 points in two previous victories. The Spartan offense, meanwhile, gained just 67 yards. La Canada was penalized 11 times for 90 yards.

About the only thing La Canada did right was hold onto the ball; the Spartans had no turnovers.

Burroughs running back Doug Dragomer returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to begin what turned out to be a long night for La Canada.

Even when things went wrong for Burroughs, they turned out right. Late in the second quarter, Indian punter Bruce Luizzi watched a snap sail high over his head. He chased the ball 30 yards, back to his own 15, then kicked a punt that bounced and rolled all the way to the La Canada 26.

Early in the second half, Barrett connected on a 37-yard pass to Kevin Strasser, who sprinted down the sideline and made a diving catch of a perfectly thrown pass in the end zone.

Burroughs’ defense got into the act, too, sacking La Canada’s Mark Hansen six times for 59 yards in losses.

The Indians held La Canada to 17 yards rushing. Burroughs’ Wes Bender and Dragomer combined for 75 yards rushing. Barrett added 36 yards.

Strasser caught 4 passes for 67 yards and 1 touchdown.