Northwestern Conference Preview : Title Shot Replaces Revenge as Motivation for Burroughs

It didn’t exactly turn out as Burroughs High Coach Butch McElwee had hoped, but nobody’s complaining. Ideally, Burroughs would be playing a rematch against Hart in the conference final tonight at Burroughs at 7:30.

But Arroyo Grande will do just fine, thanks. The Eagles edged Hart, 15-14, last week after spotting the Indians a two-touchdown lead.

“How could we be disappointed?” McElwee said. “We’re right where we want to be. Our kids were a little anxious to play Hart, but we’ve set our sights on Arroyo Grande.”

The only blemish on Burroughs’ 12-1 record is a 19-0 loss to Foothill League champion Hart.

Burroughs’ attack features quarterback Jeff Barrett (2,048 yards, 19 touchdowns), fullback Wes Bender (816 yards, 13 touchdowns) and tailback Doug Dragomer (807 yards, 10 touchdowns), all seniors.

Arroyo Grande Coach Jon Huss is taking a realistic approach to his team’s first appearance in a championship game, especially about the prospect of slowing the Burroughs offense. “I don’t think we can even begin to stop them,” he said. “All we can do is try to slow them down.”

Having won seven consecutive games, Arroyo Grande (10-2-1) also may be difficult to slow. Quarterback Jamie Martin has passed for 2,240 yards and 16 touchdowns, including a 48-yard game-winner against Hart. Martin’s primary receiver, William Henry, has 69 receptions for 1,012 yards.

Tailback-defensive back Matt Drake leads the Eagles with 762 yards rushing and has three interceptions in the playoffs.

Burroughs defeated El Segundo, 26-16, last week, to qualify for the final.