Saugus Is a Pain for Burbank

Injuries have been such a problem for the Saugus High football team that 17 players have been forced out of action. The casualties include five knees, four ankles and four ribs and an assortment of other ills.

But nothing eases pain quicker than a victory and Saugus took a step toward a healthy future by defeating Burbank, 21-6, Thursday night in a Foothill League game at Canyon High.

Jeremy Mushinski scored two first-half touchdowns for Saugus (4-2-1, 2-0 in league play).

The junior running back scored on a five-yard run late in the first quarter and added a one-yard run to give the Centurions a 14-6 lead at halftime.

Mushinski finished with 95 yards in 19 carries.

“We’ve got quite a few guys that are out,” Saugus Coach Jack Bowman said. “But we’re getting healthier and I know we’ll be better next week.”

Bowman had concerns about stopping Burbank running back Carlos Baker. His concerns were warranted, as Baker rushed for 138 yards and one touchdown in 21 carries for the Bulldogs (3-4, 0-1).

“Baker is the best back we have faced so far,” Bowman said.

Baker scored Burbank’s touchdown on a four-yard run in the second quarter, capping a 52-yard drive.

Saugus was able to put away Burbank when it drove 62 yards in 13 plays. Phil Waterman scored on a two-yard run early in the fourth quarter. Burbank tried to rally but saw its last drive stall at the Centurion 25-yard line.

Despite the loss, Burbank Coach John Hazelton had an upbeat attitude.

“It’s hard to feel good about a loss, but I’m proud at how my kids played,” Hazelton said. “If a couple of plays were run differently, we could have been in it. And that wasn’t the case last year.”

Saugus gained 241 yards, with 216 coming on the ground. Burbank finished with 160 net yards. Baker accounted for 161 yards rushing and receiving.