INSIDE INFO
Could the ‘other’ losing streak be broken?
The Burbank High football team got a big monkey off its back Oct.
24 when it defeated host Saugus, 16-14.
Not only did the win give a boost to the program, but it also
broke an 11-year Foothill League losing streak that was finally
halted at 51.
Although the Bulldogs snapped one streak, there is still another
long-standing string that is still alive.
Burbank hasn’t beaten cross-town rival Burroughs in 11 years. The
last time the Bulldogs defeated the Indians in the annual Big Game
was in 1992, when they prevailed, 21-17.
Not only will the streak be on the line Nov. 14 when the teams
meet at Memorial Field, but a CIF Southern Section Division II
playoff berth might also be at stake.
Barring big upsets by the Bulldogs and Indians in league play the
next two weeks, the teams will likely be playing for fourth place in
league. Last season, Burroughs received an at-large invitation into
the playoffs after finishing fourth.
Although there will probably be few precious at-large berths, the
strength of the league should give the fourth-place finisher from the
league a leg up on all the other teams in the division vying for the
final postseason spots.
While Burbank is enjoying its best season in nearly two decades,
Burroughs has also played well and notched some impressive wins.
However, when the teams meet for the rivalry game, all bets are off.
But many are saying this is the year Burbank breaks the streak --
possibility setting up its second big streak-breaking accomplishment
of the season.
No, its not about their cross-town rival
During Burbank High football games, fans might be able to hear
Coach Greg Sobiech yell something that sounds unusual.
On some plays, Sobiech shouts out to the field what sounds like
“Burroughs.” On occasion, the coach appears to be trying to get a
Bulldog players’ attention by yelling “Burroughs. Burroughs.”
To the coach’s credit, he is not trying to pull off some rivalry
trickery. In fact, his words have nothing to do with the Indians at
all. Instead, Sobiech is trying to say something to one of his
linemen, junior Mike Burrows.
Do you have a Big Game football story idea?
With the annual Burbank-Burroughs cross-town rivalry football game
two weeks away, the Big Game will be one of the most anticipated
contests of the year.
As is the annual tradition, the Leader will be putting together
its Big Game preview issue.
We are looking for story ideas about individuals who have made an
impact, or found success, in the rivalry game. The person could be an
Indian or Bulldog player, coach, administrator or anyone else who has
been close to the cross-town clash.
Please e-mail story ideas -- and a way to contact the individual
-- to jeff.tully@latimes.com.
Jeff Tully