Locals gain experience in tourney
Erik Boal
It might have only been the first day of a demanding passing-league
schedule for the Burbank High football team, but it was apparent
Saturday that Greg Sobiech’s level of expectation for his squad is
higher than ever.
That’s why even after winning four of seven games in the second
annual Crescenta Valley Passing Classic at the Glendale Sports
Complex, the third-year coach didn’t mince words when addressing his
players following their 24-18 loss to North Hollywood in the opening
round of the single-elimination playoffs.
“I saw plenty of football that I liked, and plenty I didn’t like,”
said Sobiech, whose squad, along with Burroughs, competed in the
21-team tournament, which was played on 40-yard fields, with
touchdowns worth six points and interceptions two.
“We had a breakout year last year, but [6-5] isn’t going to cut it
this year. The expectations are going to be much higher, and we just
have to stay together as a group.”
However, Sobiech’s biggest source of frustration stemmed from
Burbank doing exactly the opposite at times, which helped North
Hollywood rally from a 12-6 deficit to advance.
“I’m not going to have that type of individual play, and I just
won’t have any in-fighting,” said Sobiech, whose squad defeated
tournament-finalist Bell, Dana Point Dana Hills, Artesia and Granada
Hills in pool play.
“We did some nice things, but we also did some things that I
won’t stand for as a coach.
“I know it’s a learning process, but the only thing I think that
stops us is ourselves.”
After rallying to post a 14-12 win against Granada Hills, Burbank
appeared to be in position to continue its run against North
Hollywood, as quarterback Mike McDonald completed nine of 17 passes,
including two touchdowns to Jesse Ayers and one to Jason McNeil.
But after squandering the lead, the Bulldogs’ last-ditch effort to
force a tie came up short, as McDonald -- who threw 19 touchdowns
versus two interceptions on the day -- had his pass to Ayers broken
up in the end zone as time expired.
As for Burroughs Coach Keith Knoop -- whose squad went 0-4-2 -- he
didn’t put as much stock in Saturday’s results, because he realizes
it’s going to be a long summer, with three more tournaments to be
played.
“Realistically, this is a tune-up for the Hart Tournament [Friday
and Saturday],” said Knoop, whose squad tied Moorpark and Pomona, and
lost to Van Nuys Birmingham, Chatsworth, Hemet and North Hollywood.
“Our goal was to try to get the first-, second- and third-string
kids in key situations, and I’d rather give up a loss now, so we can
evaluate a kid for later on down the line.”
One of the aspects of the seven-on-seven format that didn’t favor
Burroughs was the absence of its imposing offensive line.
“That’s why they call it ‘skeleton football,’” said Knoop, who was
impressed with Tony Banuelos, Robert Burgfeld, Juan Cuevas and Jake
Ferrer on offense, and Josh Balderas, Gary Cole and Ryan Felix on
defense.
“It’s like having the potatoes without the meat.”