Linda, Hood propel Burbank

GLENDALE — No time was wasted by the Burbank High football team in establishing its dominance over Glendale in the teams’ Pacific League game

The early tenacity of the offense, which churned out 24 points in the first 10 minutes, was matched by the determination and intensity with which the Bulldogs’ defense preserved its shutout performance right up until the final seconds of a 56-0 victory Thursday at Memorial Field.

“We did what we needed to do, especially in the first half with our starters,” said Burbank Coach Greg Sobiech, who began to insert his second string in the second quarter. “We wanted to play the game at our speed and not theirs.”

Whether breaking huge touchdown runs or causing crippling turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles) the Bulldogs (6-3, 5-1 in league) gave no ground, while building a 49-point lead in the first half and never letting up throughout.

Defensive back Chad Nichols had a key interception in the second quarter and recovered a fumble at the Glendale 36-yard line to set up a touchdown five minutes into the third quarter.

Burbank quarterback Robert Linda and running back Marcus Hood combined for 313 yards rushing in the first half, while Glendale (0-9, 0-6) labored to tally just 11 yards of total offense before halftime.

Linda attempted only one pass, which he completed for 25 yards, but also rushed for 140 yards and four touchdowns, including runs of 47 and 60 yards before sitting out the second half.

Hood, in the game for only one snap in the second half, finished with 179 yards in 17 carries with touchdown runs of 36 and 52 yards.

“Losing our five guys just shows us how young we are,” said Nitros Coach Edgar Torosyan of the disciplinary suspensions that forced five of his starters to be suspended for the game. “We started nine juniors on defense.

“But you’ve got to hand it to Burbank, they came out and executed.”

Glendale was also without receiver Zane Archer, who had scored four touchdowns over the Nitros’ previous two games, for most of the night after he reaggravated a knee injury sustained in practice.

“[The Nitros] are coming off a very difficult week, and that’s something we always have to guard against,” Sobiech said. “Their kids played marvelously, I thought, we just have more talent.”

With Burroughs’ win against Pasadena on Friday, Burbank’s win keeps intact the much-anticipated rivalry showdown between the two teams, which will have league championship implications.

“We are very confident about that [game],” Sobiech said. “We have a very good football team and we have not been getting the respect that we deserve in the CIF rankings.

“We’re a little upset about it, so we expect to play well next week.”

Burroughs is No. 1 in the Central Division and Burbank is not among the top 10.