Football previews: Burbank vs. Glendale; Burroughs vs. Pasadena
BURBANK VS. GLENDALE
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: Memorial Field (Burroughs High)
RECORDS: The Bulldogs are 5-2, 2-2 in the Pacific League; the Nitros are 2-5, 0-4
LAST WEEK: Burbank lost to Muir, 24-17; Glendale lost to Crescenta Valley, 27-7
OUTLOOK: Burbank’s situation changed dramatically with last week’s loss to defending-champion Muir. It was the team’s second league loss in as many weeks after falling to Crescenta Valley in overtime the week prior. Instead of being in first place in the Pacific League had the Bulldogs defeated the Mustangs, now Burbank will have to fight just to earn a possible automatic playoff berth. The Bulldogs will likely have to win their final three league games (Glendale, Hoover and Burroughs) to even stay in contention. Even if they do win out, there could be scenarios where a coin flip could determine if Burbank earns a CIF postseason spot. Burbank will try and bounce back against a Glendale squad that has struggled for most of the season. The Nitros’ only wins have come in nonleague contests against San Gabriel (41-3) and South Pasadena (23-7). After not having much impact last week, the Bulldogs’ two best offensive weapons — junior running back James Williams and junior quarterback Ryan Meredith — will also look to bounce back against the Nitros. Glendale has a solid running back in junior Daniel Jung.
SOMETHING INTERESTING: While Burbank averages 43.6 points a game — best among league teams — Glendale averages 15.7 — second-worst in league.
BURROUGHS VS. PASADENA
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: Memorial Field (Burroughs High)
RECORDS: The Indians are 4-3, 3-1 in the Pacific League; the Bulldogs are 1-6, 1-3
LAST WEEK: Burroughs defeated Hoover, 69-0; Pasadena lost to Arcadia, 41-14
OUTLOOK: Burroughs is sitting in a good position in the Pacific League with three games remaining in the regular season. While Muir (4-0 in league) sits alone atop the league standings, the Indians are tied for second with Crescenta Valley (3-1) and Arcadia (3-1). If Burroughs wins out, beating Pasadena, Arcadia and Burbank in the final week, the team will grab one of only three CIF Southeast Division playoff spots from the Pacific League. However, a loss over the final three weeks could leave the Indians at home for the playoffs. The Burroughs offense, orchestrated by senior quarterback Andrew Williams, made easy work of Hoover last week. The Indians will take on a Pasadena team that has just a 33-13 league victory against Hoover as its only win this season. Pasadena is last among league teams in points scored, as it averages just 12.4 a game. Burroughs averages 25 points a contest. The Bulldogs have an accomplished running back in Jeremiah Jones.
SOMETHING INTERESTING: Burroughs is trying to earn a playoff spot after missing the postseason in 2012. It was the first time the Indians didn’t qualify for the playoffs since joining the Pacific League in 2006.
Jeff Tully