CIF Finals or Bust for Burbank Entering the New Season
The Burbank High Bulldogs enter the 2026 season with sky-high expectations and unfinished business. Last season, the Bulldogs finished 9-3 overall and 6-1 in Pacific League play before suffering a heartbreaking 14-13 loss to Roosevelt in the CIF Southern Section Division 6 quarterfinals.
This year, Burbank will compete in the Arroyo League during the inaugural season of the Rio Pacific Conference. Hector Valencia enters his third season of his second stint as Burbank’s head football coach. During his first tenure, Valencia guided the Bulldogs to a league championship.
Valencia’s staff includes associate head coach and defensive coordinator Tony Toledo, offensive coordinator Oharjee Brown, special teams coordinator Tyrone Freeman and frosh head coach Mark Meredith. Doug Bledsoe, Dan Silverburg and Griffin Grady have also joined the coaching staff for the upcoming season. Meredith will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season after serving as the program’s frosh head coach for 25 years.
“The kids worked so hard in the offseason, especially making great progress on the field and in the weight room,” Valencia said. Valencia added that coaching his son, Kaylem, for the final time during his senior season will be bittersweet. He described Kaylem as a player who leads by example.
Players to watch this season include senior quarterback Damian Corona, a transfer from Crespi; senior running back and linebacker Troy Wells, who received Pacific League defensive honorable mention recognition last season; and senior defensive back Kaylem Valencia, a returning All-Pacific League first-team selection. The Bulldogs also return junior offensive lineman Harry Molia, an All-Pacific League second-team offensive selection, and junior wide receiver Diego Plancarte.
Burbank will open the 2026 season with a Week 0 home game against Cabrillo on Friday, Aug. 21. Kickoff at Burbank High School is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Bulldogs will begin Arroyo League play on the road against Monrovia on Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m.
Senior Night will take place against La Cañada on Friday, Oct. 16. Members of the Burbank High football team, cheerleading squad, marching band and color guard from the Class of 2027 will be honored during pregame and halftime ceremonies.
The 78th annual rivalry game between Burbank and Burroughs will be played Friday, Oct. 30, with the Bulldogs serving as the designated visiting team. Stay tuned for exciting coverage of Burbank High football throughout the 2026 season.
