Two fourth-quarter touchdowns lift the Bulldogs to their second home victory
After suffering two difficult road losses to Centennial of Las Vegas and Calabasas, the Burbank Bulldogs returned home and battled their way to a 22-15 victory over the Golden Valley Grizzlies. Fourth-quarter touchdowns by Kaylem Valencia and Troy Wells helped Burbank remain undefeated at home.
Burbank entered the game following a 47-7 loss to Calabasas, while Golden Valley was coming off a 21-7 victory over Crescenta Valley. Neither team scored in the opening quarter, but the Grizzlies struck first in the second when quarterback Jaxon Ray scored on a sneak to give Golden Valley a 7-0 lead.
The play of the night came when the Bulldogs caught the Golden Valley defense off guard with a trick play. Damian Corona pitched the ball to Diego Plancarte, who then threw downfield to Cash Maydew for a long completion. The play moved Burbank into scoring position and set up the tying touchdown.
Wells finished the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run, sending the teams into halftime tied at 7. Golden Valley regained control early in the third quarter. Cornell Glass scored on a goal-line run out of the Wildcat formation, and Aaron McCormick added the two-point conversion to give the Grizzlies a 15-7 advantage.
Burbank threatened to answer when Corona connected with Plancarte for a 42-yard gain. Wells followed with a six-yard run that moved the Bulldogs closer to the goal line, but Burbank was unable to score before the quarter ended. Golden Valley carried its eight-point lead into the fourth.
The Bulldogs opened the final quarter with a dramatic touchdown. Corona’s 20-yard pass deflected off Plancarte’s fingertips and into the hands of Valencia, who completed the play for the score. Corona then converted the two-point attempt to tie the game at 15.
Burbank’s defense forced a three-and-out on Golden Valley’s next possession, and Plancarte returned the ensuing punt 20 yards. Corona then connected with Plancarte for another big gain, this time covering 30 yards and placing the ball at the Golden Valley 9-yard line. Wells finished the drive with the go-ahead rushing touchdown, giving Burbank a 22-15 lead with 6:19 remaining.
The Grizzlies had one final opportunity to force overtime, but Plancarte intercepted a pass and appeared to return it for a touchdown. The score was erased because of an illegal blindside block against Burbank, resulting in a 15-yard penalty.
Wells ultimately sealed the victory with a 25-yard run for a first down, allowing the Bulldogs to enter victory formation and secure the seven-point win. Burbank improves to 2-2 overall and 2-0 at home, while Golden Valley falls to 2-2.
Both teams return to action Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m. Golden Valley will host Saugus to begin Foothill League play, while Burbank will host Birmingham in another nonleague matchup.
