Joe Bell’s go-ahead 70-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion lift Spartans past Bulldogs
The La Cañada Spartans stay unbeaten in Arroyo League play with a 22-14 victory over Burbank, using Joe Bell’s go-ahead 70-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion in the fourth quarter to spoil the Bulldogs’ senior-night celebration.
Burbank rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to tie the game, but Bell’s decisive run helped the Spartans escape with the victory and remain atop the league standings.Both teams entered the matchup coming off wins in their Arroyo League openers. Following a bye week, Burbank defeated Monrovia 35-6, while La Cañada edged Muir 7-0.
Before kickoff, Burbank honored graduating seniors from its football, cheer, pom, dance, and marching band programs.
The Bulldog Brigade recognized marching band seniors Rebeka Nazari, Ripton LeRoy, Momoka Kato, and Janelle Jimenez.
Pom seniors Holly Rorake and Elle Manash were honored, along with Unleashed dance team seniors Carlenne Sarhadian and Elle Akhsharumova. Cheer seniors Piper Dagata, Johny Hakhverdian, and Hannah Mayega also received recognition.
Following pregame warmups, the football program celebrated its 13 seniors: Troy Wells, Giovanni Bernardo, Aidan Dagher, Donovan Reynoso, Nathan Martinez, Damian Corona, Ronald Gordon, Kaylem Valencia, Korddell White, Juan Huezo, Hayk Torgomyan, Nick Gonzalez and Jehad Altayab.
Neither team scored in the first quarter, but La Cañada broke through with two touchdowns in the second. Brandon Mohaghegh opened the scoring with a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown, and Bell later connected with Ross Spiken on a 15-yard touchdown pass to give the Spartans a 14-0 halftime lead.
Burbank received the second-half kickoff but went three-and-out on its opening possession. The Bulldogs eventually found their rhythm, with Corona connecting with Diego Plancarte for a 16-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7.
Burbank’s defense then forced a turnover on downs, giving the Bulldogs another opportunity to draw even. La Cañada carried its seven-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Corona opened the final period with a 10-yard completion to Gavin Azizan before Wells broke loose for a 25-yard touchdown run, helping Burbank tie the score at 14. The Bulldogs then had a chance to stop La Cañada on third-and-four, but Bell raced 70 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. He added the two-point conversion to put the Spartans ahead 22-14.
Burbank responded by moving downfield, with a 24-yard reception by Plancarte keeping hopes alive for a clutch touchdown and a tying two-point conversion. Wells appeared to pick up a crucial third-down conversion, but a holding penalty pushed the Bulldogs back.La Cañada’s defense ultimately forced a turnover on downs, ending Burbank’s comeback bid. The Spartans then ran out the clock to secure the victory.
Burbank falls to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in Arroyo League play, while La Cañada improved to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in league action.The Bulldogs will look to strengthen their CIF Southern Section playoff hopes when they face Muir at Pasadena City College on Thursday night in Week 9. La Cañada will travel to Monrovia on Friday night with an opportunity to clinch the Arroyo League title.
