Muir celebrates its first victory of 2015. (Photo by Doug Brown)
By Adam Monte
(Burbank)—After upsetting defending Southeast Division champions Crescenta Valley last Friday, the Burbank Bulldogs were looking like the team to beat in the Pacific League, however what seemed like a cakewalk match up Friday night ended as a 21-20 upset victory over the visiting Muir Mustangs who had yet to win a game.
After a scoreless first quarter the Bulldogs got on the board twice in a row. First, early in second quarter after a five-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Guy Gibbs who connected with junior wide receiver Forrest Fajardo.
Second, after multiple defensive stands held the Mustangs, Burbank would go on to score again with less than five minutes left in the half sophomore running back Darnell Williams punched in on a five-yard run to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead.
Muir began its rally 90 ticks remaining in the half. Mustang quarterback Joe Knowles found Elijah Blades for a 12-yard touchdown pass (the PAT was blocked). This was followed by a score with 0.6 seconds left in the half when Jordan Baker would pick up a Gibbs fumble at the 50 yard line and took it in for the tying score. The visitors added the deuce on Jonathan Stevens run and the contest was tied at the break.
The Mustangs struck again early in the third quarter when Knowles would found Jamal Tims open down field this time for a 61-yard score to take a 21-14 lead.
Burbank scored once more early in the fourth quarter when Gibbs found Fajardo on a 35-yard touchdown, however a bad snap derailed the point after and Muir held to a slim 21-20 advantage.
After trading punts the Bulldogs found themselves in a position to take the lead but a 42-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left and a fumble during a run in the red zone killed another.
Burbank had one final chance after a blocked punt. At the Muir 20 with 25 seconds to go in the game but on third down Gibbs was sacked and time expired.
***Knowles would finish the game passing 9 of 28 for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns
***Bulldogs Guy Gibbs finished 10 of 18 for 107 yards and 2 touchdowns
***Burbanks Miguel Vasquez recovered a fumble when Muir was deep in bulldog territory deep during Muir’s opening drive.
***Andrew Reyes rushes leads the Bulldogs in rushing with 11 carries for 82 yards, while Forest Fajardo led Bulldog receivers with 4 catches for 55 yards and 2 touchdowns.
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