MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(Glendale) – The John Burroughs Bears came from behind to beat the host Crescenta Valley Falcons Friday evening, 37-35, at Glendale High’s Moyse Stadium.

This contest was for a share of the second spot in the Pacific League, and a potential CIF Playoff berth. With all of this on the line, the play on the field did not disappoint.

Burroughs wasted little time getting in the scoring column. After successfully recovering an onside kick attempt on the opening kickoff, the Bears drove down the field and scored on a 1-yard touchdown blast by Matteo Tarca. The PAT was successfully converted by Braden Turner, making the score 7-0 with 9:35 remaining in the opening quarter.

Crescenta Valley answered by putting together a 12 play, 85-yard scoring drive, which cumulated in a 19-yard completion from quarterback Dominic Saris to running back Leonidas Grant. The PAT was added by Bryce Alonzo, tying the score at 7-7, with 3:04 remaining in the period.

Crescenta Valley took the lead in the second quarter, thanks to a 5-yard score by Daniel Lopez. A second Alonzo PAT made the score 14-7 with 9:07 remaining in the opening half. Burroughs tied the score a short time later, as quarterback Mingus Allen connected with tight end Rocco Melillo for a 27-yard TD strike. Another Turner PAT knotted it up at 14 with 5:49 left on the halftime clock. The Falcons took the lead with :15 remaining before the break, when Grant hit pay dirt on a 22-yard scoring rush. Alonzo added a third PAT, making the score 21-14. Burroughs last attempt of the half was stopped by Stefano Kim, who sacked Allen for a 7-yard loss as the first half came to an end.

The scoring display continued into the third quarter. Burroughs opened the quarter when Tarca scored his second rushing TD of the evening, a 24- yard dash. The extra point was unsuccessful, making the score 21-20. The Bears took the lead a short time later, when Tarca scored for the third time on a 9-yard blast. The 2- point conversion attempt was no good, making the score 26-21, with 6:38 remaining in the period.

CV answered, as Grant added to his totals with a 20-yard score. Another Alonzo PAT made the score 28-26. Burroughs added another score in the third, as Tarca scored for the third time on a 6-yard scoot. The 2-Point PAT attempt, a pass from Allen to Melillo, was a success, making the score 34-28 with 1:11 remaining in the third quarter.

CV took the lead early in the game’s final quarter, when Grant scored his third rushing TD of the evening on a 33-yard touchdown scamper. Another Alonzo PAT made the score 35-34 with 10:54 to play. Burroughs next possession sealed the game, as the Bears put together a 16 play, 82-yard drive which ended with an 18-yard Braden Turner field goal. This made the final score 37-35.

These teams will continue their Pacific League campaign next Friday. The Bears will travel to Pasadena to meet the Bulldogs, while the Falcons travel to Burbank, coincidentally, to play the Bulldogs. Game time for both contests is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.