Chase Center breaks off a long run in the second quarter against Burroughs. Center would finish with 148 yards on the ground and two scores.
By Vincent PAGE
In their first matchup of the season, which seemed to have major Pacific League implications, the Crescenta Valley High School Falcons trounced the Burroughs High School football team 42-19. The win advanced the Falcons in the rankings, and CV now holds the top spot in the CIF Southern Section rankings for their division.
The takeaway from the victory against Burroughs was how balanced an attack this Falcons offense has under head coach Hudson Gossard. In weeks past, the team emphasized the run with little regard for the passing game. But it was much more evident this past week, even if quarterback Chase Center threw only 12 times for 103 yards.
The Falcons’ ground game was dominant again. In years past, the running game struggled against Burroughs as the Falcons’ rival usually had a brutal defensive front.
But this year the Falcons totaled 311 yards on the ground. Running back Maximus Grant, after being limited last week against Pasadena, announced his presence loudly with 11 carries for 150 yards. His highlight of the night was an 85-yard touchdown run that came following an interception by standout senior Angel Ochoa.
As always, Center was key for the running game on top of his duties in the passing game. He ran in for two touchdowns as well, and carried the ball 16 times for another 148 yards of offense.
The duo of Center and Grant has amassed 779 rushing yards so far this season, and led the most potent ground game in the entire Pacific League.
Wide receiver Colby Rees performed well, too, catching the ball four times for 70 yards and two touchdowns. When the Falcons do decide to pass, Rees is oftentimes the go-to receiver for Center.
On defense, the entire unit was phenomenal. Burroughs has been dynamic on offense this entire season, but the Falcons were able to shut them out in the first half. That was the first time this season Burroughs failed to score before halftime, and the Falcons remained dominant throughout the rest of the game, despite giving up 223 passing yards to Burroughs quarterback Nick Garcia.
Halfway through the year, the Falcons sit at 5-0 atop the Pacific League. They’ll play host to Burbank this week, which is 2-0 in League play. It could very well be the highest scoring game of the season for the Falcons, as Burbank has been one of the most dynamic offenses in the Pacific League aside Crescenta Valley.
The Falcons will return home to Moyse Field for this game, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4.
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