Southern Section Football : Burbank Cashes In on a Tip, 12-7

In a game that will not be remembered for its style, it was fitting that the winning touchdown was scored on a deflected pass.

Fortunately for Burbank High, senior Patrick Blazon was able to pull in the pass in question--a 17-yarder from Jeremy Sparks--with 5:11 left to provide the Bulldogs with a 12-7 win over Hoover.

Thursday’s game at Burroughs was the season opener for both schools.

“It sure wasn’t pretty,” Burbank Coach Randy Stage said. “But you know what? I kinda like having more points on the board at the end of the game.”

That nearly wasn’t the case. Burbank fumbled three times in the second half, one of which led to Hoover’s only touchdown.

After Alvaro Cubillas recovered a Burbank fumble at the Bulldog 11-yard line, tailback Curtis Kang threw a four-yard option pass to Andre Clarizio for a touchdown with four seconds left in the third quarter. David Bronner’s point-after conversion gave Hoover a 7-6 lead.

Burbank had scored the first touchdown on a two-yard Nelson Randin run in the second quarter.

There were bright spots for Burbank, including Sparks. The senior completed 11 of 17 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown.

Senior Bryan Miclette had six receptions for 85 yards.