The John Burroughs High School Drama Association is proud to announce its Fall Play, “Everybody,” will take the Burroughs stage in November. A moving modern retelling of the 15th-century morality play Everyman, the production is based on the play by Tony Award® winning playwright, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
What happens when Death comes calling—and you don’t know who you’ll be when it does?
In this bold, funny, and deeply moving modern retelling of the 15th-century morality play Everyman, “Everybody” takes audiences on a journey through life’s greatest mystery: what it means to be alive. The play centers around the character Everybody who is summoned by Death. In each performance, cast roles are assigned by a live onstage lottery—meaning every performance is a new experience where anybody could become Everybody. Along the way, allegorical figures like Friendship, Stuff, and Love join the journey, revealing what truly matters when we face the end.
Playful, unpredictable, and profoundly human, “Everybody” invites us to laugh, reflect, and wonder at the randomness of existence itself. “Everybody” stars members of the JBHS Drama Department in various roles—it is never the same show twice!
Directed by Elizabeth Meberg, “Everybody” hits the Burroughs stage on Friday, November 21 at 7:00pm with additional performances on Saturday, November 22 at 7:00pm and Sunday, November 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets are on sale now and available here!
About the John Burroughs High School Drama Association:
Since 2008, the John Burroughs High School Drama Association has made incredible strides in expanding its theater program, earning numerous accolades along the way. The number of drama classes, including Drama 1, Drama 2, Musical Theater, and Play Production, has more than doubled, student enrollment is at an all-time high, and audience turnout for shows continues to grow year after year.
In addition to the program’s growth, the Drama department partners closely with the JBHS Vocal Music Association (VMA) and talented tech program (Stagecraft) to manage the VAPA programs’ vast array of sets, props, costumes, and materials. The drama department also collaborates with the instrumental music program, photography students, as well as other campus programs — each playing a vital role in bringing their productions to life.
Each year, JBHS Drama produces three mainstage productions, participates in the Holiday Spectacular, hosts two scene showcases in our classroom blackbox theatre, and competes in numerous drama festivals and competitions, all while continuing our commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the performing arts.
Burbank knocked off Burroughs 62-14 in the Big Game at Memorial Field. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
On a crispy and clear Thursday night when the Burbank High football team defeated Burroughs 62-14 in the 77th meeting at Memorial Field in the Pacific League finale, Steven Hubbell was attired in jeans and a gray Burbank High hoodie.
Hubbell, a Burroughs graduate who is now Burbank’s principal, is neutral when it comes to pulling for one school over the other.
“It is a great game for the city and many people have emotions that run higher at this time,” he said. “I have friends on both sides of the field. As I get older, emotions are not the same because I don’t want to ruin a friendship over a game.”
Others from Hubbell’s family who have graduated from Burroughs include his mother Elena in 1961, brother Darren in 1984, son William in 2022, son Ethan in 2024, niece Ashley in 2006, niece Amanda in 2009, nephew D.J. in 2018 and nephew Steven in 2016.
Now that’s a long line of family members graduating from one high school.
Hubbell knows sometimes you have to support the players, regardless of which school they attend.
Steven Hubbell graduated from Burroughs and is Burbank’s principal and is neutral when it comes to the rivalry. (Photo by Rick Assad)
“I will never separate my feelings from Burroughs. I have too many friends there. What I can say is that I’m going to support my Bulldog athletes every time they are competing,” he said. “We make this Burroughs/Burbank rivalry bigger than it should be. I want each and every athlete to get the most out of sports and hopefully, if they are lucky, play at the next level.”
But when it comes to his sons, Hubbell, who was the Luther Burbank Middle School principal from 2022 to 2025, is going to pull for their teams.
“I am always going to be in my sons’ corner no matter where they are. At this time both my sons are playing college sports, and I wear their colors when I watch them,” he said. “When they were at Burroughs, I wore red. Now it is purple for San Francisco State University and maroon for Pasadena City College.”
Hubbell, who was Burbank’s AP of Discipline and AP of Athletics and Activities from 2017 to 2019 and Burroughs’ AP of Athletics, Guidance, and Instruction from 2019 to 2022, said it’s much better to play the longtime rivalry down the middle.
“Yes, at times I want to be neutral, but over time I want my team to win,” he said. “My team is the BHS Bulldogs now.”
Hubbell even offered some advice on how to wade through rivalries.
“I have seen many colleagues do this before and it is not as tough as many would think,” he offered. “I, like many colleagues, support the students we teach and work with daily. I’m not thinking of this as this school or that school. I’m thinking of what students I’m working with now and how I’m there for them.”
Tony Sanchez caught five passes for 98 yards for Burroughs, which lost 34-28 to Crescenta Valley. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
In a Pacific League football game that Burroughs High lost to Crescenta Valley at Memorial Field on Friday night by six points, it was clear that the second half was exceedingly better than the first.
And maybe that’s something positive to build upon for what will be the regular-season finale against city rival Burbank next Friday at 7 p.m.
The Bears trailed 14-0 after the first quarter and 21-7 at halftime but outscored the Falcons 21-13 across the last two periods and lost 34-28.
Burroughs junior quarterback Brandon Chapparo delivered a 14-yard scoring run with 11:45 left in the second quarter that made it 14-7 and finalized a 59-yard, nine-play drive.
Burroughs (3-6 and 3-3 in league) started to heat up as it drove 72 yards and consumed just three plays as Chapparo found wide receiver Tony Sanchez (98 yards on five receptions) with a short pass, but the speedy junior raced 61 yards and crossed the goal line with 6:13 remaining in the third frame that sliced Crescenta Valley’s lead to 27-14.
When sophomore running back/defensive back Troy Acosta plunged into the end zone from two yards, capping a six-play, 27-yard drive, the Bears drew within 34-21. The score was made possible after a Falcon fumble was recovered by junior linebacker Ryder Bowne.
With thirty-four seconds left in the contest, backup quarterback, junior Sean Gahman (two of four for 56 yards and one interception) tossed a 47-yard scoring strike to Acosta that trimmed the deficit to six points, but time ran out.
Hard-running junior Sho Fujita had 45 yards on 18 carries for the Bears. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Sho Fujita, a junior running back/defensive back who has carried the rushing load for much of the season because junior running back/defensive back Carson Shrode has been injured with an ankle problem and who recently injured his left knee in a game against host Muir, had 45 yards on 18 carries for the Bears.
Chapparo was also effective as he ran for 52 yards on 10 carries and added 118 yards passing on eight of 14 attempts with an interception.
Jose Calzadilla is the Bears’ first-year head coach and gave credit to both teams.
“Crescenta Valley had a great game plan. We struggled in the first half to adjust,” he admitted. “We did a better job in the second half, but too little, too late. But I liked that our guys continued to fight. Even down the way we were.”
Senior wide receiver/defensive back Brandon Smith had a spectacular, diving interception for the Bears just before halftime.
Crescenta Valley (5-4 and 3-3 in league) employed a potent running game as sophomore running back/linebacker Ethan Martinez tallied three rushing scores and senior running back/tight end/linebacker Daniel Lopez chimed in with two scoring runs.
The Falcons tallied two touchdowns in the first stanza as Martinez ended a 62-yard, five-play march with a five-yard run and 7:19 left that made it 7-0.
Crescenta Valley forged ahead 14-0 on a 39-yard scoring dash from Lopez and 3:27 remaining on the clock as the visitors drove 60 yards on four plays.
Lopez then added a 27-yard burst that capped a 69-yard, nine-play trek with 6:55 left before halftime that made it 21-7.
A six-yard scurry by Martinez increased the margin to 27-7 and 7:57 left in the third period that ended a 55-yard, six-play march.
Crescenta Valley then marched 81 yards and consumed nine plays as it led 34-14 as Martinez ripped off a 42-yard gallop.
It was a battle between Providence and Burroughs, which prevailed in four sets. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
On Wednesday evening at its home gymnasium, the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team took on Providence in what turned out to be an exciting four-set match.
The Bears dropped the opening game to the Pioneers, but steadily and surely grabbed three straight sets and claimed a 25-27, 25-23, 25-12, 25-20 victory.
Khloe Pavia set the offensive tone and was supported by senior opposite hitter Isabela Hanson, junior middle blocker Zoe Davis and sophomore outside hitter Amelia Walsh.
“I think after the first set we really cleaned up our passing,” said Pavia, a senior middle blocker. “We were also doing a great job defending and getting a lot of balls up. I think we did a great job of sticking together as a team and uplifting each other after that first set.”
In the deciding set, the Pioneers broke ahead 3-0 on a winner from junior Nasiyah Chapman.
The Bears (24-8) rallied and led 8-7 on a kill from junior outside hitter Trinity Taylan and then pulled ahead 12-11 and 13-11 on consecutive aces from junior defensive specialist Joanna Brain.
The Pioneers show emotion after winning a point versus the Bears. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Brain’s service winner made it 15-11 and at this point Burroughs seized control as it forged ahead 17-12 on Pavia’s kill.
Walsh’s rocket made it 18-13 and then 21-13 on a block from senior opposite hitter Leila Lazaar.
Taylan’s kill increased the margin to 23-15 but Providence drew within 23-19 and 24-19 on aces from junior Zoe Barrows.
The Pioneers (20-12) came within 24-20 on a hitting error by Taylan but a lightning bolt from Davis made it three straight games and the match.
Burroughs head coach Edwin Real knows his team was in for a fight.
“It was competitive. Providence came to play,” he said. “We kept our composure, and I was happy to see other girls contribute.”
The opening game was a back-and-forth struggle as it was knotted eight times including 25-25 after a push from Chapman.
What occurred next were points made when Lazaar hit into the net and another tapper from Chapman that gave the Pioneers the set.
Providence pulled in front 4-0 on consecutive service winners from Chapman but Burroughs outscored the visitors 11-5 for an 11-9 advantage.
During this impressive run, Pavia contributed two kills for a 9-6 lead and a 10-7 advantage.
Burroughs led 16-13 on an ace from sophomore defensive specialist Kylee Beveridge, 19-14 on a co-stuff from Hanson and Davis and 21-19 on Pavia’s dagger.
The second set witnessed the Pioneers taking a 3-0 lead on an ace from sophomore Daniella Aves and then pulling in front 6-1 on an ace from Chapman.
The defense really sparkled for the Bears against the Pioneers, but both teams played well. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
The Bears roared back and tied it at 11-11 on a block from Davis.
Continuing its solid play, Burroughs took a 17-12 lead on a kill from Pavia and led 20-15 on Pavia’s winner.
Pavia was at it again as she added another spike that made it 23-18 and the game was nabbed on Taylan’s kill.
Game three once again began well for Providence which led 2-0 on a kill from junior Gianna La Fontaine.
Burroughs responded with a 9-2 spurt and led 9-4 on a block from Hanson.
It became 15-6 on a spike from Taylan and it was 18-7 on a push from Davis. Pavia’s kill made it 24-12 and Pavia’s tapper was the game-winner.
Sam Tozlian is Providence’s head coach and was pleased with the effort his team brought to the match.
“I like how free we were playing. The girls came in with no pressure and low expectations and so they were able to play up to the level of Burroughs,” he said. “I also liked how we rebounded in that last set after the dismal showing in the third set.”
Burroughs swept visiting Burbank in the Pacific League finale, but it was hard-fought. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
On Senior Night seven upperclassmen started for the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team on Tuesday evening versus visiting and longtime city rival Burbank.
They were middle blocker Khloe Pavia, outside hitter Sienna Lay, setter Savana Lay, opposite hitter Isabela Hanson, opposite hitter Leila Lazaar, defensive specialist Andrea Slobig and setter Talia Grandinetti and each had a hand in the 25-12, 25-18, 25-21 sweep in the Pacific League finale.
Up next is the CIF Southern Section playoffs for those teams selected.
Pavia and Sienna Lay stood out offensively but the others contributed in many ways.
Edwin Real is the Burroughs head coach and enjoyed what he witnessed.
“It was fun watching the kids perform together. No matter who we had on the court, they all had fun on and off the court,” he said. “It was good to see Burbank playing hard until the end.”
The Bears (23-8 and 13-1 in league for first place) assumed control of the third set by pulling ahead 5-1 on an ace from Slobig.
The effort was there for the Bulldogs, but the Bears prevailed in three sets in the last Pacific League match of the season. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Savanna Lay’s push made it 8-5 and when Lazaar tossed in a perfectly timed block, the home team forged ahead 13-8.
A kill from junior middle blocker Zoe Davis handed the Bears a 17-12 cushion and Savanna Lay’s back-to-back service winners made it 19-12 as the Bulldogs (12-20 and 6-8 in league for fifth place) needed a stoppage in play.
Lazaar’s kill saw the Bears march ahead 23-19 and Lazaar’s clean stuff made it 24-18.
Sophomore outside hitter Amelia Walsh’s spike made the set and match official.
The opening game once again witnessed the Bears sprinting to a quick lead, this time 7-1 on a winner from Davis.
Sienna Lay’s kill made it 11-3 and a Davis service ace extended the margin to 14-4. Sienna Lay’s spike then made it 17-7 and her ace pushed the Bears in front 18-7.
“I thought our energy was great and it was quite a way to end the league part of the season,” Lay stated. “We’re super ready to go into the playoffs and we’re hyped.”
Savana Lay’s service winner made it 21-10 as Burbank requested and received a stoppage in play.
Savana Lay then added an ace to make it 23-10 and the game was over when Pavia hammered home a spike.
“It was super fun to end my Pacific League career with a win, especially against our rivals,” Pavia said. “I loved starting with all the other seniors. It was a really great moment.”
Burbank’s Emerson Chong gets off the floor for the point, but Burroughs’ Alex Hammeke tries to block the shot. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
The middle set saw the Bears jump ahead 8-4 on a kill from Pavia and 11-7 on a winner from middle blocker Alex Hammeke.
After Hanson’s push the lead swelled to 14-9 and then 16-11 on a kill from Pavia.
Lazaar’s winner made it 18-11 in favor of the Bears.
The Bulldogs rallied as a kill from junior middle blocker Madison Yosh sliced the lead to 18-12.
Yosh’s service winner trimmed the deficit to 21-17 but a kill from Lazaar made it 22-17.
Carmen Camacho-Platas is Burbank’s first year head coach and was pleased with the effort and focus of her squad.
“I’m happy that the girls were able to gain more control as the match went on,” she said. “I felt Burroughs played a stronger match than the first time we saw them and that we improved as well.”
Camacho-Platas praised some of her younger players and some of her more experienced players.
“Our two freshmen, [outside hitter/right side hitter] Emerson Chong and [middle blocker/right side hitter] Samantha Yosh got some great kills against them,” she said. “I was also proud of how our seniors, [setter] Grace O’Connor, [outside hitter] Anya Oganyan and [outside hitter] Reagan Shchur played. Our fourth senior, [outside hitter/right side hitter] Lorin Azizian was passing really well before she got injured in the first set “
Camacho-Platas added: “Anya was able to get some great passes and kills that energized her teammates,” he continued. “Our [junior] libero Chloe Gallager was in the line of fire for a lot of strong swings from Burroughs side, and she played good defense by covering her teammates. I was especially excited to see the girls having fun and playing hard in the last set.”
Junior outside hitter Trinity Taylan added two points for the Bears as it became 23-17 and 24-17 before Savana Lay’s push sealed the second game.
Burroughs quarterback Brandon Chapparo scored two rushing touchdowns in a 21-10 win over Hoover. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
Spotting the hosts a 10-point halftime advantage looked precarious for the Burroughs High football team on Friday evening.
It turned out just fine as the visitors erased that deficit versus Hoover and tallied three second-half touchdowns and in the process secured a 21-10 decision in a Pacific League game.
Burroughs first-year head coach Jose Calzadilla explained what happened during the second half turnaround.
“Our kids were disappointed with their effort in the first half. But some adversity can be a good thing. The ability to overcome that is a lesson every team should learn,” he said. “Our guys did that tonight. I’m proud of them.”
Calzadilla added: “The kids came out in the second half and did what they had to do to win,” he said. “That’s all I could ask for.”
Over the last two games, Burroughs has forced five turnovers and the result is two victories.
Keith Recchia is the defensive coordinator and sees marked improvement.
Bears junior running back Sho Fujita carried the ball 20 times and gained 109 yards in a triumph over the Tornadoes. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
“I felt our guys stepped up, limited their mistakes, and tackled well. Hoover had run five different offenses this year so we were not sure what we were going to see,” he explained. “Having patience on our side benefited us and our guys did a great job adjusting. Getting five turnovers in two games helps build confidence.”
All three Burroughs scores were garnered via the ground attack and was spearheaded by quarterback Brandon Chapparo, who scored one touchdown in the third quarter and one in the fourth period.
Chapparo’s 12-yard scoring run came with 9:08 left and trimmed Hoover’s lead to 10-7.
The score came after senior wide receiver/cornerback Brandan Smith intercepted senior quarterback A.J. Francisco that gave the ball to Burroughs (3-4 and 3-1 in league) at the Hoover 29-yard line.
Four plays moved the ball 17 yards before Chaparro, a junior, who carried the ball 14 times for 88 yards, waltzed into the end zone.
A time-consuming 90-yard, 11-play march saw the Bears run the ball each play as junior running back/cornerback Sho Fujita, who added a game-best 109 yards on 20 carries, had five rushes for 29 yards and Chapparo added three carries for 35 yards including the score for a 21-10 advantage as 6:26 remained.
The middle tally was made possible after a fumble on a pitch from Francisco to junior fullback/outside linebacker Dveen Aghanian as Burroughs received the ball at the Hoover 38.
The key gain on the six-play march was Chapparo’s 11-yard keeper and Fujita delivered four rushes for 14 yards before junior running back/cornerback Carson Shrode, who finished with 38 yards on eight carries, burst into the end zone from 13 yards with 4:06 left in the third quarter for a 14-10 lead.
Brandon Chapparo ran for 88 yards on 14 rushes and two sores as the Bears beat the Tornadoes 21-10. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
“Our run game continues to evolve. We need to find new ways to help our quarterback,” Calzadilla said. “That’s on me. I will handle that.”
Chaparro passed for 115 yards on 11 of 19 attempts but had two interceptions.
Hoover (2-5 and 0-4 in league) took a 3-0 lead on a 28-yard field goal from junior wide receiver/kicker Jack Coopersmith with 4:18 remaining in the initial period.
The 61-yard, eight-play march was assisted by a 46-yard double pass from Francisco to junior wide receiver Angelo Bailey who then drilled junior quarterback/free safety Elliott Nussbaum that placed the ball on the Burroughs 26-yard line.
The Tornadoes moved in front 10-0 with 43 seconds left before halftime as Francisco hit Aghanian with an eight-yard pass that completed a two-play march and was made possible after senior wide receiver/cornerback Arman Asaduriyan picked off Chapparo and returned the errant toss 51 yards.
Recchia said his unit played well.
“We stuck to our game plan. I feel we played great in the first half. They had one big play to start the game that put them in field goal range, but from that moment our defense did a great job limiting opportunities,” he said. “Their touchdown came after a turnover that gave them the ball inside our 10-yard line, which is hard for any team to pull off a stop.”
The next game Burroughs plays will be Muir which is undefeated in league on Thursday with a 7:00 p.m. start time.
Burroughs and Burbank faced off, and the Bulldogs prevailed 19-11. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
Avvo Ilangesyan and Jack Bebelyan accounted for the bulk of goals scored by the Burbank High boys’ water team in a match versus Burroughs on Thursday afternoon.
Between the two they accounted for 15 goals including 10 tallies from Illangesyan as the Bulldogs powered past the Bears 19-11 in a Pacific League regular season finale and Senior Night.
Burbank (10-12 and 4-4 in league) never trailed and pulled ahead 6-3 after the first quarter and led 12-6 at halftime at the Burroughs pool.
The Bulldogs were outscored 5-2 in the third period and led 17-9 heading to the fourth period.
Next is the Pacific League tournament in which all the schools participate and then the CIF Southern Section playoffs for those who qualify.
David Arakelyan played water polo at Burroughs and is the Burbank head coach..
“I thought that this was one of the best games we played all season,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s a sign of peaking at the right time. We communicated and controlled the game throughout the majority, especially working around getting [Nicola Nasev] excluded out of the game, who was likely their best player.”
Jack Bebelyan had five goals for the Bulldogs who led from start to finish. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Nicolas Oporta, Lincoln Morrow and Matthew Rodriguez all tallied three goals for the Bears.
Burbank scored the first two goals of the initial period as Ilangesyan nailed a five-meter penalty throw with 5:29 to make it 1-0.
Bebelayn, a senior, added a five-footer with 4:42 left for a 2-0 lead and a tally from seven feet at 4:05 that made it 4-2.
The Bears scored two of the next three goals as Oporta hit a five-footer with 4:20 left that sliced the lead to 2-1.
Aaron Sotolongo drilled an eight-footer with 3:52 left that lowered Burbank’s lead to 3-2.
Ilangesyan, a junior, tossed in back-to-back tallies from close range and came with 2:34 left for a 4-2 lead and 2:01 for a 5-2 edge.
Morrow’s five-meter penalty throw came with thirty-five seconds and lowered the Burbank lead to 5-2.
When Ilangesyan nailed a five-footer with six seconds left, the advantage swelled to 6-3.
Burroughs (4-12 and 3-5 in league) scored three of the first four goals to begin the second period.
They were converted by Morrow on a seven-footer with 5:54 left that narrowed the lead to 6-4 and Morrow then nailed a 10-footer with 4:55 left that cut the deficit to 7-5.
The Bears fought hard but were outscored in three of the four quarters. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Ilangesyan’s five-meter penalty toss with 5:15 showing made it a 7-4 cushion.
Burbank closed the frame by making five goals and they were made by Babelyan on a 12-footer with 3:57 left for an 8-6 lead and then drilling a five-meter penalty throw with 1:56 on the clock for a 9-6 margin.
Burbank sophomore Daniel Gemdzhyan’s tally with 1:02 left made it 10-6.
A throw from Ilangesyan with twenty-four seconds remaining increased the lead to 11-6.
Senior Michael Bakrgyan unloaded a 25-footer as time ran out for a 12-6 cushion.
The Bulldogs outscored the Bears 5-2 in the third frame and three goals were tallied by Ilangesyan and came with 4:49 left for a 13-7 lead and 4:24 that made it 14-7. Ilangesyan’s rocket with 2:24 left saw Burbank scurry ahead 16-8.
Bakrgyan’s seven-footer with 3:02 left made it 15-7 and Bebelyan’s 18-footer with twenty-one seconds on the clock increased the lead to 17-8.
Landon Quiambao’s close range shot in the third period for the Bears sliced the lead to 12-7 as 6:37 remained.
Rodriguez added a 10-footer with 2:51 left that reduced the lead to 15-8.
In the fourth period, Oporta tossed in two goals with the first coming on a five-meter penalty shot at 4:47 that sliced the lead to 18-9 and added another five-meter toss with 2:24 left that sliced the lead to 18-11.
Rodriguez’s 20-footer with 3:07 remaining cut the lead to 18-10.
Bakrgyan’s point blank attempt and 6:06 on the ticker made it 18-8 and Ilangesyan closed out the match with a five-footer and 1:33 left that made it an eight-goal deficit.
“All around I thought we did well. Everybody was involved in the offense. There was a lot of good ball movement and finding the right guys,” Arakelyan said. “We’re looking forward to the Pacific League tournament, where we hope to make another run for the league title.”
Burroughs led briefly and rallied late but it wasn’t enough against Hoover. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
An early first quarter lead evaporated but a late rally in the fourth period made it somewhat interesting for the Burroughs High boys’ water polo team in a Pacific League match versus host Hoover.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Tornadoes took out the Bears 15-10 despite allowing six goals in the last frame.
Nicolas Oporta, who led the Bears (3-8 and 0-2 in league) with four goals, had three tallies in the fourth quarter and Lucas Spratt, a junior varsity player who was called up to the varsity, accounted for two goals in the final period.
Armen Tarakhchyan and David Tarkhchyan each powered in five goals for the Tornadoes (9-7 and 2-0 in league).
The pair combined for six of the nine goals in the second half as the hosts outshot the visitors 19-13 over that stretch. Hoover outshot Burroughs 32-26 overall.
Robert Tovmasyan added two goals for Hoover with one coming in the third and fourth periods.
The score after one period was 2-2 and 6-3 in favor of Hoover at the intermission. The Tornadoes marched in front 11-6 after three frames.
Burroughs’ Nicola Nasev scored from seven feet with 5:01 left in the fourth period that cut the lead to 12-5.
The Bears outscored the Tornadoes 6-4 in the fourth quarter and lost 15-10 in a Pacific League match. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Oporta added a clever follow-up from five feet with 4:13 left making it 12-6.
Oporta’s five-footer with 3:27 remaining sliced it to 13-7.
When Oporta nailed a 12-footer with 1:49 left on the ticker, the Bears came within 14-8.
Spratt’s 12-footer with 1:49 on the clock sliced the advantage to 14-9 and Spratt’s 14-footer narrowed the margin to five goals.
In the opening frame, Matthew Rodriguez slipped in a seven-footer as 5:23 was left for a 1-0 advantage.
When Nasev found the range from 16 feet and 4:00 left on the clock, the Bears pulled ahead 2-0.
The Bears’ only goal in the second period came from Lincoln Morrow as 7.8 seconds remained and the visitors trailed 6-3.
The lone goal in the third frame for Burroughs came with 3:10 on the clock as Oporta unloaded a short toss that trimmed the lead to 8-4.
Armen Tarakhchyan’s five-foot goal with 2:19 left in the first period cut the lead to 2-1 and David Tarkhchyan’s five-meter penalty toss with 12.9 seconds remaining evened it at 2-2.
With 4:48 left in the second period, a 10-footer from Arthur Tarkchyan saw the Tornadoes dash ahead 3-2.
Armen Tarakhchyan’s point-blank shot thirty-nine seconds later made it 4-2 and with 2:59 left Tigran Gharibyan’s 10-footer increased the lead to 5-2.
David Tarkhchyan’s tally with 1:49 remaining in the first half made it 6-2.
The Tornadoes outscored the Bears 5-1 in the third period as Arthur Tarkhchyan drilled a 10-footer with 5:32 left for a 7-3 cushion and Tovmasyan added a 12-footer with 4:20 remaining for an 8-3 cushion.
David Tarkhchyan tossed in a five-meter penalty throw with 2:58 remaining on the ticker for a 9-4 lead.
Armen Tarakhchyan threw in a seven-footer with 1:06 left for a 10-4 advantage and David Tarkhcyan had a breakaway tally with 37.5 seconds left for a seven-goal margin.
In the fourth period, Armen Tarakhchyan had a five-foot goal with 3:48 left for a 13-6 lead and added a seven-footer with 33.8 seconds left that made it 15-9.
Tovmasyan’s five-footer with 5:20 remaining made it 12-4 and David Tarkhchyan’s six-footer with 2:12 on the clock made it 14-7.
Burroughs, pictured in an earlier game, faced Pasadena and lost. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
For the second game in a row, the Burroughs High football team allowed more than fifty points, played better in the second half and it wasn’t nearly enough.
On this Friday night, Burroughs fell to Pasadena 54-14 in the Pacific League opener at Memorial Field and like the Bears’ setback to Los Altos eight days ago, had more energy in the second half as they scored both touchdowns across the final 24 minutes.
Sho Fujita was a bright spot as the junior running back had 167 yards on 31 carries for Burroughs (0-4 and 0-1 in league).
Fujita’s two-yard carry with 2:30 left in the third quarter cut the lead to 35-7 that capped an 80-yard, 13-play march.
Jose Calzadilla is Burroughs first-year head coach and likes what he saw in his talented back.
“Sho was great. So proud of him. Stepping up and running the football for us,” he said. “He runs hard and never shies away from contact. He’s evolving as a runner.”
Junior quarterback Sean Ghaman (eight for 21 and 97 yards with three interceptions) delivered a 34-yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver Brendan Smith (39 yards on two receptions) with 7:56 left in the fourth quarter that ended an eight-play, 72-yard drive that sliced the lead to 41-14.
Calzadilla knows that his team is young.
“For us it’s about eliminating mistakes,” he said. “It cost us drives and scoring opportunities. That will be a great measure of this team. How they grow by playing as mistake free as possible.’
Pasadena (2-2 and 1-0 in league) led 8-0 after the opening frame and pulled ahead 28-0 at the intermission.
The Bulldogs pulled in front 35-7 entering the fourth period and capped the night by outscoring the Bears 19-7 in the fourth period.
Pasadena junior quarterback Dutch Burbidge accounted for 288 yards on 18 of 25 with four scoring passes and two rushing touchdowns.
Ron Jones is the Pasadena head coach.
“I liked the fact we won the game. I saw some good things from young players on both offense and defense,” he said. “Still don’t think we are executing as well as we can.”
The Bulldogs made it 6-0 with 4:09 left in the initial frame when Burbidge found senior wide receiver/defensive back Sebastian Clark (21 yards on two catches) with a 12-yard pass that finalized a 73-yard, 10-play drive.
Late in the frame after a punt was blocked and it rolled into the end zone, the visitors led 8-0 on a safety.
Early in the second period, Burbidge added a 16-yard scoring run as it became 14-0.
Roughly four minutes later, the Bulldogs’ advantage ballooned to 20-0 after senior defensive back Michael Ambrose returned an interception 71 yards.
With less than a minute remaining in the second period, Burbidge unloaded a 69-yard scoring strike to senior wide receiver Kyle Robertson (92 yards on three receptions) and Burbidge spotted freshman tight end Delano King for the two-point conversion to make it 28-0.
When Burbidge connected with King (36 yards on two catches) on a 22-yard pass play and 10:26 left in the third quarter the lead became 35-0 that ended a 70-yard march.
Burbidge added his second scoring run of the night as he carried the ball into the end zone from 17 yards as 11:46 remained in the fourth period for a 41-7 edge that capped an 11-play, 70-yard excursion.
With 5:52 left in the game Burbidge added a 35-yard scoring toss to freshman wide receiver/defensive back Damari Pitts (99 yards on six catches) for a 48-14 lead that closed a 46-yard trek.
King’s 97-yard interception return as time ran out made it a forty-point lead.
Burroughs will next play a league game on Thursday night at Arcadia with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Burroughs, pictured in a previous game, lost to Los Altos. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
Only one possession late in the second quarter proved successful for the Burroughs High football team on Thursday night against host Los Altos.
That clearly wasn’t enough as the Bears lost 52-7 for a third straight setback this season.
Junior running back Sho Fujita had a seven-yard run with 47 seconds left that capped an 85-yard, nine-play march that sliced the lead to 45-7.
Burroughs first-year coach Jose Calzadilla believes the season is salvageable.
“This is another example of our young team learning hard lessons. The hope is this will benefit us as we start the [Pacific] League,” he said of his team that is 0-3. “Our offensive line is still not solidified because of injuries. We’re hoping to get that settled this week.”
The Bears have also had trouble tackling in the open field for much of the early season and it’s hoped the problem will be solved.
The Conquerors built a 24-0 advantage after the first quarter and led 45-7 at halftime.
Burroughs’ first possession ended with a punt and was followed by a punt being blocked. Back-to-back punts were next, junior quarterback Brandon Chapparo tossed an interception and then the Bears scored a touchdown.
Los Altos (3-0) employed a seven-play march that covered 56 yards and ended with a 17-yard scoring pass from senior quarterback Diego Castillo, who accounted for four touchdowns, to senior wide receiver/defensive back Josiah Cortez that made it 7-0 as 9:49 remained.
An onside kick was recovered by the Conquerors at the Bears 35. Four plays were needed to make it 14-0 as Castillo found Cortez on a 12-yard strike as 7:42 was left.
The Bears, shown in an earlier game, trailed 45-7 at halftime against the Conquerors. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
The lead became 17-0 after a drive that began at the Los Altos 40 stalled at the Burroughs nine as senior Daniel Blas nailed a 25-yard field goal with 2:11 left in the initial frame.
Los Altos blocked a punt that was turned into a three-yard burst from junior running back/linebacker Evan Rojas as 10 seconds was left in the opening quarter for a 24-0 lead.
The Conquerors tacked on three touchdowns in the second period as Rojas added a five-yard run and 8:57 left that ended a 65-yard, five-play march for a 31-0 advantage.
The margin ballooned to 38-0 on a 39-yard, seven-play trek when Castillo added an 11-yard scamper and 5:38 left before the intermission.
About two minutes later, the lead became 45-0 on a 22-yard aerial from Castillo to senior wide receiver/defensive back Gavin Flores.
Junior quarterback/linebacker Luke Rodriguez capped the evening by scoring on a 20-yard run that highlighted a 10-play, 59-yard march with 10:05 left in the game that made it a 45-point deficit.
Next Friday at 7:00 p.m., Burroughs hosts Pasadena in the league opener at Memorial Field.
Burroughs scored 31 points in the second half and won 44-20 over Los Altos. (Photo courtesy Steve Garden)
By Rick Assad
Thirty-one points were hung by the Burroughs High girls’ flag football team in the second half and proved the difference Thursday afternoon against host Los Altos in a nonleague game.
The Bears held a 13-6 lead at the intermission and routed the Conquerors 44-20.
Senior quarterback Karisma Mendez, who also toils at wide receiver and linebacker, delivered five scoring passes and three came in the second half.
Keith Knoop is the Burroughs athletic director and the flag football head coach and was pleased his team played well.
“What stood out for me was the second half,” he said. “We executed and competed.”
The Conquerors took an early 6-0 on the second play of the game after a 71-yard pass from quarterback Jasmine Campos to wide receiver Sophie Sedano with 10:59 left in the first period.
The pass was bobbled a few times before Sedano controlled it and the short toss was turned into a long score.
Now it was Mendez’s turn to shine as the senior field general delivered a 33-yard scoring strike to junior wide receiver/defensive back Lily Indefenzo on the seventh play of the march as 3:25 remained in the same frame.
The Bears played at Los Altos and came away winners. (Photo courtesy Steve Garden)
The one-point conversion run by Mendez was successful as the Bears (5-8) led 7-6.
Early in the second quarter, Mendez unloaded a 25-yard toss to junior wide receiver Krystal Villalta, who also plays defensive back, for a 13-6 lead on the fifth play of the excursion.
Burroughs scored on three possessions in the third frame as Mendez tossed a 16-yard throw to junior wide receiver Isabella Estrada with 8:40 left, capping the six-play drive.
When Mendez hit Estrada, who also plays defensive back, for the one-point conversion pass, it made the score 20-6.
Mendez sent her fourth scoring pass to junior center/linebacker R’ae Boulanger, who grabbed an 11-yard pass on the fourth play of the march and 4:50 left on the clock for a 26-6 advantage.
The score became 32-13 on one play when Mendez nailed Estrada with a short pass but the junior raced 70 yards as 52 seconds remained in the period.
Senior Alyssa Prachasaisoradej delivered two scores as the senior quarterback/wide receiver/defensive back had a 28-yard run and 11:16 left on the clock in the fourth period for a 38-13 lead and added a 64-yard dash with 3:05 left in the game for a 24-point lead.
The Conquerors (1-8) sliced the Bears’ margin to 26-13 on the sixth play after a three-yard pass from Campos with 1:15 remaining in the third period.
Makayla Salcedo added a seven-yard scoring jaunt with 4:20 on the clock in the fourth quarter that narrowed the margin to 38-20, highlighting the 10-play drive.
Burroughs required four sets in order to defeat host Glendale in a Pacific League match. (Photo by Rick Assad)
By Rick Assad
Because of disciplinary reasons, the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team used its reserves for much of the match versus host Glendale on Tuesday.
Those players more than held their own during a four-setter claimed by the Bears, 25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 25-8 in a Pacific League match.
Both clubs were stubborn and played with intensity and grit and each had shining moments.
Longtime Burroughs coach Edwin Real set the tone of the match early on.
“We had to discipline a couple players so it was a forced rest of the starters,” he explained. “We put a lot of pressure on those that were on the court. They responded well.”
The Bears (10-1 and 4-0 in league) held a distinct advantage in that they have played nearly three times the matches as the Nitros (1-3 and 1-3 in league).
Burroughs seized command of the fourth game as it led 5-1 on an ace from senior opposite hitter Isabela Hanson as Glendale needed time out.
The Bears warm up for their Pacific League match versus the Nitros which they won in four sets. (Photo by Rick Assad)
The advantage became 9-3 on a kill from senior outside hitter Sienna Lay, who didn’t play in the first two sets.
“Yeah, the starters didn’t play too much and I’m not sure it was our best match but a win’s a win,” she said.
Lay’s push made it 11-3 and Lay’s rocket saw the Bears pull ahead 13-4.
Senior setter Savana Lay, who also didn’t play in the first two games added back-to-back service winners for a 14-4 cushion and 15-4 lead.
Sienna Lay’s push made it 17-5 and her service winner increased the margin to 18-5.
Hanson’s push made it 23-8 and senior defensive specialist Andrea Slobig’s service ace made it 24-8.
Senior middle blocker Khloe Pavia, who likewise didn’t play much in the early sets, sealed the game and match with a kill.
“I think that the game went very well and I’m excited we picked it up after that second set,” she stated. “I think my team did a really good job at staying focused, together and persevering.”
Burroughs captured the initial game but Glendale led 4-2 on a push from Serafina Hamo and 7-4 on a kill from Megan Angele.
From this juncture, the Bears picked up the pace and it was tied 10-10 on a block from senior opposite hitter Leila Lazaar.
Burroughs then forged ahead 14-11 on a stuff from junior outside hitter Trinity Taylan as the Nitros called time out. The Bears then dashed in front 15-12 on a mishit from Angele.
Hanson’s push made it 17-13 and a tapper from junior middle blocker Zoe Davis saw the Bears march in front 21-14.
Burroughs won four of the next six points including Lazaar’s winner for the set.
The third set was close early as it was deadlocked 2-2 on Glendale’s Leah Alfaro’s kill.
It was 3-3 on a hitting error from Glendale’s Harmony Cawit, 5-5 on Hanson’s ace and 6-6 on a Glendale net serve.
It was tied at 7-7 on Pavia’s kill and 8-8 on Sienna Lay’s hitting miscue.
The Bears went on a 3-1 spurt that included Sienna Lay’s kill for an 11-8 lead and pulled ahead 16-12 on an ace from junior defensive specialist Emma De Cunzo Steinglass.
Pavia’s spike made it 19-13 and Pavia’s blast put the Bears in front 21-13. Pavia wasn’t done as she made it 23-13 and 24-13 on back-to-back kills and Pavia’s rocket gave the Bears the set.
In the second game, Glendale led 4-2 on a kill from Hamo and 7-4 on Alfaro’s winner. The Nitros shimmied in front 15-11 on four straight aces from Cawit.
An ace from Rebekah Cruz made it 22-19, Cawit’s service ace made it 24-22 and a hitting miscue from Pavia gave the Nitros the game.
On Thursday, Burroughs will visit Crescenta Valley in a league match and it will begin at 3:45 p.m.
Quarterback Karisma Mendez tosses the ball downfield for Burroughs during a 24-0 setback against Notre Dame. (Photo courtesy Phil Hatten)
By Rick Assad
In a nonleague girls’ flag football game for Burroughs High, the Bears had possession of the ball eight times, failed to cross the goal line and lost to visiting Notre Dame 24-0 on Friday afternoon.
Neither team scored in the first quarter at Memorial Field, but the Knights found the end zone with a three-play drive and 10:56 remaining in the second quarter.
Junior quarterback Cadi Kuntz, who also plays wide receiver and strong safety, unloaded a 30-yard scoring pass to sophomore wide receiver Mikaela Edwards, who also plays safety, for a 6-0 lead. Kuntz’s two-point pass failed.
Just before the second quarter ended and mere seconds on the clock, Kuntz found junior wide receiver Claire Cowles, who plays quarterback and safety, with a five-yard toss for a 12-0 advantage, highlighting a five-play march. Once again, Kuntz’s two-point conversion toss failed.
The Knights (6-2) added an insurance touchdown on a five-play drive and led 18-8 with 6:37 left in the third quarter. The two-point pass from Kuntz didn’t find a receiver.
A bit of trickery was involved on this scoring pass as Kuntz threw a lateral to junior wide receiver Taylor Ford, who plays linebacker and safety, who tossed a five-yard bullet to senior wide receiver Brooklyn Ravelo, who plays linebacker and safety.
Notre Dame’s final tally came when Cowles chipped in with a two-yard run as 9:10 was left in the game that made it 24-0 and ended a five-play excursion. Cowles had a one-point conversion throw that missed the mark.
Hailey Burns-Franco picking up yards for the Bears in a nonleague game versus the Knights. (Photo courtesy Phil Hatten)
The Bears’ first possession was a five-play drive that ended when senior quarterback Karisma Mendez’s pass was intercepted by Cowles.
Aside from quarterback, Mendez also plays wide receiver and linebacker.
On Burroughs’ next series, it was three plays and a punt, and the third possession also ended in a punt after three plays.
In the second half, Burroughs’ next series went three plays and a punt and on the fifth series, the Bears used three plays before punting.
The sixth drive was once again three plays and a punt while the seven possession featured seven plays.
It included a 20-yard pass from senior quarterback/wide receiver/defensive back Alyssa Prachasaisoradej to junior wide receiver/defensive back Isabella Estrada.
Another play was a 12-yard toss from Prachasaisoradej to senior running back/defensive back Hailey Burns-Franco and also a throw from Prachasaisoradej to Burns-Franco for five yards.
The last time the Bears (3-7) had the ball the march consumed six plays and saw an eight-yard run and a 16-yard scamper from Prachasaisoradej and a nine-yard burst from sophomore running back/defensive back Kayla Duran as time ran out.
The Bears play at La Canada this Monday at 6 p.m., meet host Marshall on Wednesday at the same time before taking on host Los Altos on Thursday at 4:15 p.m.
Quarterback Brandon Chapparo had a touchdown pass for Burroughs which lost to Santa Monica 35-9. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
It’s only two games into the 2025 football season and for Burroughs High, so far, it’s been tough sledding.
On Friday night in the home opener versus Santa Monica, the Bears managed a safety, a touchdown and an extra point as the hosts lost 35-9 in a nonleague game at Memorial Field.
All of the Bears’ points came in the second half and there were a few bright spots along the way, and they included junior running back Sho Fujita, who carried the ball 23 times for 73 yards and junior quarterback Brandon Chapparo, who passed for 94 yards on 10 of 26.
Junior running back Carson Shrode has been on the shelf but once he returns to action, Burroughs’ offense should be better because he adds a solid one-two punch.
The first points of the season for the Bears came with 3:11 left in the third quarter as Santa Monica reserve signal-caller was tackled in the end zone. The score cut the lead to 32 points.
After receiving the free kick, the Bears (0-2) took over at its 49-yard line and a 19-yard pass from Chapparo to Fujita put the ball at the Santa Monica 33.
Yards were hard to come by for the Bears against the Vikings in a nonleague game won by the visitors. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
On second down and nine, Chapparo ran for 12 yards and four plays later, Chapparo hit sophomore wide receiver Deegan Howell on a seven-yard toss as 11:55 remained in the fourth quarter.
The drive consumed nine plays and covered 51 yards and showed the team is capable of playing well.
Keith Recchia is the Burroughs defensive coordinator and had some nice words for the players who helped the team score.
“I like that our guys who subbed in fought hard,” he stated.
Santa Monica senior quarterback Eliot Bingener (311 yards on 20 of 28 with one interception) threw four touchdown passes including three to senior wide receiver Payton Seals, who finished with a game-best 137 yards on a game-high nine receptions.
The Vikings (2-1) came out and scored with 7:03 left in the first period as Bingener drilled Seals with an 18-yard toss that capped a six-play, 45-yard march for a 7-0 lead.
Bingener also connected with Seals on a 55-yard strike that made it 21-0 as 7:13 remained before the intermission as Santa Monica went 94 yards on four plays.
All of the Bears’ points were scored in the second half but it wasn’t enough. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Bingener’s third scoring toss went to Seals and covered five yards as the Vikings led 28-0 as 11.8 seconds were left in the second period.
The Vikings began the drive at their 33-yard line and used seven plays.
The opening half saw Santa Monica, which defeated Kaimuki, which is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, 35-0 on the road but were shut out by Laguna Beach 42-0 had its way over much of the game.
Bingener engineered a five-play, 65-yard excursion after finding sophomore wide receiver Myles Lee on a 45-yard rocket that made it 35-0 with 9:46 on the clock in the third period.
Senior running back Isaiah Fernandez added a four-yard scoring jaunt for the Vikings as 10:47 was left in the second half as the visitors pulled ahead 14-0.
After losing the season opener 49-0 at Hart, Burroughs looks to get in the win column next Thursday with a nonleague game at Los Altos.
Louie Binda has led an entirely interesting life and is now fully retired and rooting for the Angels, his favorite Major League Baseball team, while enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Binda has worked for the Internal Revenue Service beginning in December 1969 and has coached for multiple decades, working with the girls’ soccer and softball teams at Burroughs High.
If that wasn’t enough, Binda, a longtime Burbank resident was also a longtime teacher and was a successful Parks and Recreation men’s fastpitch softball coach and also coached softball, baseball, AYSO soccer and club soccer.
“I became a coach in September of 1969 [Parks and Rec]. My late wife and I had just been asked to become high school youth counselors for our church youth group. The coach of our men’s church basketball team had been drafted (Vietnam) and we had no coach,” he explained. “In addition, the youth group had six boys, along with some older adults, who also wanted to play. We had too many players, so we made two teams. Most of the guys on the men’s team were better than I was so I played with the youth (B) team and coached both teams.”
Binda, who graduated from Valley State College, now Cal State University Northridge with a degree in Business Administration and an option in accounting, added: “It was hard to coach guys on the men’s (A) team that I had known and played with for years, but the guys were pretty good about it,” he said. “I must have done something right because both teams won their division. Prior to this I had never even considered becoming a coach.”
Binda, who began teaching in the Burbank Adult School in 1972 and ended that portion of his career in 1990, referenced a turning point in his coaching career.
Louie Binda threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the Burbank versus Burroughs softball game at Olive Park to commemorate his retirement. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
“In 2008, I was ordered to take over the girls’ soccer team just past the middle of the season. I did not want the job because I felt the coach (who I knew) should not have been fired. At that time I was coaching the boys’ freshman team, and I did not want to give that up,” he recalled. “I later found out that the team was in sixth place (out of eight teams), had lost their first game in the second round, and had their two best players out for the rest of the league season. The team had not been to the playoffs in 15 years and had never won a playoff game.”
Binda, who began his tenure as a substitute teacher in 2006 after retiring from the IRS, added: “I got the team to finish in fourth place, qualifying for the playoffs, and we won our first playoff game before we were eliminated. In 2011, I coached the girls’ junior varsity softball team to a 20-0 record. When I was given the team, the varsity coach told me that we would be lucky to win one game that year,” he noted. “We beat three teams that year giving them their only loss. Burbank High had only two losses, both to us, and we beat both of their varsity pitchers. Quite an accomplishment for a team that wasn’t supposed to win a game.”
Being on the field and seeing players improve has been rewarding for Binda, who assisted Mike Kodama as the Burroughs boys’ varsity soccer coach beginning in 1995 and later helped out the freshmen and junior varsity squads and was head coach Brady Riggs’ assistant for the girls’ varsity until 2024.
“I enjoy working with the players, the administrative staff at Burroughs, and 99 percent of the parents are terrific to work with,” he said. “I especially enjoy watching the players work hard to get better, work as a team and then see the results on the field. I love watching the players improve and seeing their confidence soar as they see their hard work pay off.”
Coaches and players need to be resilient and willing to listen to each other, according to Binda.
“Players learn that when you fail you have to get right back up and work harder,” he said. “That by working together as a team, you can accomplish so much more than you ever could as an individual. This applies to the field, the classroom, and especially in life.”
Binda, who was the first-ever Burroughs girls’ soccer coach in 1989, wanted to win just as much as the next guy, but he also wanted players to enjoy what they were doing.
“My philosophy for both are the same – make the students/players winners in life. So many of the lessons we teach and learn on the athletic field apply to what we do in the classroom and in life,” he said. “Work hard to get better. If you make a mistake, learn from it and correct it. When you get knocked down, and you will, get up and work harder.”
Athletes are the same regardless of the year or time, noted Binda.
“The athletes are similar, but the students who are not out for sports are quite different. For instance, before the Internet, all the kids could play baseball, football, and basketball in elementary school. Now, physical education teachers are teaching students how to play these sports in high school,” he said. “In 1961 when I tried out for the “B” football team we had 120 kids try out, and the school had a student body of approximately 1,200 students. Now with a student body of more than double the 2,400 students (2,600-2,800), the varsity football team gets less than half of 120 students trying out, and there is no “B” football. In the end, kids are kids, and I really enjoyed working with them in both the classroom and on the field.”
Binda’s coaching philosophy is sound and proven.
“I feel that patience and good communication skills are critical. Listen to what your players tell you. Communication is a two-way street. Game knowledge is important but not as important as patience and communication skills,” he explained. “You need the respect of your players to be successful, and respect is earned. Every coach has their own way of doing things, so I feel that there is no one way to do things. Be honest with your players. Don’t try to be something you are not.”
UCLA’s John Wooden built a dynasty on the Westwood campus as his basketball teams won 10 NCAA championships in 12 seasons beginning in 1964 and running through 1975 and the Indiana native was quick to note that coaching and teaching are one and the same.
“I totally agree with John Wooden. When I was recruited to become a manager with the Treasury Department the primary reason was because I was already a successful instructor with the Treasury and I was teaching in the Burbank Adult School,” Binda said. “We are telling students/players what we want done and how to do it. You cannot do this without good teaching skills.”
Being successful on the field and on the court isn’t just about skill, although it’s important. It’s really a combination of things.
“Working with players who have talent, but refuse to put in 100 percent effort to improve and instead rely on their athletic ability, eventually they will reach a level where everyone is just as good or better than that player, but because they do not have a work rate, they will not be as successful as they hoped or fail,” Binda said. “This is especially true in life.”
Binda continued his thought: “As a teacher/coach, you have to realize that you are doing the best that you can, and that no matter how good you are or how hard you try, you cannot reach everyone,” he pointed out. “Dealing with some parents can be very frustrating. But as an IRS/adult school teacher/instructor, a soccer referee (for 20 years) and an IRS agent, there is very little that you can say to me that I have not heard before.”
Binda’s advice for teachers and coaches is simple.
“Be honest with your players and be patient,” he said. “Be yourself.”
Burroughs girls’ volleyball should have another productive season. (Photo courtesy Edwin Real)
By Rick Assad
One of the three local girls’ varsity volleyball teams should be competitive and two are having it somewhat tough.
Burroughs High puts a solid product on the floor year in and year out while Burbank has been decent and Providence is currently rebuilding.
The Bears are coming off an 18-13 season, 6-4 for third place in the Pacific League and went to CIF Southern Section Division IV playoffs and beat Northwood in five sets in the opening round and falling to Millikan in four games in the next round.
Edwin Real has been the Bears’ coach for some time and has seven seniors at his disposal.
“Our overall expectation is to play as a team, make a good playoff run and finish at the top of the Pacific League,” he said of the club.
There is much for Real to be excited about this season.
“Our strengths are serving, passing, hitting and setting and are good and consistent,” he noted. “Our offense has been working well together.”
The seniors include outside hitter Sienna Lay, middle blocker Khloe Pavia, opposite hitter Leila Lazaar, setter Talia Grandinetti, setter Savana Lay, opposite hitter Izzy Hanson and defensive specialist Andrea Slobig.
Burbank’s team has potential, but it has to be realized under Stephanie Yosh, the first-year coach. (Photo courtesy Janet Landrum)
Lazaar and Hanson are both making the jump from the junior varsity.
There are four juniors on the team, and they are outside hitter Zoe Davis, outside hitter Trinity Taylan, defensive specialist Joanna Brain and defensive specialist Emma De Cunzo Steinglass.
The rest of the team includes three sophomores and they are outside hitter Amelia Walsh, outside hitter Kylee Beveridge and middle blocker Alex Hammeke.
“Khloe, Savana, Sienna have all improved over the summer, as well as Emma and Zoe,” Real pointed out.
The Bulldogs have a first-year coach in Stephanie Yosh, and she has four seniors on the team to provide leadership.
They include outside hitter Anya Oganian, outside hitter Lorin Azizian, outside hitter setter Reagan Shchur and setter Grace O’Connor
Five juniors dot the roster and they are outside hitter Lana Kang, libero Chloe Gallagher, defensive specialist Frankie Kim, middle hitter Madison Yosh and setter Eva Snyder.
There are a trio of sophomores on the team and they are opposite hitter Natalie Egiazarian, defensive specialist Ani Kivijian and middle Gabriella Jarra.
Two first-year players are on the team and they are outside hitter Emerson Chong and opposite hitter Samantha Yosh.
Yosh is trying to build something at Burbank, which went 9-26-2 and 1-7 in league for seventh place.
“Ultimately, I want the girls to have fun and grow as athletes,” she said. “Some of them have been through a lot with the high coaching turnover, so one of our top priorities as their coaches this season is to provide stability and consistency.”
Providence is in a rebuilding season and next year will play in a different league. (Photo courtesy Sam Tozlian)
Yosh knows it’s not going to be easy but she and her staff are ready for the role of getting the program on track.
“That way, they can focus on improving, competing, and getting wins. In the league, we expect to be competitive in every match and play with purpose and intent,” she added. “One of our long-term goals is to build a strong foundation for the program through accountability, respect, integrity, grit, and pride when wearing the Burbank jersey.”
Yosh also looks forward to the season.
“What I like about this team is its diversity. It’s not often that you have a varsity team with all four grade levels represented. Every girl on this team earned her spot through hard work and dedication, both at tryouts and in practice.” she stated. “I love that they support one another and communicate effectively to make immediate adjustments during games and practices.”
Yosh added: “They take Co-Coach Carmen [Camacho-Platas] seriously, respect her leadership, and have embraced her coaching style,” she continued. “I’m excited to see this group grow together, compete hard, and win this season.”
Sam Tozlian is Providence’s head man and is hopefully optimistic about the season despite carving out an 11-15 mark and 5-9 for fifth in the Prep League.
“This is a rebuilding year for us. Last season we graduated nearly all of our starters and the player who was poised to be one of our best players transferred to Chatsworth,” he offered. “That being said, we are moving to a league (Independence) where we are one of the favorites instead of being underdogs like we were every year in the Prep League. I expect to finish in the top two and finally make the playoffs.”
The Pioneers have three seniors and they are Giselle Pacheco, Cate Mejia and Isa Aves.
Nine players are juniors and include Sarah Swinhart, Natalia Avanesian, Kailey Ho, Gianna La Fontaine, Lori Sepillian, Zoey Barrows, Nasiyah Chapman, Sydney Forlano and Emily Steward.
Three are sophomores and include Sofia Foster, Melania Adjamian and Gigi Aves.
“Gigi is a setter and our captain and the best player,” Tozlian said. “This is her second season on varsity.”
Chapman is a transfer from Burroughs and is an outside hitter.
“She played for San Gabriel Elite’s Top 16 and under team last year and is going to be our primary finisher once she is cleared to play,” Tozlian noted.
Ho is also an outside hitter and was on the San Gabriel Elite Top 16 and under team.
“Kailey is entering her third year on varsity but this will be her first year playing outside hitter, but we have high expectations,” Tozlian said.
Burroughs is hoping to be even better than last season. (Photo by Morgan Wright)
By Rick Assad
Burbank High and Burroughs each placed a boys’ water polo team in the CIF Southern Section playoffs a season ago.
The Bulldogs went 18-13 in all matches and finished 5-2 in second place the Pacific League for and lost in the Division II opening round.
This squad wants to do even better and under David Arakelyan, the one-time Burroughs water polo standout and Bulldog coach, there is a good chance the team will be stronger.
The team includes three goalies and they are Mikael Melkonyan, Erik Asiran and Dion Keshishyan.
The seniors on the team include Arthur Khachatryan, Anthony Gemdzhyan, Monteh Shamiryan, Daniel Babelyan, Jack Babelyan and Michael Bakrgyan.
The juniors on the squad are AvVo Ilangesyan and Tigran Hovsepyan.
There are three sophomores and include Armen Mkrtumyan, Narek Sahakyan and Daniel Gemdzhyan. The lone freshman is Michael Andinyan.
Burbank’s squad is primed for a solid campaign. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
“AvVo and Jack are our key returning players who we will look for them to make a quick impact in and out of the water,” Arakelyan said. “Michael Bakrgyan and Daniel Babelyan will have elevated roles on the squad this year.”
Arakelyan then added: “We’re looking for some of our younger guys to step up and make an impact right away,” he said. “A lot of these boys play year-round water polo. We want to try and gel quickly. Our goal is always to win the league and make a run at CIF, and we will try to do that.”
Arakelyan has been successful as the Bulldogs’ coach and reached the title match a few seasons ago but ultimately lost.
“I’m very excited to start off the season with this group. I expect us to be competitive with the teams in the league and progress as the season goes along,” he said.
Martin Ortega Jennison is the Burroughs coach and expects the team to be more than solid after going 19-8 and 4-3 for fourth place in the league.
The Bears defeated host Beckman 8-5 in the Division IV opening round of the playoffs but lost to visiting Murrieta Valley 12-6 in the second round.
“I think our strength this season is that we have some experienced players stepping up and we need to,” he said. “I think we can always find ways to be competitive in every game and team we play.”
The league is always a tough grind but one that Ortega Jennison welcomes.
“As for the league we think we have found ourselves in a position to compete with the top four teams but it will be difficult because I believe Crescenta Valley will be very talented this year,” he stated.
The Bears’ players include Lincoln Morrow, Nicolas Oporta, Serob Berberyan, Evan Keller, Roan Kelly, Daniel Menchaca, Nicola Nasev, Matthew Rodriguez, Landon Quiiambao, Rocco Quiroga, Aaron Soltolongo, Jack St. Pierre and Liam Wamester.
Burroughs boys’ water polo defeated visiting South Pasadena 10-6 in a nonleague match. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
No team wants to lose by an 11-goal margin, but that’s exactly what happened to the Burroughs High boys’ water polo team in its opening match of the season.
So it was imperative that in their next match, the Bears play well and with purpose and intensity and that’s exactly what they did on Tuesday afternoon in a nonleague match versus visiting South Pasadena.
Burroughs, despite being outshot 23-17, and also failing to score in the fourth quarter, knocked off South Pasadena 10-6.
Behind Lincoln Morrow’s match-best four goals, including three in the second frame, the Bears have evened their record at 1-1.
This match can lead to other bigger and better things for Burroughs, but only time will tell.
Martin Ortega Jennison was pleased what he witnessed against the Tigers.
“I liked that we pushed the pace when we needed to on the counterattack but didn’t force things,” he explained. “We remained patient and attacked where our advantages were.”
Ortega Jennison also spoke glowingly about the Bears defense.
“Defensively we did a great job with our press to force bad passes and allow us to drop back and steal possession away from them,” he said. “We still have a lot to work on, but our progression is on the up.”
In the opener, Burroughs was defeated by host Polytechnic 15-4, but in time this could be long forgotten as long as the Bears continue to rely on solid defense and balanced scoring.
Nicolas Oporta added three goals for the home team and three players each scored solo goals.
The Bears led at halftime 7-4 and cruised to a convincing victory over the Tigers. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
For the most part, the match was cleanly played and saw the score deadlocked 3-3 after the first quarter.
The match swung in favor of the Bears in the second period as they scored four goals while limiting the Tigers to a single tally.
The scoring began with 6:12 left in the first quarter as Oporta nailed a point-blank shot for a 1-0 lead.
With 4:41 remaining, Roan Kelly found the target on a 12-footer, and it became 2-1 in favor of Burroughs. Liam Wamester’s 10-foot throw and 4:01 left made it 3-2.
The Tigers were led offensively by senior Sven Leu and junior Ethan Cheng with two goals each.
South Pasadena (0-1) tied it at 1-1 on a 16-footer by Leu with 5:47 left and 2-2 by Cheng with 4:20 remaining on a 12-footer.
Leu’s nine-footer with 3:39 on the clock in the first frame leveled it at 3-3.
Morrow’s first goal in the second period came with 5:33 left on a 10-footer that evened it at 4-4.
Morrow’s second tally occurred with 3:13 remaining on a 12-footer that made it 6-4 and his third goal was a 14-footer with one minute left for a 7-4 lead at halftime.
Oporta added a point-blank tally with 5:01 left on the clock as the Bears pulled ahead 5-4.
Oporta’s 15-footer and 6:38 left in the third stanza made it 8-4. Morrow contributed an eight-footer with 4:23 showing for a 9-5 edge and Rocco Quiroga launched a 25-footer with one second left that increased the cushion to 10-5.
Cheng’s 10-foot toss and 5:33 left on the scoreboard cut the Bears’ advantage to 8-5.
South Pasadena sophomore Mateo Salas capped the scoring from nine feet out with thirty-six seconds remaining that sliced the Burroughs advantage to 10-6.
In a nonleague girls’ volleyball match, host Burroughs blitzed South Hills in convincing fashion. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
By Rick Assad
Everything seemingly went according to plan for the Burroughs High girls’ volleyball team in a nonleague match versus visiting South Hills.
Backed by the overall play of senior outside hitter Sienna Lay, senior middle blocker Khloe Pavia, junior middle blocker Zoe Davis and sophomore outside hitter Amelia Walsh, the Bears thrashed the Huskies 25-11, 25-8, 25-18 on Monday afternoon.
The last set was fairly close only because Edwin Real, the longtime Bears’ head coach, rested many of his starters.
“When we serve and pass well, we look good,” he explained of the three-set sweep. “We’re able to run a fast offense when we pass well.”
After losing the first match of the season to Chaminade across five sets, the Bears have recorded consecutive wins over Culver City, Crossroads and Marlborough all in four sets.
The first game was tied early at 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6 and 7-7 but the Bears (4-1) took control 10-7 on a push from senior opposite hitter Leila Lazaar.
When Savana Lay served an ace for a 12-7 advantage, the Huskies (3-1) asked for time out.
Zoe Davis chimed in with five kills for the Bears who knocked off the Huskies in three sets. (Photo by Xavier Dubon)
Savana Lay’s ace made it 15-8 and Lazaar’s kill made it 17-8.
An ace from Sienna Lay (who finished with a match-best 11 kills) extended the lead to 21-8.
Another service winner by Sienna Lay made it 24-8 and a service miscue gave the opening set to the hosts.
The second set was much easier for the Bears who led 5-1 on a hitting error by South Hills.
A kill from Pavia (five kills) made it 9-2 as the Huskies requested a time out.
When action resumed the advantage swelled to 13-4 on a winner from Sienna Lay.
Back-to-back kills from Sienna Lay made it 17-5 and 18-5 and a service winner by Sienna Lay extended the advantage to 20-6.
From this juncture, the Bears took five of the seven points including the set-clincher on sophomore middle blocker Alex Hammeke’s push to make it 25-8.
The final game started off with the Bears taking a 3-0 lead on an ace from sophomore defensive specialist Kylee Beveridge.
The Huskies rallied and knotted it at 5-5 on a kill from Jazelle Mendoza but a tapper from Savana Lay leveled it at 7-7.
The Bears took control at this point and led 10-7 on a dagger from Sienna Lay. When Davis (five kills) added a service winner, Burroughs charged ahead 13-8 and then led 16-9 on an ace from Savana Lay.
Senior opposite hitter Isabella Hanson added a push for the Bears to make it 19-13 and Walsh’s slam made it 19-14.
Walsh (five kills) tossed in a winner that made it 22-16 and consecutive aces from Hanson saw the Bears dashed ahead 22-16 and 23-16.
The set and match were sealed on a service mistake from Samantha Martinez.
