Highland beats Burbank in CIF Division 9 football playoff

BURBANK — Burbank football thought it had a possible game-tying touchdown in a 42-28 loss against Highland in the fourth quarter of Friday’s CIF Southern Section Division 9 playoffs.

Instead, offensive pass interference was called and the drive resulted in a turnover on downs. Highland put the game away with a score on the ensuing possession.

“It was huge,” said Burbank coach Hector Valencia. “We didn’t get a lot of breaks. You don’t want to put it on the refs but there was some questionable stuff but it is what it is. We have to be able to overcome those things. We’ve done it all year. Unfortunately, when you get to the playoffs it’s not that easy to overcome the mistakes we made.”

Burbank took a 28-21 lead into halftime at Memorial Stadium.

Sophomore quarterback Deshawn Laporte had a hand in all four first-half scores, rushing for two and throwing touchdowns to classmates Max Kelley and Tyler Hudson.

Burbank wouldn’t score again, allowing Highland to overcome a 14-point deficit to advance to a semifinal matchup against Quartz Hill.

“We slowed ourselves down,” said Valencia. “We had some penalties that put us in a hole in a couple times. They slowed us down on the running game but passing we just missed a couple opportunities. A couple very close throws that we could of had. We were in position for those plays and unfortunately just didn’t capitalize on them.”

Highland senior Jaden Williams rushed for 123 yards on 19 carries. He also scored twice for the Bulldogs (8-4).

Roderick Erwin rushed for 99 yards for two touchdowns on 12 attempts.

Highlander quarterback Justin Wyatt Jr. had two rushing touchdowns.

“They ran the ball well,” said Valencia. “Give them credit. They just pounded it. They didn’t even try to pass the ball that much. They definitely dominated the run game against us.”