His team had just throttled another Pacific League foe, but Muir coach Ken Howard didn’t give his team much of a chance to enjoy its 31-6 victory over Glendale.
“We have got to get better,” Howard told his team just five minutes after the win.
His concern is well placed. Next up for the Mustangs is John Burroughs on Friday night at 7 p.m.
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Burroughs comes into Muir riding a hot streak. After losing their first three games, the Indians have won five straight and are undefeated in league play. Against Pacific League competition, Burroughs has scored a combined 172 points in five games and has given up only 55 total points.
The Indians have shown they are capable of both blowing out teams (see their 57-13 win over Hoover) and winning close contests (see their 21-14 victories over Arcadia and Crescenta Valley).
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And like their coach, the Mustangs are aware of the challenge Burroughs presents.
“Burroughs is big and strong,” quarterback Jeffrey Davis said. “Everybody’s going to have to show up 100 percent.”
Muir (4-4, 3-2 in the Pacific League) has won its last three games, including blowout wins over Hoover and Glendale.
But beating those two teams is one thing, and Howard knows those teams don't compare to what they will see on Friday night.
“You had your two ‘practice’ games,” Howard said. “Now you’ve got to play real football.”
A quirk in the schedule last week had Burroughs playing on a Thursday night, so Howard and his staff were able to see the team play in person. The added scouting allowed Howard to develop a more focused game plan.
“We have to get better up front,” Howard said. “We have to control the line of scrimmage, get out on defense and crowd these guys.”
Schedule/Results
Sept. 3 — San Gabriel, W 46-12
Sept. 10 — at Saugus, L 14-28
Sept. 17 — at Bishop Amat, L 14-34
Oct. 1 — Burbank, L 19-22
Oct. 8 — at Arcadia, L 13-34
Oct. 15 — Crescenta Valley, W 39-16
Oct. 22 — Hoover, W 53-0
Oct. 29 — at Glendale, W 31-6
Friday — Burroughs
Nov. 12 — Pasadena (Rose Bowl)
