Bear River's first touchdown of season not enough in homecoming loss to Burbank

Bear River and Burbank high schools took the field Friday night hoping to turn around disappointing starts to the football season. The game rivaled a 1950s Big Ten contest, with both teams rushing the ball for a combined 82 carries. It was a hard-hitting war of attrition to see who could wear down the opposing line first. Ultimately, Burbank held on to win 13-7, spoiling Bear River's homecoming. It was a sloppy game on both sides with a combined eight fumbles. Joey Knox and Tyler Heuseveldt each had a fumble recovery for the Bruins. The Titans recovered a fumble as well in a dogpile. The Bruins entered the game with just three points scored in two games but moved the ball well against the Titans. "I really feel like our biggest thing tonight, our biggest accomplishment is that we found our identity," said co-head coach Mike Profumo. "We really simplified things and challenged the kids and said, 'Hey we're going to be a tough, physical team,' and they stepped up and showed some good progress." The deciding factor came near the end of the first half on an unfortunate swing for Bear River. The Bruins marched down the field on a 14-play drive but turned over the ball on downs inches from the goal line. Four plays later, Burbank scored on an 84-yard run by running back Jahe'mel Worlds for a 13-0 lead. On the ensuing drive, the Bruins had a big touchdown pass called back due to a hold. Anders Torgerson was the workhorse for Bear River, carrying 25 times for 70 yards. Fullback Ryder Kiggins rushed eight times for 41 yards. "Our toughness shone through. We challenged them, we wanted to find that identity, and it's running the ball. We knew we always run here at Bear River and like we said, we simplified our offense and it came down to a real hard, physical game," co-head coach Tanner Mathias said. As much as the Bruins ran, their only touchdown came on one of their seven passes. Torgerson got the ball on a reverse and found Ryder Holcomb near the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown. For Burbank, it was the Worlds brothers providing the offense. Jahe'mel Worlds ran the ball 10 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Jahe'mon Worlds ran for 44 yards and passed for 31. He showed off his athleticism all night, evading an aggressive Bruins pass rush to the best of his abilities. The Bruins fell to 0-3 and now prepare to open PVL play at Marysville (4-1). Burbank 13, Bear River 7 Bear River 0 0 0 7 - 7 Burbank 7 6 0 0 - 13 Burbank - Worlds 4 run (PAT good) Burbank - Worlds 84 run (PAT blocked) Bear River - Holcomb 20 pass from Torgerson (PAT good) INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING – Bear River, Torgerson 25-70, Kiggins 8-41, Profumo 5-21, Lorenzo 3-4, Heuseveldt 2-3. Burbank, Jahe'mel Worlds 10-133, Jahe'mon Worlds 11-44, McDaniel 4-24, Brown 3-4, Robinson 2-0. PASSING – Bear River, Lorenzo 0-6, 0; Torgerson 1-1, 20. Jahe'mon Worlds 3-13, 31. RECEIVING – Bear River, Holcomb 1-20. Burbank, Chouteau 2-20, Robinson 1-11.