BURLINGAME, Calif. - For the second week in a row, the Wilcox football team went on the road and came away with a dominant victory, winning 41-7 last Friday night at Burlingame in a PAL-Bay Division game.
The visiting Chargers (5-2, 3-0 PAL-Bay) utilized their running game throughout the matchup, tallying 384 rushing yards from seven players, led by senior running back Elijah Walker, who went for a season-high 141 yards and three touchdowns. Walker has been a crucial part of the team’s running game, averaging a total of 90 yards per game.
When asked how his team was able to run so effectively, Wilcox running back Jeiman Delos Santos said, "The line. The offensive line does everything for us. We’re just in the backfield doing all we can, giving 110 percent.”
While Wilcox emphasized the running game, Burlingame (3-4, 1-2) tried to establish a passing game, as the Panthers out-gained the Chargers 124-16 through the air. Quarterback Eddie Gill and tight end Zach Shapiro developed a strong pass connection in the second quarter, allowing the Panthers to convert for a couple of first downs.
However, the Chargers' defense was able to recognize the Panthers’ throwing patterns, leading to two interceptions on Gill, each of which led to a Wilcox touchdown. The Chargers’ defense was able to hold their opponent scoreless until the final five minutes of the game, when the Panthers put themselves on the board with a touchdown from running back Cole Hardtke.
The Chargers’ special teams was also a major contributor to the big win. The Black & Gold recovered two fumbles by the Panthers on special teams. Senior kicker Lopez Isaias converted 5-of-6 extra-point attempts with one blocked by Burlingame defensive end Liam Hroziencik.
“Wilcox is an outstanding football team, they’re one of the best in the section,” said Burlingame head coach John Philpopoulos. “You’re always disappointed when you lose a game, but I’m proud of the effort and the way that we played.”
Wilcox travels up the Peninsula for a third straight week when it visits Sacred Heart Prep Saturday. Burlingame hosts Los Gatos Friday night.
