Football

Following Ryan Kall’s departure, senior quarterback Liam Friedman will look to build on last fall’s success, when Burlingame went 8-3 overall and made it to the CCS Division III quarterfinals.

In total, the Panthers graduated 20 of their 22 starters from last season, including PAL Bay Defensive Player of the Year Will Uhrich, who now plays at the University of Arizona. They leave behind a less experienced but energized squad this season. 

The team remains committed to running the football, as they return senior fullback Lukas Habelt who rushed for 527 yards last season. Senior running back Joey Nawrocki is also due for a big season. The offensive line is composed of mostly juniors, notably Pierce Schuman at center, and will be key to playing the rushing style that proved so successful last season. 

Senior linebackers Ethan Lancaster, Danny Hilt and Gio Joachin have looked impressive and will be the backbone of the defensive line.

In their season opener on Aug. 29, the Panthers won 31-21 against Capuchino High School, an early confidence booster. However, the close victory also served as a reminder that this isn’t the same team that demolished the Mustangs 35-0 last season. With an identical preseason schedule as last year, the games will likely be more highly contested. The pre-season exposure and experience will only prove more valuable after so many departures.