Brayan Burgos has probably had Saturday Nov. 26 circled on his calendar at home since last spring.
Saturday is the date of the 4A state semifinals which will see Carson battle Reed at 12:15 p.m. at University of Nevada's Mackay Stadium. The winner would advance to the state championship game on Dec. 3.
"This is huge," said Burgos, the Senators' 6-foot-1 265-pound starting senior right tackle. "I didn't think I'd be playing at all this season. I had so many people ahead of me at the start of the season.
"Getting to play in two college stadiums in the same year, is like a dream come true."
Burgos is one of those blue-collar guys. He's not the fastest, not the most athletic lineman on the team. He's earned his way on the team through a lot of hard work.
"If I gave out an award for most improved Brayan would be one of the candidates." Carson coach Blair Roman said. "His junior year he came out and worked hard; wanted to be part of the team. This year he's come into his own.
"Like Patrick (Hesse), Brayan is a program kid. He has a great attitude and work ethic. He's had a good senior year."
Burgos didn't play as a freshman and was on the JV squad as a sophomore. He made varsity last year, but saw little action. When the JV squad was decimated with injuries and other issues, Burgos offered to go down.
"It was a great opportunity that gave me some good experience," Burgos said. "I was strong, but not quick."
Any action is better than no action. It enabled Burgos to make progress to get ready for this season, though he still wasn't sure he was going to see much time because he hadn't totally learned the complicated blocking schemes and there were talented players out for the team like Levi Carter, Jose Victor, Jordan Woodward, returning starter Jacob Myers, Justin Stevens, Joe Zinda and Aaron Cowee.
"This past spring I wrote 'Lucky' on one hand and 'Rocky' on the other," Burgos said.
The Carson senior said that it reminded him which direction he'd be going on a particular play. Hey, it's no worse than quarterbacks with their cheat sheets on their wrists.
Burgos didn't start the opener at Highland, but he was in the starting lineup the following week against North Valleys. He has teamed up with juniors Carter and Jordan Woodward to give Carson stability. Woodward spells Burgos, and that's fine with the Carson senior.
"I'm a big guy," Burgos said. "It keeps me fresh."
Roman said that run-blocking is Burgos' forte.
"I don't keep track of pancake blocks, but if I did Brayan would be in the top two," Roman said. "He's a very aggressive run blocker."
Burgos said he was keeping track for a while, but has since stopped.
One of the things he constantly works on is his footwork, especially on pass protection.
"I can get off quick," he said. "I just need to make sure I get my feet solid under me."
