Getting Defensive: Burlingame's Webb Relishes Tough Task

Burlingame High linebacker Cameron Webb thrives on the challenge of stopping an explosive offense in its tracks. Boy, do he and the Panthers’ defense have a stiff test in their Central Coast Section Division III playoff opener on Saturday night.

It’s tough to imagine a more imposing challenge than facing Valley Christian and its scary fast playmaker Byron Marshall on the road. But these are the moments Webb lives for.

“Byron Marshall, great player. I can’t wait to try to stop him,” Webb said of the running back/ defensive back who committed to Oregon this week. “I’m pretty excited to play them because I think we can give them a run for their money.”

Your first thought may be along the lines of Be careful what you wish for. But to Webb, it’s more about embracing the formidable task of opposing Valley Christian’s intricate rushing attack and an elite player.

You see, Webb, who has developed into an impact player as an outside linebacker in his second year on varsity, relishes the chance to be a defensive stopper. And it’s not just in football. Webb’s mind-set is the same in lacrosse, which he thought was his better sport until his breakout football season gave him pause.

He yearns to be the player to prevent the big play.

“I love being that guy,” said Webb, who was called up to the varsity lacrosse team as a freshman to play defense. “Everyone wants to be the guy that scores the winning touchdown or the winning goal. … I want to be the guy who stops the guy who’s trying to score that touchdown. I want to be the guy who stops the guy who’s trying to score that goal.”

Webb’s sure tackling ability on the football field became evident a year ago as a sophomore, when he saw a good amount of playing time backing up Jordan Pessah.

This year, he has improved dramatically in coverage. The interceptions have followed, including one apiece in Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division victories over Jefferson and The King’s Academy that began what is now a three-game win streak.

As it happens, Webb has unexpectedly emerged as a threat on the other side of the ball as well. The 6-foot, 170-pounder began the year as Burlingame’s third-string wingback, but injuries propelled him into the starting role midway through the season and he quickly flourished.

The highlights? Streaking for a touchdown run from midfield that gave the Panthers a late, two-score lead against Jefferson, and then kicking off the romp over The King’s Academy with a 68-yard TD burst. Those were the biggest plays in the victories that vaulted Burlingame into the postseason.

“We put him in and he’s been explosive,” head coach John Philipopoulos said. “For the second half of the season, he’s definitely been our MVP, hands down.”

Despite his star turn in Burlingame’s wing-T attack, Webb said he enjoys playing defense a lot more because he feels “more free” and that he’s “more in control.”

Ironically, those are the same reasons why he believes lacrosse is “more my style of game” than football.

Webb operates on a half-year calendar for both of his sports. As soon as the football season ends, he’ll start training for lacrosse. He hopes to be named the captain of the defense this season. And at this juncture he feels that he’s more likely to pursue a collegiate future in lacrosse than football.

But for now, Webb is all about what’s happening on the gridiron. Valley Christian is calling, and Webb is dialed in.

He can’t wait for the challenge.