RISING ABOVE THE ASHES; GIANGRASSO EYES HIS FINAL SHOT AT GLORY IN LONG, LOSING SEASON.

Byline: Lee Barnathan Staff Writer

Oscar Giangrasso knows life can be unfair, but the Burroughs multiposition player doesn't let it bother him.

Burroughs hasn't had the season the senior expected. The Indians were a consensus third-place pick in the Foothill League and appeared to have the talent to, if not beat their tougher nonleague opponents, then at least play them tough and be ready for league.

Instead, too many mistakes have done in the Indians. Giangrasso lists the games that got away: Newbury Park, Notre Dame, Crescenta Valley, Canyon and Saugus.

Breakdowns proved too costly against Newbury Park, Canyon and Saugus. Notre Dame and Crescenta Valley ``were ready for things we were going to do before we did them.''

All above-mentioned opponents have been ranked this season.

Yet what has Burroughs wrought? A five-game losing streak, a 2-7 record (it was 4-6 last year) and no playoff berth with its 0-4 league mark. The Indians close their season Wednesday against crosstown rival Burbank.

``It still doesn't seem like we've totally come together,'' Giangrasso said before a recent practice. ``A few mistakes here and there. . . . I thought this year we'd bang with everybody.''

It hasn't been for a lack of trying. Burroughs coach Keith Knoop, aware of his team's weaknesses and Giangrasso's athleticism, has moved him from defensive line and tight end to linebacker and fullback, hoping his 6-foot-3, 240-pound standout can shore up holes. And Giangrasso has responded. Against Canyon, he wowed many with a hard hit of Jimmy Perry on fourth down-and-3 at the Burroughs 28-yard line.

``He has the potential to be a really good football player - great potential,'' Canyon coach Jack Bowman said. ``He's bigger than any of our guys but Scott (Arnold). He's got great movement for a big old guy. I think he's got the skills to be a college linebacker.''

Unfortunately, Giangrasso can't be cloned.

``If we had other guys like him, we'd be in decent shape,'' Knoop acknowledged.

Yet this isn't a player who spends much time dwelling on what's wrong. While talking, he said nothing about the scabs on his elbow and leg, the result of Canyons' hard field.

While acknowledging maybe Hart players, by virtue of their nine straight league titles, have an easier time getting colleges to look at them, Giangrasso won't call that unfair. He'll just keep his head down, knowing Knoop is getting the word out (Colorado State, New Mexico, San Jose State and Nevada are interested, but none have offered visits).

``I don't expect anything less,'' he said. ``I'm out here giving my heart out, and he sees that.''

Giangrasso won't allow himself to trumpet his accomplishments, saying he doesn't want to be a loudmouth ``because then everyone pays attention to you, and then you get in trouble.''

He won't criticize his teammates, either.

``Football is a team sport,'' he said. ``It's the individual ability of all the players that makes the team better. We just try to win ballgames. . . . They all try just as hard as me. Everyone's got the talent they were put on the earth for. We all did the same things (in practice), so I know they work just as hard.''

This Wednesday, Giangrasso will once again be doing his all for a victory, this time against archrival Burbank, which has just one victory this season, a 26-12 decision over Daniel Murphy in week one. With nothing else to play for this season, Giangrasso has his sights set. A victory here will help remove some sting from this disappointing season.

``It feels real good to beat Burbank, but it's a small, little step,'' he said. ``They're not going to stop us because we want it. We don't play the St. Genevieves (neither did Burbank) and the Daniel Murphys of the world.''

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PHOTO Talented Oscar Giangrasso and his Burroughs teammates eagerly anticipate Wednesday's season finale against crosstown rival Burbank.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer