West Sound shut out 36-0 against B.C.

To teammates, he’s “the rookie” — but “the outlier” might work just as well.

There are a plethora of minivans parked outside. Children and wives in the stands. And then there’s 19-year-old Josh Burlingame, who graduated from South Kitsap High School last month.

The 5-foot-9-inch Burlingame is the youngest player on the West Sound Saints roster. Unlike many of the 30-somethings who have suited up for the semipro team since its inaugural season in 2000, Burlingame doesn’t view it as his final opportunity to play.

“I want to see where this takes me and how far it goes,” he said.

Burlingame said veteran Gabe Llamas told people that the Saints needed another linebacker. Mutual friends suggested he contact Burlingame.

“He gave me a call at work, and I came out that day for practice,” Burlingame said.

If the July 12 39-13 win against the North King County Wildcats was an indication, Burlingame already seems to be one of the Saints’ best defensive players. He had a couple of sacks and an interception.

“He definitely played a really good game,” West Sound coach John Corey said. “He’s a talented football player who’s added a lot to the defense.”

Despite the gaudy statistics, Burlingame said the competition in the North American Football League is substantially more difficult than what he played against at South. If he assessed the talent level in semipro football on a scale of 10 being the maximum, high school football would rate as a 5.

“It’s a challenge, and I like a challenge,” he said. “It’s nothing like high school — it’s bigger. The guys are stronger and faster. It’s harder all around.”