WEST CATHOLIC 49, Dunmore 21

State AA Quarterfinal Playoff

Nov. 28th, 2008

Blazing Beginning Propels Burrs to Semi’s

     All week in practice the Burrs understood that this week’s opponent needed to be taken seriously. After all, the Bucks of Dunmore were the 2007 Class AA state runner-ups. They entered the game with just one loss on the season and a ton of experience from their state playoff run a season ago. So, with this mind, a quick start from the Burrs was essential in order for them to have a successful night. Well, a quick start is exactly what the speedy Burrs gave the home folks, and before long the buses destined for Scranton were warming up for a long and dismal return home.

     West scored thrice in the first 8:03 to grab a commanding 21-0 lead. In the end, West defeated the Bucks going away, 49-21, to capture a Class AA Quarterfinal contest at Charlie Martin Field at Northeast High School.

     After receiving the opening kick, it only took the Burrs a mere three plays to ignite the scoreboard. Dynamic senior quarterback Curtis Drake rolled to his left and heaved a long pass that found a waiting senior wide receiver Eric Young for a 53-yard touchdown. Just 51 seconds had elapsed from the game clock, but West already staked claim to a 7-0 lead.

     Soon after, the Bucks would rush for a pair of first downs, but the momentum would be short-lived. Senior linebacker Devir Moody blasted a Bucks’ ball carrier, jarring the ball loose. Senior defensive lineman Covisia Wilson made the recovery and again the dangerous Burrs were in business. Three plays later, the sleek Drake raced 53 yards for another West score and a 14-0 lead.

     Feeding off the play of the offense the defense continued to contribute, this time with a timely three-and-out. Dunmore punted and there waiting was the Burrs’ open field wizard, senior running back Rob Hollomon. After fielding the punt, R. Hollomon headed towards his left and as he approached the far sideline made a devastating cut up the middle of the field, neatly splitting a pair of Dunmore defenders. Once he hit the open field it was lights out for all in pursuit. The play covered 75 yards and more importantly gave the Burrs a comfortable 21-0 margin. The touchdown gave R. Hollomon the new city record for most touchdowns in a season by a city player with thirty-eight.

     On Dunmore’s next possession they would cross midfield, but failed to convert a fourth down play. West took over at their forty-eight and once again began a march to the end zone. It took a little longer this time, but the results mirrored previous possessions. Drake scored his second touchdown of the game on a 1-yard sneak.

     Dunmore would later answer with a touchdown to make it 28-7, but the Burrs would take this three touchdown lead into the intermission.

     To start the second half Dunmore took possession, but they wouldn’t have the ball for long. On just their third play of the half, senior defensive back Raymond Maples made a diving interception to give the ball back to the offense. Six plays later the Drake-to-Young combination struck again. This time the touchdown went for 34 yards, giving the Burrs a 36-7 lead.

     The game would reach mercy rule proportions the next time the Burrs had the ball. On the first play of the drive, Maples took a hand-off to his left and coasted 80 yards down the Burr sideline. With 7:32 remaining in the third quarter the Burrs led, 42-7.

     A 17-yard scoring run by R. Hollomon would sandwich a pair of Dunmore touchdowns to closeout the scoring for the Burrs.

     The Burrs offense was downright lethal throughout, with most of the damage coming on the ground. Drake brilliantly played the part of the maestro. He completed 3-of-6 passes for 96 yards, but also rushed 11 times for 187 yards. Included in this was a sensational 58 yards sprint on a first-and-FORTY play. Maples also had a huge game, rushing 8 times for 160 yards. R. Hollomon toted the rock 14 times for 77 yards. Senior fullback Juan Rozier was admirable as a lead blocker and found time to manage 30 yards on 5 lugs. Young was the recipient of all three of Drake’s completions.

     Once again the offensive line was business-like. Junior center Jake Zuzek, senior guards Wilson and Paul Murtagh, senior tackles Victor McNair and Austin Peters, and sophomore tight end Jim Lynch were rock solid.

     Defensively, junior linebacker Dante Dickens led with 10 total tackles, including 8 solo stops. R. Hollomon added an interception. Other tackling leaders were; Wilson (six), Moody (five), Maples (five), and junior linebacker Bill Tobin (four).

     With the victory the Burrs have now advanced to the Eastern AA Finals. This coming Friday they will tangle with Lancaster Catholic from District-3. The game will once again be at Northeast H.S., at 7 o’clock. The Crusaders are (13-1) and possess potential D-1 recruit Kyle Smith, a junior quarterback. Last week Smith threw for 324 yards, while the entire Crusader offense mustered more than 600 yards in offense. This game promises to be a wide open affair with oodles of excitement! Remember Burr faithful --- Enjoy the show!!!