Wilmington Area 35, West Catholic 34 (2OT)

State AA Championship Game

Dec. 13th, 2008

Burrs Nipped in State Final

    

So close, yet so far away! That’s just how the West Catholic football team and their fans must have felt at the end of the Class AA State Championship game Saturday afternoon. The Burrs concluded their wonderful season with a heartbreaking 35-34 defeat to Wilmington Area High School in double-overtime.

     In a game full of near misses and agonizing plays, the Burrs played inspirationally, but in the end came up just one yard short for their ultimate goal.

     After senior running back Raymond Maples scored his third touchdown of the game, a 2-yard burst to draw the Burrs within one, Head Coach Brian Fluck opted to go for two and the win. On the play, senior quarterback Curtis Drake faked to Maples and raced on a keeper to his left. A brief hole presented itself as Drake cut up-field, but he was brought down on a tremendous tackle by a Wilmington defender at the one-yard line. And just like that the Burrs’ hopes for glory were squashed.

     The final play was just the clincher in a day full of missed opportunities.

     In the first overtime, the Burrs scored first on another Maples blast. Then, for three downs the defense sparkled when the Greyhounds had the ball, creating a 4th-and-16 chance for their opponent. Then, out of nowhere, Wilmington’s quarterback provided the run of lifetime, as he zigged and zagged his way past, through, and around Burr defenders for a tying score. Truly amazing and probably one of the best runs ever in a state championship finale.

     Before this the Burrs even had a chance to win it at the end of the fourth quarter. A beautiful drive put the ball at the three-yard line with four cracks in front of them. However, all four chances were denied, as Drake was stopped on a quick quarterback-sneak on fourth down.

     Earlier in the game West built a 14-0 lead and appeared to be getting ready to tack on another touchdown before the first half concluded. But this time the clock had expired as Drake was brought down at the two-yard line.

     By game’s end sadness and disappointment covered the field at Hershey Stadium. For a great season had come to and end, as did the playing careers of one of the best senior classes in West Catholic football history.

     In the game the Burrs held a 460-to-268 advantage in yards. The terrific trio of Drake (16-112-1), Maples (19-177-2), and senior running back Rob Hollomon (14-102-1) accounted for most of the 398 rushing yards. Once again the offensive line excelled at creating space for these rushers.

     Defensively, many players contributed throughout the game, as for the most part the defense made things difficult for a talented Wilmington offense.

     Losing a game of this magnitude can be difficult for any young person to handle, but this group of Burrs should hold their heads high and proud, for they had a magical season that will never be forgotten.

     I want to personally thank all of the players for such a joyous treat you gave not only me, but the entire West Catholic fan base from week to week this season. I especially thank the seniors and wish you guys nothing but the best from this day forward. Your experiences as a West Catholic football player will follow you through life, meanwhile the lessons you have learned during your time at West will serve as the foundation for future endeavors.

     For all you underclassmen now is a time to begin preparing for next season. Use the examples this year’s seniors have provided and run with it. Like always at West Catholic – The sky is the limit!