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High-octane West Catholic ready for battle

Written: Dec 11, 2008
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By JOHN D’ABRUZZO

jdabruzzo@ncnewsonline.com

Brian Fluck wanted to make sure his players understood what exactly what’s on the line come Saturday afternoon.

Fluck and his Philadelphia West Catholic team are new to the PIAA playoffs, and schools from their District 12 have never played for a state football championship until now.

“I told them (Tuesday) that no one remembers the second, third or fourth team. The first one is what people remember and talk about,” said Fluck, a graduate of West Catholic and Temple University. It’s his 10th season as the Burrs’ head coach. “This is what matters in life, 10 or 20 years down the road. No one can take it away from you.

“To be the first to win is something very special. (Playing for a state championship) means the world to my kids, to West Catholic, Philadelphia and the Catholic League.”

The Burrs (14-1) — named after the sticky things on trees — will play Wilmington (14-1) in the Class AA state final at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hersheypark Stadium.

IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS

Ranked the top Class AA team in the PIAA by the Harrisburg Patriot-News, West Catholic won the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue for the second straight year.

The program ranks second in the Philadelphia area (District 12) in total championships with 13, including two “small enrollment” titles. Saint Joseph’s Prep has 15, including four “large enrollment” titles.

West Catholic is riding a 12-game winning streak and hasn’t lost since the third week of the regular season when the Burrs dropped a 27-26 decision to La Salle, a Quad-A school.

However, in Week 5, West Catholic knocked off Triple-A powerhouse Archbishop Wood, which is playing Thomas Jefferson in the Class AAA state final tomorrow night.

“Our senior leadership has been the big thing,” said Fluck, who enters the game with a career record of 74-43. “A lot of this group has played for me since they were sophomores.

“Our team speed kind of overwhelms everybody. We like to get on top of teams early and make them try to play catch-up.”

The Burrs have scored a District 12-record 741 points this season, including nine games of 50 or more. The Burrs average 49.4 points while giving up 12.5.

“They have lots of speed,” Wilmington coach Terry Verrelli said. “Their quarterback can complete the pass and he can run the ball, but he’s a true runner. Their tailback was the most valuable player in the (City/Catholic League) and their other back runs well.

“They live on big plays.”

TRIPLE THREAT

Curtis Drake is West Catholic’s star quarterback. He has already committed to Penn State, where he will convert to a receiver.

The 6-foot, 165-pound Drake is the first quarterback in Philadelphia history to surpass 1,000 yards in both passing and rushing.

He’s completed 61 of 98 attempts for 1,292 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. Drake has been just as proficient on the ground, rushing for 1,527 yards and 21 touchdowns on 99 carries.

“With his leadership, he brings a fire and competitive edge,” Fluck said. “All great players who move on have that edge.

“He’s one of those very quiet kids, but he brings another gear when he walks on the field. I never have to worry about him.”

But Drake isn’t even West Catholic’s top rusher or scorer.

Senior running back Rob Hollomon (5-9, 150) has gained 1,821 yards on 136 carries. He has rushed for a district-best 35 touchdowns, caught two passes for scores and returned two kickoffs for TDs for a total of 39.

The third threat is senior running back Raymond “Syrup” Maples. The 6-1, 195 back has rushed for 1,132 yards and 16 touchdowns on 122 carries.

“The kids work together,” Fluck said. “They share the ball and if one makes a touchdown, they all celebrate for one another. It’s the nature of the kids. They are very together and play like a family.”

Eric Young (5-9, 160) is West Catholic’s best receiver with 16 receptions for a 542 yards and nine touchdowns. That’s an incredible average of 34 yards per catch.

Fluck believes the key to the game starts with his offense.

“We need to start quick and keep playing at a fast pace,” he said. “On defense, we have to make sure everyone earns their yards and that we don’t give up any big plays.”
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