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Burley’s attitude helps ’Canes
play with burly disposition

Burley’s attitude helps ’Canes play with burly disposition

Written: Nov 05, 2008
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By JOHN D’ABRUZZO

jd’abruzzo@ncnewsonline.com

Brandon Burley has a confession to make.

“I like to hit people and that’s why I like playing defense,” the New Castle High senior safety said. “I like offense, but you can’t hit people on offense.”

Burley, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound safety/slotback, turned in one of his best defensive performances for the Red Hurricane on Friday night.

Burley had two fumble recoveries, caused another and intercepted a pass during New Castle’s 53-20 pummeling of Franklin Regional in the opening round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs at Taggart Stadium.

“We did everything we had to do as a team,” Burley said. “Everybody just did their assignments and made plays.”

Burley’s first fumble recovery came 50 seconds into the game when he scooped up a loose ball and ran it back 43 yards for a touchdown.

“I was just trying to play my game,” Burley said. “It was pick up the ball and run. One of the linemen caused the fumble. I saw it laying there so I grabbed it and ran.

“I wanted to make sure it wasn’t my last game.”

For his performance, Burley is Lawrence County’s Athlete of the Week, as selected by The New Castle News sports staff. The award is sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy.

“That was a big game,” ’Canes coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. said. “I watched his demeanor before the game and you could see he was very intense.”

Burley leads the team with four interceptions and four fumble recoveries. He has also made 47 tackles.

“Brandon brings a lot of aggressiveness and a lot of toughness,” Bongivengo said. “He’s a kid who’s been underrated all year. He’s done it on both sides of the ball. Each week he’s gotten better and better ever since we’ve put him at safety on defense.

“He can really fill the lanes. And he’s an aggressive kid who just loves the game and he’ll come and hit you.”

Burley is no slouch on offense either. He ranks second in the county in receiving with 26 catches for 496 yards and 10th in scoring with seven touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 58 yards on four carries.

“He’s been starting for three years,” Bongivengo said. “He understands what it takes to be a football player at the varsity level. He’s always had the attributes to make him a good football player. I think he put in the work this year to get better and it’s showing.”

Burley isn’t concerned with what New Castle has done as much as what the team has yet to accomplish.

The ’Canes (7-3) will meet Indiana (8-2) in a second-round playoff matchup at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Butler High School. The two met earlier this season and Indiana won, 27-18.

“They beat us the first time around, but we’re a whole different team,” Burley said. “We’ve put everything together since then. We’ve changed our defense and our offense has really been moving the ball.”

Burley is throwing out what New Castle knows about the Little Indians.

“We don’t need to know what to expect,” Burley said. “We go over what we need to go over, go out and just play our game.”

THE BRANDON BURLEY FILE

POSITION: Safety/slotback

GRADE: Senior

PARENTS: Stacy Burley

FAVORITE TEAM: West Virginia University football

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Indianapolis Colts strong safety Bob Sanders

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