By JOHN D’ABRUZZO

jdabruzzo@ncnewsonline.com

The name Burns has been linked to Wilmington High football success the past few years.

Chris Burns, who is a redshirt freshman at Pitt, racked up yards and touchdowns while earning all-state recognition for the Greyhounds.

Now his younger brother is filling those shoes.

Derrick Burns has accepted the fact that he’s constantly going to be compared to his bother. In fact, he embraces it.

“It doesn’t bother me because he was the one who helped me and showed me the game of football,” Burns said. “I appreciate what he’s done for me my whole life.”

The younger Burns turned in another clutch performance for Wilmington on Saturday night.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound junior led all rushers with 140 yards and one touchdown on just nine carries to help the ’Hounds claim a 21-14 victory over Slippery Rock in overtime. The win clinched the program’s third consecutive District 10, Class AA title.

For his performance, Burns 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.

Burns provided two key runs. The first went for 56 yards and set up Sutton Whiting’s score to give Wilmington a 7-0 lead in the second quarter. His next run, an impressive 73-yard touchdown dash, propelled Wilmington to a 14-7 lead in the third quarter.

“They were major,” coach Terry Verrelli said. “That’s what won the game for us, those big plays. On both sides of the ball, he does a great job.

“He had a great game on defense and inside linebacker is the one place he continues to get better every day. He has the idea where to follow the ball and his speed really helps him too.”

Burns makes it clear where that he prefers playing defense. “I like offense and scoring, but defense is where my heart’s at. I like knocking people down, it’s just my thing.”

Burns was a factor in stopping Slippery Rock’s option attack.

“I knew they were going to come out strong because they beat Sharon (the previous week) and proved they were a different team. They definitely shocked us on defense because they were moving the ball and we couldn’t stop them.

“We contained them pretty well through out the game. Our offense wasn’t the best it has been this season, but we got through the game and won.”

Burns ranks second in the county in rushing with 1,219 yards and a county-best 20 touchdowns on 140 carries.

“He’s a great athlete,” Verrelli said. “He’s a big kid who blocks well and runs well. His brother is more elusive, but (Derrick) will just run you over.

“But he’s gotten better and learned as the year has gone on. He’s our main cog to get things going.”

Last year, Burns ranked fifth in the area in rushing with 756 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 carries.

“Last year was a learning experience,” Burns said. “I played my freshman year, but I was only getting started and last year I learned the system.

“This year, I’m just trying to do my thing and find my own game. I can tell that I got better, so I’m feeling pretty comfortable where I’m at.”