By TODD KRISE

t_krise@ncnewsonline.com

Derrick Burns is wise for his young age.

The Wilmington High senior knows something very few teenage football players don’t.

“Play every game like it’s your last,” he said, “because if you don’t, it could be over in a split second.”

And that’s precisely how Burns played in the Greyhounds’ 45-21 victory over North East in the District 10, Class AA semifinals last week.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder kept his motor running on offense, defense and special teams. He tallied 138 yards and two touchdowns, including a 79-yard burst that gave Wilmington a 31-0 lead midway through the third quarter.

Burns’ performance earned him the Lawrence County Athlete of the Week award, as selected by the New Castle News sports staff. The honor is sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy.

“Everybody was actually playing as a team,” Burns said. “We came out fired up and ready to go. We were just ramming it down their throats on offense.”

Earlier this season, things weren’t as simple for Burns.

The University of Pittsburgh recruit was ejected from the ’Hounds’ 37-7 victory over Oil City for hitting an opposing player in the helmet.

Wilmington wound up losing its next game against Hickory with a suspended Burns on the sidelines.

“I want to apologize because that’s the dumbest thing anyone could ever do,” Burns said. “That’s not like me at all. It was just a split-second reaction. I shouldn’t have done it. I’ve definitely learned don’t let anger get the best of you, no matter what.”

Essentially, Burns missed two games because of the second-quarter ejection and his statistics have suffered because of it.

This time last year, Burns collected 1,079 yards with six 100-yard outings. This season, he has 909 rushing yards through 12 games and five 100-yard performances.

Wilmington also has spread the wealth. Backfield mates Sutton Whiting (1,025), Josh Phillian (535) and Jake DeMedal (384) all have been given a chance to run the football.

“I think that’s what makes a team solid,” ’Hounds’ coach Terry Verrelli said. “The fact that you have several other people that can run the ball, you want to give it to them so they just can’t key on Burns.”

Verrelli believes Burns has become a more well-rounded player this season. Last week’s game provided evidence when Burns collected several key defensive tackles and even flattened a North East player with a bone-rattling hit during a second-quarter kickoff.

“He’s become very explosive in all phases of the game,” Verrelli said. “He developed his body. He’s a big kid for a running back. Those are things you have to do: be patient, work hard on weightlifting and understand the game, which is what he’s done.”

The ’Hounds’ victory over North East earned them their fifth-straight District 10 championship game appearance. Wilmington will meet archrival Sharon on Friday night — a matchup Burns loves.

“Let’s just say, they like to talk,” he said. “I’m just going to play football. I’m not going to talk smack or anything like that. That’s one thing that gets me fired up for the game.”

In last season’s district finale, Burns collected 140 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries.

“I guess the town expects us to win, so I feel like it’s our duty to do our best to win every game,” he said. “It doesn’t really change anything with how I feel because I felt the same way last year.

*****

THE DERRICK BURNS FILE

POSITION: Running back/linebacker

TEAM: Wilmington

GRADE: 12

KNOWN FOR: Burns rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns in the Greyhounds’ 45-21 victory over North East in the District 10, Class AA semifinals. Burns has 909 yards this season.

PARENTS: Dan and Cindy Burns

FAVORITE PRO PLAYER AND WHY: Hines Ward. “He’s one talented receiver. He not only can catch the ball, he actually blocks. He does it all. He’s an all-around athlete. He’s a good person off the field, too. I really respect what he does.”

FAVORITE PRO TEAM AND WHY: Pittsburgh Steelers. “My dad, he likes them. I like the way they play. I like their defense and offense. I like their players.”

FUTURE PLANS: Burns will attend the University of Pittsburgh in the fall and plans on majoring in either elementary education or child psychology.