Boys athlete of the week
// The Post-Gazette’s top male performer from the past seven days
The past week: Burke continued to have a hot hand throwing the football, completing 11 of 14 passes for 202 yards in a 53-7 victory against Jeannette.
Check this out: Leechburg is 5-1 and could be on its way to its first WPIAL playoff berth since 1988. Burke, a 5-foot-9, 165-pounds senior, is one of the reasons. Over the past three games, he has completed 40 for 57 for 880 yards, after throwing for only 494 yards in the first three contests. He is the most productive throwing QB
Leechburg has had in at least four decades. Burke has now thrown for 1,340 yards, the most of any Leechburg QB in the regular season, according to statistics that go back to 1979. Burke attended Leechburg schools through sixth grade, transferred to Kiski Area, but came back to Leechburg before his junior year. He also is an all-section outfielder in baseball and plays basketball.
You have around 900 yards passing the past three games. Can you explain what’s going on? Honestly, it starts up front. We practiced a lot the last week or two on pass protection and the line has been doing a great job. The receivers are making great plays and breaking tackles, too. I’m blessed with a strong line and good receivers.
But are you even a little surprised at the success lately? I remember talking to coach (Randy) Walters before the season. He said trust what’s going on, trust the process and we’ll have a great season. I think my success is coming from trusting the coaches and my teammates.
Were you always a QB growing up?
I remember saying to the coach when I was 6, I wanted to be the quarterback. I played it ever since.
Except last year at Leechburg? When I came here last year, (quarterback) Dylan Cook was a senior and I said I’d switch to receiver. I wanted to do what was best to help the team. I figured I’d have this year to play quarterback.
Is it finally fun to be a Leechburg football player? Personally, I’ve always had fun being here. I’m sure a lot would say it’s more fun now. I’m sure the community loves it. I mean, some people haven’t seen a winning season here in their whole lives.
Parents just don’t understand ... ? Wow. I never thought about that one. I guess I’d say what it’s like to be a kid any more. When they were little, they didn’t have all the technology. I always feel like they’re a little stiff in that area and need to loosen up a little.
Person you’d like to have dinner with? I’d have to say Adam Sandler. He makes me laugh a lot.