Burke dominates Liberty in Class B II match up

Indians stay tough in another frustrating loss

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — John S. Burke Catholic High School rebounded from its tough 21-14 loss against Highland with a convincing win over Liberty on September 21. Anxious to get back on track, the Eagles turned their attention toward the Indians in the ensuing Class B II match up.

In the second year since reviving its football program, Liberty is still in a rebuilding mode. As coach Jim O’Connor quickly points out, having kids play football for the first time in 11th or 12th grade doesn’t afford much opportunity to learn the game adequately. Consequently, a lot of the learning is gained in game situations where seasoned opponents expose a young team’s vulnerabilities.

Burke tried to rein in the burgeoning score, as coach Jeremy Beamon inserted his second and third stringers, but Burke still proved to have too much depth and talent. Seven different Eagles scored before the 68-0 landslide was over.

As for Liberty, you have to give O’Connor’s kids credit. They never quit. In fact, in the fourth quarter, fueled by their frustrations, the Indians played the kind of football that may well steer them to some wins. Opposing teams beware: Liberty is no doormat.

Burke’s scoring came early and often as the Eagles mounted an assault that would net them 343 total yards to Liberty’s 70 by game’s end. After holding Liberty to three-and-out on its first series, it took the Eagles three plays to marshal its first score, a four-yard dive by James Keyes. Anthony Julian, who would remain perfect in his next seven attempts, achieved the PAT.

Liberty had some initial success with the running of Trevor Tompkins, but Burke’s pass defense thwarted Liberty’s air attack.

On a subsequent series, Liberty quarterback Andre Brand fumbled. Burke’s Chris Gebert picked up the ball and galloped 24 yards for the score.

A chronology of subsequent Burke touchdowns reads partially like this: a 33-yard scamper by quarterback T.J. Horrego to take a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter; a 63-yard touchdown run by the game’s leading rusher Steve Ferrezzara; a seven-yard touchdown from Brian Dobbins; and a 28-yard score from Charlie Cino.

The score was 41-0 at the half as Burke had compiled 263 total yards to Liberty’s 61. Pat Gordon scored his first career touchdown on an 11-yard run.

Burke also scored on: Cino’s second touchdown; Gebert’s 48-yard punt return; and Billy Beysel’s 21-yard touchdown.

After the game, Liberty players were far from beaten psychologically. Kudos to O’Connor and his staff for emphasizing the positives. “The worst half of our season is behind us,” he told his players. “You ended the game playing strong. That will set the tone for the second half of our season.”

O’Connor is right. Liberty will be back to its winning ways before long. Liberty players showed dignity in defeat, persistence in their effort and unity as a team, all attributes that will have a long shelf life as these kids move on to face life’s more daunting challenges.

Tompkins had 117 yards in returns, including a 56-yard thriller. Mills had two catches for 21 yards, while Marcus Hunter had a 24-yard reception.

Liberty 0-4 (0-1 OCIAA) travels to take on Class D Eldred next weekend, while Burke 3-1 (1-1 OCIAA) will travel to Ellenville.

Visit rivereportersports.com for an album of game photos.