Jake Zuzek hopes his Burrs take their first state title.

The West Catholic High School football team is enjoying one of its finest seasons in school history.

When fans look at the Burrs, the first names that pop up are that of Curtis Drake, Raymond Maples and Rob Hollomon – and for good reason.

After 13 games, the three speedsters have combined for over 3300 rushing yards and an eye-opening 61 touchdowns.*

Drake, the quarterback, has already accepted a football scholarship to Penn State.

What people don’t always see are the guys who open the lanes for the runners.

The Burrs outstanding offensive line is led by center Jake Zuzek, a regular on both sides of the ball since his freshman year.

The 6-foot-2, 290-pound junior says it doesn’t bother him that the guys scoring TDs are getting most of the press.

“I don’t care that they get the ink,” Zuzek said in a recent phone interview. “I like it better that way because during the games they tell us how well we’re blocking. It’s better to hear it from them (then the papers).”

This is the first year Catholic League teams will participate in the P.I.A.A. Playoffs. West is one of the favorites to win the AA State title.

Zuzek says his team has made winning the state title its No. 1 priority.

The Burrs, 12-1 at the time of this writing) crushed Palisades 61-20 on November 22 and now face Dunmore in the quarterfinals next weekend. 

“Every week we’ve been practicing for the playoffs,” the Brookhaven resident said. “We want to go all the way. Right now we’re getting through the Catholic League playoffs and we won’t take anyone lightly. Everyone we play now has talent.”

Also standing out for the Burrs’ rushing attack are All-Catholic Victor McNair plus Paul Murtagh, Covisia Wilson, Austin Peters and Jim Lynch.

Even though the media might not be paying too much attention to the Burrs outstanding linemen, others have.

Zuzek got  invited to take in a Big Ten game between Northwestern and Ohio State November 8 as a guest of the Wildcats.

“I got a letter from Northwestern and tickets to the game,” said Zuzek, who is starting to see his name on several all-star teams. “I am definitely going; it should be a great experience.”

Like most athletes who enjoy success. Zuzek has earned it with his work ethic. Even before making West’s varsity as a freshman, Zuzek was training almost every day.

Last Spring he decided to take his training to a new level. He went to a group of specialists at Summit Sports Training Center in Bryn Mawr.

“They prepared me both mentally and physically,” Zuzek said. “They prepared me to play a 16-game schedule.”

The guys scoring the touchdowns will no doubt agree Zuzek’s efforts are working.

*stats from tedsilary.com.

Al Thompson can be reached at al.thompson@footballstories.com