Alexander Burkhart Named To Pennsylvania Sportswriters’ 2014 All-State Team (12/23/14)

The Pennsylvania Sportswriters’ announced their 2014 Class-A All-State Football Team on Monday (December 22). Among those named was Clarion Area Offensive Lineman Alexander Burkhart.

Alexander Burkhart – 2014 Pennsylvania Sportswriters Association Class-A All-State Offensive Lineman

The 5-11, 211 lb. junior, was a main cog in the 10-2 Bobcats’ Offensive Line, that led the way for running back Ian Corbett’s KSAC record setting year, in which he became the first player in the Little 7-12/KSAC’s sixty-four year history to run for 2000 yards in a season. Many of Corbett’s yards came following down-field blocking by the gifted pulling guard.

Burkhart and his linemates paved the way for the Bobcat rushing attack to finish the season with 3906 yards (325.5 yards per game).

Other honors for Burkhart following this season include: Alex Arth “Hogmeister” Award recipient, as the top lineman for the Bobcats; First Team All-KSAC Small School – Offensive Lineman; First Team Tri-County Sunday/Courier-Express All-Star Team – Offensive Lineman.

Burkhart is one of three players from District Nine to be named to this year’s Sportswriters’ Association Class-A All-State Team, joining Ridgway Defensive Back, Ben McDonald and Kane Linebacker, James Lingenfelter.

CAT QUOTES:

On receiving the All-State nod, Burkhart said, “It’s obviously a fantastic feeling. It’s a great honor to be named All-State, for my team. There’s no words I can express how I feel about it. It’s amazing.”

Burkhart also credited his line mates, the HOGS, stating, ” Obviously they are part of it also. Because I’m not the only one who was on the line. There’s Michael Bartley. There’s Will Staub, Zach Sintobin and Zack Huet. All important aspects of the line. They possibly should be with me too.”

He also credited his head coach and line coach, “They’re (Clarion Head Coach Larry Wiser and Line Coach Nate McClaine) excellent coaches. Nate McClaine has helped out a tremendous amount with the line, excellent coach. Coach Wiser is the same exact way. He cares about all of us. A very good coach. He helps all of us.”

(Photo by Bri Nellis – Bri Nellis Photography)
Alexander leading the way for Ian agiainst Redbank Valley

Coach Wiser had this to say about his All-State Lineman, “We’re very proud. I’m going to speak a lot about Alexander. He’d probably give a lot of credit to his ‘Brothers’ that play with him on the line of scrimmage, plus his coach, Nate McClaine. And we’re pretty proud of the fact that… I’m not sure where we were at record-wise, rushing this year. But I’ll tell you, I know we’re around 4000 yards. I don’t know what it came down to per game. I’d have to look at MaxPreps (online stats service).”

Coach Wiser continued, “Alexander was our pulling guard and along with being All-Conference with Michael Bartley… and I’m sure that Will Staub and all the rest of the guys on the line will be proud that Alexander’s representing them there (on the All-State Team).”

Also a couple of late notes: According to Tuesday’s (December 23) Oil City Derrick, two other Bobcats were nominated for the Single – A Squad: Corbett at Running Back and Defensive Lineman, Jacob Troutman, as well as, Redbank Valley Quarterback Jake Dougherty. And according to D9Sports.com: Dubois Quarterback, Gabe French was named to the All-State AAAA Team, which was announced on Tuesday December 23.)

(Thanks to Bri Nellis of Bri Nellis Photography for her photo and CONGRATULATIONS ALEXANDER!!!!)

2014 PENNSYLVANIA FOOTBALL WRITERS’ ALL-STATE TEAM
CLASS A
Quarterback
Ryan Williams, Clairton – 6-0, 170 senior
Michael Shuster, Camp Hill – 6-3, 190 junior
Mike Pietropola, Wellsboro – 6-2, 190 senior

Running Back
Caleb Kephart, Portage – 5-8, 175 senior
Dominick Bragalone, South Williamsport – 5-11, 210 senior
Sam McCloskey, Bishop Guilfoyle – 5-11, 189 senior
Lamont Wade, Clairton – 5-10, 185 sophomore
Braden Fochtman, Berlin Brothersvalley – 5-8, 165 junior
Grant Syster, Purchase Line – 5-10, 196 senior

Wide Receiver
Aaron Mathews, Clairton – 6-5, 185 junior
Jeff Yordy, Nativity BVM – 6-1, 180 senior
Riley Thomas, South Williamsport – 6-0, 165 senior

Tight End
Matt Gormley, Bishop Guilfoyle – 6-2, 238 senior

Offensive Linemen
Brandon Vocco, Portage – 6-1, 293 senior
Sam Buck, South Williamsport – 6-2, 275 senior
ALEXANDER BURKHART, CLARION – 5-9, 211 junior
Cody Nelson, South Williamsport – 6-4, 250 senior

Athlete
Bill Williams, Camp Hill – 5-5, 168 sophomore
Brandon Roda, Iroquois – 5-8, 180 senior

Kicker
Alex Gallaher, Camp Hill – 5-8, 160 senior

DEFENSE
Defensive Linemen
Joe Damiano, Marian Catholic – 6-0, 270 senior
Andrew Berger, Bishop Guilfoyle – 6-4, 255 senior
Corey Souryavong, Old Forge – 5-11, 230 senior
Hunter Herb, Tri-Valley – 6-1, 230 junior
Dante Paul, Berlin Brothersvalley – 6-2, 225 junior

Linebacker
Tim Garlitz, Meyersdale – 6-2, 193 senior
James Lingenfelter, Kane – 6-0, 210 senior
Nick Sully, Marian Catholic – 5-11, 190 senior
John Peters, South Williamsport – 5-10, 195 senior
Anthony Snyder, Tri-Valley – 5-10, 180 senior
Greg Popatak, Sharpsville – 6-1, 200 senior

Defensive Back
Brandon Chadbourn, Bishop Guilfoyle – 6-1, 194 senior
Jaden Buchanan, Tri-Valley – 6-3, 175 junior
Ben MacDonald, Ridgway – 6-0, 195 senior
Bryce Zaparzynski, North Penn-Mansfield – 5-11, 185 senior

Athlete
Michael Hope, Camp Hill – 6-1, 200 senior
Austin Myers, Conemaugh Township – 5-11, 190 junior

Player of the Year: Dominick Bragalone, South Williamsport

Coach of the Year: Justin Wheeler, Bishop Guilfoyle