Cutter Boggess And Ethan Burford Named To West Squad For Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association 2021 Class 1A-3A East/West All-Star Game

(Above Photo by Bri Kirkland – Kirkland Photography) Ethan and Cutter at Punxsutawney game

Cutter Boggess and Ethan Burford, who completed their stellar careers, this past season, with the Central Clarion Wildcats after being teammates for the Clarion Area Bobcats, were selected to the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) 2021 Class 1A-3A East/West All-Star Game.

Previously, there was only one East/West Game each year, for players from all classifications. This year there will be two games, this game for players from schools in the 1A-3A classifications and another for players from schools in the 4A thru 6A classifications.

The games will take place on Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 30th, at Landis Field (Central Dauphin School District) in Harrisburg. The 1A-3A game is set for noon, with the 4A-6A game starting at 5:00PM. The games will be live-streamed on PAFootballNews.com.

Cutter and Ethan were both named First Team on the 2020 Pennsylvania Football News Class-AA All-State Team, Cutter as a defensive athlete and Ethan as a wide receiver.

Cutter was second in tackles on the team, with 63 including 45 solo, 3 sacks, 1 interception and 1 caused fumble, for the Wildcats in 2020. As a Bobcat, from 2017-19, Cutter registered 178 tackles (71 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 6 passes defended, 8 hurries, 1 fumble caused and 1 fumble recovered.

Ethan, who played had 37 catches for 809 yards and 10 touchdowns, for the Wildcats in 2020. Ethan is the all-time leader in receiving yardage (2277), touchdowns (33) and receptions (95) among athletes from Clarion Area School District. The totals are for his seasons as a Bobcat and Wildcat. Ethan’s 17 touchdowns in 2019 are the Clarion Area single season record.

For the Bobcats in 2018, Ethan had 19 receptions for 289 yards and six touchdowns. In addition to his touchdown record, 2019 also saw Ethan amass 1179 receiving yards, for second all-time for a single season and 39 receptions tie for third all-time for Clarion Area players.

Cutter and Ethan join Kyle Cathcart (2001) and Nathan McClaine (2004) as selectees to this prestigious statewide all-star game, for the West. Zak Bauer (2018) was an alternate. Coach Larry Wiser was the West head coach in 2019, as well as, an assistant on the 2010 West squad.

Cutter and Ethan are joined on the West squad by several other players from the District Nine League: Nick Weaver, from Keystone, at defensive end; Nathan Waltman, from Karns City, at linebacker; and Jack Krug, from Brookville, at quarterback.

Also from District Nine, Clearfield had two players named: Jake Lezzer at wide receiver and Zane Inguagiato on the offensive line. Bradford head coach Jeff Puglio is an assistant on the 4A-6A West squad.

District Ten’s Wilmington had two players selected to the 1A-3A squad: Ethan Susen squad, at defensive back and Weston Phanco on the offensive line. Also from District Ten, Warren head coach Mark Morelli, was named as an assistant on the 4A-6A West team.

Coach Wiser, who recently retired from coaching said this about Cutter and Ethan, “Cutter is one of those rare athletes that could play multiple positions at a very high level.

“On offense he played fullback, tailback, and receiver. On defense he played inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and defensive back. He was also a star on special teams, returning kicks and going down field to cover kicks. Well beyond his talent he was hard worker, and a great leader.

“Congratulations Cutter from the entire coaching staff and football community for this honor.

“After setting a number of receiving records, Ethan along with Cutter become the 3rd and 4th players selected to play in the prestigious all-star game from Clarion Area High School and the first two players for the Central Clarion Wildcats.

“A very deserving honor for the young man. Congratulations Ethan from entire coaching staff, TEAM, and football community.

“Very proud to be a small part of both players football experience!”

Coach Dave Eggleton, current Central Clarion mentor, who coached Cutter and Ethan as an assistant on both the Bobcats and Wildcats had this to say, “I am very proud of these two great young men. They have had fantastic careers as Bobcats/Wildcats and are very deserving of this honor. I have no doubt they will represent our program very well in the East/West All Star Game.”

Cutter had this to say, “I feel honored to have been selected and grateful that people have recognized my skill set and have chosen me as a representative. 

“It’s been a hard year for all sports and the Wildcats’ season was no exception. Despite the Wildcats being from three schools, through a collective effort we played as one team.  I feel very fortunate and grateful for the opportunities Clarion has given me on the varsity squad since my freshman year.  Having endured the transition from Bobcat to Wildcat, I will forever be grateful to Coach Wiser and Eggleton for the opportunities in growth and development. 

“I’d like to begin my thanks where I started my career at, with Union Youth Football.  There were lots of coaches up to present day who have taught me and instilled honor, love of the game, work ethic and the desire to be the best at each level.

“I was fortunate enough to have played alongside my brother for two years and develop a stronger bond and friendship with him through football.  I’m thankful for the relationships that I’ve developed with my teammates through the years and without our collective effort our individual successes would be unlikely.  Anyone who’s played football knows that we are family for life.” 

And Cutter’s parents shared, “It’s always a joy to watch Cutter participate in sports. He’s a natural and works hard. He has a strong, quiet, confident presence.  We’re happy that others recognize his abilities, dedication and hard work.

“He’s a great kid on and off the field. We’re proud and so blessed to be his parents.”

Ethan said, “I am blessed to get the opportunity to play in the East vs West All-Star game. It’s very humbling to be recognized after all of the work I have put into football and being included in a game with the best of the best from Pennsylvania.

“Through my years in football, there are many people that have helped me achieve this great honor. First of all, I would like to thank my best friend, Calvin German for never failing to get the ball in my hands. His skills set me up to become the receiver I am. I would also like to thank the Clarion coaching staff, especially Coach Wiser. Our staff saw potential in me ever since I was on the varsity team. They pushed me to be the best player I can be everyday at practice, and all through the off-season. It’s great to have a system around you that always wants the best out of you.

“I am also grateful for the support from my family. My older brother Ty helped me attain a lot of my skills and modeled for me what it takes to reach my goals as a receiver.

“I am very excited to take part in such a prestigious game and I am looking forward to representing Central Clarion with my teammate and good friend Cutter Boggess. Until then, I will continue to better myself and prepare for the moment.”

Mom and dad, Laura and Brian Burford shared, “We are excited that Ethan was chosen to participate in the East West game. We love watching him play and are so thankful he has this wonderful opportunity.” 

(Thank you to Bri Kirkland – Kirkland Photography and the Boggess’ and Burford’s for the photos) Congratulations to Cutter, Ethan and all of this year’s selectees!!!!)

For complete rosters for both games go to the Big33 website: (www.big33.org).