A-K Valley football Q&A with Burrell’s Luke Kastelic

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 | 7:00 PM

Spend any length of time talking to first-year Burrell coach Shawn Liotta about running back Luke Kastelic and one word gets repeated over and over again: downhill.

“He plays the game downhill,” Liotta said. “He plays with violence, aggression and he’s a good football player.”

Kastelic and Burrell (1-3, 1-2) played downhill for four quarters in the Bucs’ 61-6 rout of Class 3A Big East Conference rival Uniontown last Friday night. Kastelic turned in a career performance by rushing for 304 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries. Having waited patiently for his moment, Kastelic finally had his breakout game.

“I’ve coached some great running backs, and that’s as good of a performance that I’ve had,” Liotta said. “He’s a just a football player and the type of kid that you could put at every position and he’ll play hard.”

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Kastelic scored on touchdown runs of 15, 6, 30 and 6 yards to pace the Bucs’ offense to its most prolific home scoring performance in school history.

Kastelic played “downhill” on defense from his linebacker position, as well. He helped ignite the Bucs’ explosive start by recovering two first-half fumbles to keep the Uniontown offense off the field. One recovery was at the Burrell 10 as the Uniontown offense was knocking at the door and looking to score before Kastelic scooped up a fumble by Red Raiders quarterback Dom Richter and took off down the Burrell sideline.

“He’s a football player, and he’s a throwback-type player,” Liotta said. “There’s nothing finesse about his game; he’s physical and smart.”

How long did it take you to come down from Friday’s game?

I don’t think we came down from it. We’re feeding off that energy right now.

How relieving was it to notch the first win of the season?

It felt amazing. It’s probably a moment that I won’t forget for the rest of my life.

How nice was it to get back to the tradition of joining your classmates in the “Victory Circle” following the win?

For me being the first time doing it as a captain and being in the atmosphere, being in the center of that was an unbelievable feeling.

Did you anticipate having such a big game Friday?

No. We worked all week and the hardest we’ve worked all season. Did I think we were going to beat them 61-6? No, but I’m glad it happened.

How high is the confidence level in the locker room now?

Definitely high. We’re all really motivated and especially our line. It was really a big step for us and the (offensive line).

How sore were you when you woke up Saturday morning?

It was a rough one that next morning. I took a few steps and took a couple of breathers when I was walking there. I’m not gonna lie.

What’s it going to take to get a win at Yough (2-2, 2-1) this Friday night?

I think it’s gonna be our line this week. If we stop that running back they have at Yough (Dustin Shoaf), I think we have a really good chance to win that game. He’s a great running back.

Are you more of a linebacker or running back?

I’m more of a defensive guy. This is really the first year that I’ve been given the chance to run the ball, and I’m really enjoying it. I prefer linebacker.

Where does this team need to improve the most as the season moves forward?

Maybe our defensive backs a little bit, covering people. As a team, we just still need to work. We can take it another step.

What’s the strength of this year’s team?

I think the experience. We have pretty good experience and leadership.

What’s your best attribute as a running back?

I like just going hard and going straight. I’m not much of an out-in-the-open speed demon kind of guy.

Why do you wear the No. 22?

Because, my dad and my brother used to wear No. 22. It’s a family thing that we just wear No. 22. It’s a trademark kind of thing.

Which player on your team is poised to have a breakout season?

I think (H-back and outside linebacker) Cole Clark. He’s a freshman and he plays varsity. When he gets older, he’s going to be an outstanding player. He’s not afraid of anyone.

Who is your favorite NFL running back and linebacker?

LeSean McCoy (Buffalo Bills) and I liked Ryan Shazier before he got hurt. I loved watching him play linebacker.

Do you have a nickname?

Everyone usually calls me “Lukey.” Some of my closer friends “Biddy.”

Who has the best nickname on the team?

There’s a lot of good ones. Andrew Bigler, they nicknamed him “Burger.” It’s one of the funniest things ever.

Who is the best rugby player on the team?

I think that would have to be me or (senior wide receiver) RJ Beach. I’d probably say RJ.

What are your plans for after high school?

I’m thinking of West Virginia, Arizona or Penn State. I want to play rugby but I am going for academics.

— William Whalen

Tags: Burrell