Football: Simeon’s Elcee Burke tough in defeat

Updated: November 25, 2011 10:07PM

Simeon will have to wait for “lucky seven” when it comes to winning the Prep Bowl. The south side Public League power is now 0-6 after another futile attempt to bring home the title, suffering a 34-20 loss to Mount Carmel Friday at Soldier Field.

Reserve quarterback Elcee Burke filled in admirably for All-Public League and University of Arkansas bound Robert Gregory who was hurt early in the first quarter. Gregory suffered a right ankle injury when he was tackled at the 2-yard line of Mount Carmel up 7-0.

It appeared to be a blowout in the making especially after Burke threw an interception on his first pass. A few words of encouragement from coach Dante Culbreath and some motivational words from Wolverines’ captains Jordan Diamond and Cywettnie Brown calmed him down.

“We just looked at him and told him to lead us and we were behind him all the way.” said Brown. Burke heeded the advice and promptly unleashed a perfect spiral that hit wide receiver Paris Ratliff in stride for a 79-yard touchdown and cut lead to 14-13. His second touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter kept Mount Carmel from pulling away, making it 27-20.

“I was very nervous in the beginning.” Elcee said. “This not the way we wanted it to end but as a team we were determined not to fold up and pack it in.”

Burke finished the game 11-for-23 for 206 yards and two touchdowns, Brown caught nine passes for 140 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Ratliff caught four passes for 127 and a touchdown.

“Who knows what would have happened if even with Gregory going down if we go up 14-0, Simeon coach Dante Culbreath said. “The kid gave us a chance and the team did not quit.”

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