Heritage's Burkhard Is As Tough As They Come!
High expectations go hand in hand with winning at every level in football. Last year's Co-District Championship team for the Heritage Pride set the bar higher for this year's squad. While it is uncertain whether or not the Pride can duplicate their outstanding season from a year ago, one thing is for sure. The Pride will feature one of the best football players in the Dulles District week in and week out in linebacker and tight end Zak Burkhard. Burkhard is a throwback player who has no problem trying to dismantle opposing offenses with his tenacious play. As evident in the Pride's first ballgame, Burkhard was the most intimidating player on defense for Heritage in their win over Freedom. While this is all expected from Burkhard's teammates and coaches, local football fans are just starting to really take notice on the type of player that Burkhard is on pace to become this fall.
Burkhard began his playing career about 10 years ago in the "C" division of Central Loudoun Youth Football League. He decided to start playing football because he loved seeing it on television, and decided it would be fun to start playing. His first positions were, if you can believe it, offensive tackle and defensive end. Burkhard has learned a lot from the game since his "C" league days, and his teammates have learned a lot about him too. Senior Bobby Edmonds is glad that #44 is on his side each week.
"I love playing with Zak because I know when he's out on the field, he's going to play hard, and he always has your back."
Burkhard had a stellar junior season a year ago, and his performances this season have put him on the radar with colleges and also the local media. In his first game against Freedom, Burkhard was named the Line-X Tough Guy of the Game winner for his tough play in the win over the Eagles. TCC Sports Play by Play announcer Bruce Bornarth had this to say about Burkhard during the game.
"Burkhard is as tough a player as you will see this season on the football field. We are watching a true old school type player."
According to his head coach Wes Driskill, Burkhard's biggest strength is his work ethic.
"Zak is a hard worker and he is always willing to do the things we ask him to do to help us win. We expect big things from him this season," Driskill said.
Despite standing out on the defensive side of the ball, Burkhard is also a solid receiving threat as a tight end. Last season, he caught 11 passes for 204 yards and 3 touchdowns, and he has already made an impact in the first couple of games this season on offense. Burkhard's highlight on offense this season came against Freedom when he snagged a ball that was thrown behind him with one hand and picked up a first down. It was apparent right then that Burkhard is one of the most versatile players on the Heritage team.
With the district schedule quickly approaching, Burkhard is having fun playing the game that he loves. His approach is simple as he describes it. "I like to have fun, and I have a ton of fun playing football," Burkhard says.
In addition to being a solid leader and performer for the Pride football team, Burkhard is also a top performer for the lacrosse team in the spring. His leadership helped the Pride lacrosse team win their first district title as well last season. Burkhard is also a solid student, and he takes his studies as serious as his athletics. Currently he holds a 3.49 G.P.A, and he is already putting together his plans for college. If Burkhard continues to play well on the football field, he may very well get the opportunity to continue playing next fall in college. Driskill is confident in his star linebacker's ability to make it to the next level.
"He can definitely play at the next level. I am sending out tapes to schools like James Madison University and the University of Richmond, and they have some interest."
While his focus is to win another district title and make the playoffs, Burkhard did admit that he has given some thought to playing on the next level after high school if the opportunity presents itself.
"I would like to continue playing anywhere that I can."
This much we know, if Burkhard continues to play like he has early on this season, college programs would be crazy not to take a chance on the Pride's best linebacker. He's tough, smart, and so far this season, has the Pride off to a fast start and looking like the team to beat again in 2006.
