AP selects West Catholic's Drake as player of year

Curtis Drake was not the most heralded in a group of standout Pennsylvania high school quarterbacks at the end of last season. All that changed during his senior season at West Catholic.

"He wanted to be recognized as one of the best quarterbacks not only in our area, but in the state," West Catholic coach Brian Fluck said. "Taking this team to the state championship game was No. 1 on his list. He had the edge and desire to make that happen."

Drake got his team to the PIAA Class AA finals in Hershey, setting a number of records along the way. As a result, Drake is a first-team quarterback and the player of the year on the Associated Press Pennsylvania AA all-state team.

West Catholic teammates Rob Hollomon and Raymond Maples also made the first team at running back and defensive back, respectively, and offensive lineman Jake Zuzek made the second team. The area's other first-teamer is defensive lineman Chris Kennedy of Archbishop Carroll in Radnor.

Drake and the West Catholic Burrs went 14-2, eventually losing the championship game to Wilmington Area in double overtime.

Drake finished with 1,639 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per carry. He also completed 60 percent of his throws for 1,354 yards and 15 scores, making him the first Philadelphia prep player to surpass 1,000 yards rushing and passing. *

AREA AA All-STATE PLAYERS

As Selected by the Associated Press

(Listed with position, name, class, height and weight)

FIRST TEAM

Offense

Quarterback: Curtis Drake, West Catholic, Sr., 6-0, 165

Running back: Rob Hollomon, West Catholic, Sr., 5-9, 150

Defense

Defensive line: Chris Kennedy, Archbishop Carroll, Sr., 6-3, 285

Defensive back: Raymond Maples, West Catholic, Sr., 6-1, 195

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Offensive line: Jake Zuzek, West Catholic, Jr., 6-2, 290

Defense

Linebacker: Jamel Haggins, Ben Franklin, Sr., 6-3, 225