On a day when senior Steve Burkhardt cemented his status as one of the all-time great players in the proud history of Gloucester High School football, another Lion was relishing the first and only play of his varsity career.
After sitting out back-to-back seasons with devastating knee injuries, senior captain Mike Morrell finally suited up for the Lions, who rolled to a 56-0 victory over Gloucester Catholic in Thursday’s annual Thanksgiving Day battle for the City Series Cup in Gloucester City.
“Mike is a standup, character kid and represents a lot of what we preach around here,” Gloucester coach Rob Bryan said. “It was heartbreaking the last two years to see him go down before any games were played. He was our starting center and captain throughout camp, so seeing him go down in our Deptford scrimmage was one of the most gut-wrenching things I’ve seen. Any way possible to honor a kid like that and celebrate the character that he represents was important to us.”
The Lions (9-1) won their second straight in the series to even it up at 23-23-1.
Burkhardt rushed for 170 yards on nine carries, scored touchdowns on four consecutive touches and set a program record for single-season rushing yardage on the final carry of his career – a 54-yard TD run on the first play from scrimmage in the second half (SEE VIDEO OF BURKHARDT’S HISTORY-MAKING TD RUN BELOW).
He finished the season with 2,054 yards, becoming just the second player in Gloucester history to reach 2,000 yards in a season, following Mike Blankenship. His four touchdowns also gave him a program record for most in a season (36) and career (64).
“It was really emotional – I’ve sacrificed a lot over the past four years,” Burkhardt said. “I love this city and I love playing here and I was just trying to soak it all in as I was looking around the crowd today. I savored every moment.
“I know a lot of names, a lot of the GHS greats who are a lot older than me, and it’s pretty cool to know that people might consider me in that conversation someday. It’s just a great feeling.”
Like so many of his teammates, Burkhardt couldn’t help but be inspired by the sight of Morrell taking the field for Gloucester’s first play from scrimmage.
Morrell lined up at split end, far away from the action as Burkhardt took a carry to the other side of the field. He calmly walked to the sideline after the play, which would represent the lone action of his varsity career.
“Mike’s been one of my best friends growing up and each time he got injured, I was crying with him because I know how much he cares and how much he loves playing with us,” Burkhardt said. “It’s just unfortunate that he never got the chance to play with us, but when I saw him step on the field, I was so happy for him. He hasn’t missed a practice the last two years. He’s there every day. He doesn’t need to be, but he’s there because he wants to be a part of it.”
Bryan couldn’t have picked a bigger stage than the Thanksgiving game to give Morrell his cameo.
“He told me at the beginning of the week that he was going to get me out there for all the work I’ve put in the last couple of years,” Morrell said. “It was pretty emotional for me. I put a lot of hard work into getting out there and being a starter. I’ve worked my way through two surgeries, so it meant a lot to be out there.”
After playing jayvee as a sophomore, Morrell, an offensive lineman/linebacker, was slated to start as a junior but suffered a dislocated left kneecap during the preseason. Hoping to return this season, he suffered the same injury to his right knee in the Deptford scrimmage, essentially ending his career.
He stayed engaged with his teammates throughout this banner season, one in which the Lions captured the West Jersey Football League Freedom Division title and won their first eight games before losing to Paulsboro, 21-14, in the Central Jersey Group 1 semifinals.
“I constantly showed up to practice and supported the guys at every practice and game, and was always there for the guys in the locker room,” Morrell said. “Being out there today meant everything to me. I’ve grown up with them, played football with them forever. I’m really proud of them and what they accomplished. It means a lot to us, and our city.”
The Lions capped their season with one of the most lopsided victories in the history of the city series. The Rams (0-11), who suited up just 17 players, were undermanned, as they have been for most of the season.
Burkhardt scored on runs of 2 and 46 yards, and senior quarterback Adrian Delgado added a 15-yard TD run as the Lions bolted to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter.
They increased the lead to 42-0 by halftime as Burkhardt scored on a 40-yard run, Mason Widman returned a punt 30 yards for a score (SEE VIDEO OF THAT TOUCHDOWN BELOW), and senior Kevin Mateo pounced on a fumble in the end zone for his first career touchdown.
Mateo drew inspiration from Morrell as well.
“He’s a best friend to me and I play in honor of him, and always think of him when I’m out there,” Mateo said.
Burkhardt’s 54-yard scoring jaunt to start the second half extended the lead to 49-0.
Afterward, Bryan reflected on the contribution of his seniors – Burkhardt, Morrell, Mateo, Delgado, Alberto Ramos, Angel Santiago, Brandyn Shepherd and Tyler Willis - and how they helped build the program from a three-win team when they were freshmen, to this year’s winning edition.
“It’s gratifying as a coach to see this success,” Bryan said. “It’s validating. It shows your future, current and past players that you’ve got a good thing going and we’re going to continue to work hard and go in that direction.”
“This was very emotional,” Mateo said. “I don’t want this to end. I’d really like to keep on playing, but I think we set a really good example for the younger guys.”
NOTES: Before the game, a moment of silence was held for Gloucester senior Christopher Kuhnel, who was struck by a vehicle and killed while walking to school last week.
At halftime, the school honored its unbeaten football teams of 1969-71 that went a combined 25-0-2 during that three-year span, introducing all the members of those teams who were in attendance.
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