Hasley’s big night gives Deer Lakes coach Burks first victory

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 7, 2018 | 11:03 PM

It couldn’t have been more bittersweet for Tim Burk. Not only did he get his first career win as a head coach, but his team did so in convincing fashion as Deer Lakes defeated Uniontown, 47-14, in a Class 3A Big East Conference matchup at Lancers Stadium.

It was a surreal feeling for Burk as the clock struck zero Friday night.

“It feels good” Burk said. “It’s nice to get that out of the way. But it’s not about me. It’s about this group. They deserve it more than anybody. To me, it means absolutely nothing. It means more to me for the kids.

“They worked hard this summer. They’ve been through a roller coaster of emotions. It makes me feel good for them.”

It was also a career night for junior quarterback Aris Hasley. He threw for 341 yards and had a hand in five touchdowns. Most of his damage came in the first half. Hasley completed 16 of 25 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown.

“It’s something special,” Hasley said. “You dream of this stuff, Friday night lights with your boys and coming out and playing like that. It’s fun. I’m very happy and blessed to play like that.”

Burk was more than pleased with his quarterback’s performance.

“I love what he brings to the table,” Burk said with a wide grin. “I love what he brings every day to practice. I love his leadership. He’s a great athlete. Hats off to this kid. He puts in the time. He puts in the effort.”

Deer Lakes (1-1) struck early and often and took a 19-6 lead heading into the second quarter. That’s when Hasley and the offense turned it up a notch.

Senior wideout Jared Colton recorded touchdown receptions on back-to-back drives. The first was a 9-yarder that made the score 26-6. Uniontown (0-3) went three-and-out on offense on the ensuing possession, giving the Lancers a first down from their own 45. Four plays later, Hasley found Colton for a 31-yard score that made it 33-6. It was Hasley’s fourth touchdown of the half.

The Red Raiders fought until the final whistle. Uniontown sophomore running back Ky’ron Craggette capped the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown run four minutes into the fourth quarter, his second touchdown of the night. He also ran for a 75-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

“He’s a good runner,” Uniontown coach Cedric Lloyd said. “He’s not used to the workload, and it’s a heavy workload. Youth shows itself quite a bit. When you’re young, you’re going to be exposed. But I tell them you have to keep working to overcome the youth part.”

Junior receiver Jack Hollibaugh recorded three catches for 103 yards and one touchdown for Deer Lakes.

D.J. Vasil is a freelance writer.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Uniontown