Lucas Runk...Central football

[life hunts]

If you have not had a chance to see this kid, he is worth the price of admission.

Not to put all the credit on his shoulders, or the pressure to go along with that, but he has made tremendous play after play this year for Central. His vision from the tailback position is incredible. His toughness for a 10th grader is admirable as the defense knows he is getting the ball and he still gets up, play after play.

He has made some unbelievable catches from the spread position...for those fans who follow the Dragons, the catch at Philipsburg in traffic comes to mind and also the 80 yard catch and run at Huntingdon were something to behold.

He is an above average punter who can also run/throw from that position which causes havoc for defenses.

And from the safety position, he can deliver stinging hits at the line of scrimmage and also big hits in the secondary. Each game I think he has played over his head, but he has strung together 3, 4 and 5 games in a row with big, big stats both from the line of scrimmage and also special teams.

Thus far, he has escaped the injury bug, but I wonder how his perhaps 170 lb frame will continue to handle the pounding as we enter the final portion of the regular schedule and then the playoffs.

But, he has been so exciting to watch this year. When he makes his cuts and then breaks into the open field, he reminds me of a young Jesse Jones from Tyrone a few years back. I hope Runk grows into the frame that Jones had in a few years and is able to benefit from the formidable offensive line Jones was able to run behind.

As I mentioned earlier, he has changed games many times this year so far and I cannot think of someone individually who has meant more to their team in winning games in either D5 or D6 than Mr. Runk at CHS.

[jgreen6578]

great post cant agree more with you. i dont know what else to say, you said it all

[AmusedChatter]

Put the kid in the LHAC and he is averag at best common guys he played against teams that Cambria Heights could beat or be competitive with. I am not sold with the whole Central is the best team in the state yet. Did they even play anyone with a winning record yet???? After the Tyrone game if they beat them and this kid has a big game then come on here and talk him up but as for now please don't.

[life hunts]

I did not mention that Central was the best team in the state. Nor do I think that Runk as a sophomore is the most talented player in the LHAC.

However, I would match his big plays and game changing plays and his contributions to his team this year with any single player in the LHAC....Absolutely.

[Coach]

I haven't been to a game yet either, but I know Lucas is a gamer and one of those super tough kids. Everyone loves to say stick this team here or stick this team there. THEY AREN'T THERE. Nobody says to throw North Star in the LHAC. Wait up on the mountain people do. It is something about people in general I think. If you look at our forum lately their is a lot of negative focus. Annoying things, worst places to play, etc. People just seem to be against success. Put them in the WPIAL...things wouldn't be the same then either huh! Then the chest puffs out with a little bit.

[bandwagon008]

Lucas is a great player and a great teammate with him you always feel like the momentum of a game is going to change with one run. He makes amazing cuts and once he gets in the open field hes gone. I guess when playoffs come we will see how well the divine lhac teams can handle him.

[CentralAlumni61]

Runk is one great back and he is only in 10 grade. He will only get better in years to come and that could cause trouble for teams they play. They have a hard time stopping him now, what will they do in the next few years. Central isn't the best team in the state, but they are on the right path. Central is a solid team on both offense and deffense. In the next couple of years we will be talking about Central like we talk about Tyrone, Forest Hills, McCort, and others. I think the winning ways are back at Central.

[AmusedChatter]

A good question. When did the winning ways ever visit Centrals school in football?

[#1_plumber_coach]

Late 70's to early 80's Central had some pretty good teams...