Fairdale's Xavier Burks wins First Down Friday's Play of the Week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Fairdale running back Xavier Burks is Week 3's winner of the First Down Friday Play of the Week.

Burks dominated the ground game against Eastern, scoring four touchdowns and rushing for 339 yards on just 14 carries. That's an average of more than 24 yards per rush.

His big game might have started with the most important meal of the day, getting his mom to make him French toast for breakfast. But seriously, he credits his team for helping him put on a big performance.

"The offensive line did an amazing job," Burks said. "And the coaches just made good calls. They knew where we could make a play so we could score."

Fairdale's Xavier Burks broke out vs. Eastern in a performance that earned First Down Friday Play of the Week honors.

He also had a touchdown run of over 50 yards. Despite the dominant performance from Burks, Eastern came out with the 33-32 victory. The running back still savored the night for another reason though: He was finally feeling healthy.

The junior said he fractured a kneecap last season. At times, working his way back into game shape, especially after getting a little banged up during training camp, was very difficult.

"It was pretty hard," Burks said. "There were times where my knee would start hurting again. But I pushed through it because I was trying to get back on the field. I'm doing what I love."

"We knew we had something special in him," Fairdale head coach Louis Dover said. "He's kind of been beating himself up a little bit. Then, he finally got healthy and it showed."

Playing both ways for the Bulldogs as a running back and linebacker, Burks is hoping colleges start to take notice of him this season for a potential scholarship. But he does not talk about himself much in working to achieve that.

"I'm more of a selfless person," Burks said. "I like to see my other teammates succeed before I do. And I'll just block to make sure that my other teammates score."

"He's amazing on the field and off the field," Dover said. "He's the perfect team player."

Ballard's Larry Irvin's 34-yard touchdown throw to Maurice Stephens came in 2nd place while Floyd Central's Tristan Robertson 70-yard touchdown pass to Mitchell Bernardi came in 3rd.

To view the winning play, click below: