Burke Catholic quarterback Lucas Rodriguez rushed for four touchdowns Thursday night, leading the Eagles to a 52-6 rout of Highland and pushing Burke’s record to 4-0.

The game matched two previously undefeated teams, but Burke Catholic controlled it from the start, jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter behind two rushing touchdowns from Rodriguez. The Eagles’ defense forced two three-and-out drives on Highland’s first two possessions, one of which ended in a blocked punt.

Highland got on the board in the second quarter when wide receiver Christian Christie caught a 50-yard touchdown pass, though the extra point was missed. Burke answered immediately as Diego DeJesus returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 24-6. Rodriguez added his third touchdown of the half on a 30-yard run before halftime, and Burke Catholic went to the locker room ahead 31-6.

Rodriguez scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the game in the third quarter. Running back Thomas Gannon capped the scoring in the fourth quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run. Burke’s defense also recorded an interception and a fumble recovery to go with the blocked punt and blocked extra point.

Rodriguez, a wide receiver last season before moving to quarterback after 2025 Burke Catholic graduate Tim Brogan broke his leg, credited his offensive line for Thursday’s performance.

“The offensive line made good holes for us that led to a lot of opportunities,” Rodriguez said. “Credit to them.”

Burke Catholic head coach Aaron Hasbrouck praised Rodriguez’s transition to the position.
“Not bad for a receiver,” Hasbrouck said. “The sky is the limit for him.”

The win came after Burke Catholic’s scheduled game against James I. O’Neill High School the previous week ended in a forfeit. The Eagles, who compete in Class D, faced a Class C opponent in Highland after nearly two weeks without a game. Hasbrouck said the extended break helped the team prepare.

“We were able to really focus on Highland,” Hasbrouck said. “These guys really wanted to win tonight, and I couldn’t be more proud of both sides of the ball. They all dug in and really got it done.”

Highland will look for its first home win of the season on Friday when it hosts Dover, while Burke Catholic returns home to face Poughkeepsie on Saturday, as it looks to remain undefeated.