Ra'Von Burton realizes the significance of his recent ailments, but he is approaching Friday's district title game against Palisades with a mainly focused and somewhat light take on the entire situation.

But Burton isn't your average player, either.

For starters, the senior suffered an appendicitis attack in mid-October and underwent emergency surgery. When he returned in the Roughies' final home game and senior night, Burton then suffered a PCL tear.

Through it all, Burton miraculously played through both injuries and gained more than 100 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns in the Roughies' 41-14 win over Pen Argyl in the district semifinals last Friday.

Through the team's first 11 games, Burton has rushed for 1,337 yards on 137 carries for an astounding 9.9 yards per carry. He has scored 17 touchdowns and has averaged 148 rushing yards per game.

"I can notice a difference with my knee, but it really hasn't affected me," said Burton, who will be wearing a brace in the title game. "The real difference I notice is with my speed. But I really haven't thought about it when I'm out on the field and in motion. The adrenaline takes over and I play like I always do."

Burton also hasn't allowed the appendicitis to slow him down either. However, he has always appreciated the concern from his head coach.

"I like to joke about it now," said Burton about the procedure. "I told coach (Tom Falzone) that my time in the 40 (yard dash) is quicker now since I have it out. He (Falzone) is like the safety patrol out there with us.

"He (Falzone) always takes the necessary precautions for us and is always looking out for everyone. I don't know how his kids handle it with him. But we all know he is looking out for us."

His coach knew he wouldn't miss an extra time.

"Ra'Von wanted to be out there right after having his appendix out," said Falzone. "I know he is in some pain, but he'll be out there. What he has managed to do is pretty amazing. I always am cautious about injuries, but I know we couldn't keep him out for long."

Burton and his teammates aren't taking anything for granted heading into Friday's game.

"We need to stay focused and don't over look anything," said Burton in reference to last year's loss in the title game to Pen Argyl. "We had a weak practice this week and we need to stay in the zone."

Burton has been entertaining offers from Millersville and Colgate and has also reviewed programs at Villanova and West Chester in reference to continuing his career next fall. Yet, he wants to concentrate on finishing his high school career on a high note.

"I'll make a decision after the season," he said. "I don't want to take anything away from the team right now. We're not individuals, but a family. We rely on each other and we're all in this until the end."