Since his days playing flag football, Cristian Burker has been playing quarterback. It has been a position at which he has become quite comfortable over time, and he has learned to recognize his strengths and weaknesses.

So, when Burker took the field this fall as one of two quarterbacks who will direct the varsity unit, he wasn't intimidated by the process. Instead, the junior has quickly adjusted to his new role.

Through the first three games, Burker has shared the spot with senior Brandon Keks.

He will enter Friday's game at Saucon Valley coming off his best game of the season as he completed 9 of 17 passes for 206 yards with a touchdown. For the season, Burker has completed 14 of 26 passes for 277 yards with a pair of touchdowns and he also is the team's second leading rusher with 136 yards on 14 carries for a 9.7 average.

Burker has downplayed his new gig, and has shifted his attention to the continued growth of the team. He is confident his team can shake a pair of frustrating opening defeats and plunge themselves back into the Colonial League hunt.

"Things have been going well so far," he said. "Since I was little, I have always been a quarterback.

"It seems like we play down to our competition and we are very competitive with the better teams and rise to the occasion. We really believe things will start clicking for us. We have been right there with teams, but we make some crucial mistakes that have hurt us."

As far as his own development, Burker likes his continuing on-field recognition.

"I have to keep working on reading defenses," he said. "It is one thing to see them on a board or on film and it is another thing to see them in front of you. I feel like I have been getting better at it each week.

"That has definitely been something different this year. But everything has been a positive so far."

The left-handed throwing junior also has utilized his running ability, one that has been a constant in his career. He has completed his share of impressive throws on the run this season.

"I have always run and thrown on the run," said Burker. "It is something that I have worked in during practice. As long as I can keep my balance, I usually don't have too much trouble. I am always looking out in front of me to see who I can hit down field when I start scrambling.

"I know I should stay in the pocket, but I feel confident out of it as well."

First-year head coach Phil Dorn has been pleased with his showing.

"Cristian (Burker) has thrown the ball well and he certainly can run," said Dorn. "He is seeing things better each time he is on the field and he has a great arm. We're looking for him to get better down the stretch."

Burker hasn't been bothered sharing time calling signals with Keks.

"We each bring something different to the table, and we are very supportive of each other," said Burker on his shared spot. "It seems to be working out for both of us."

When he isn't playing football, Burker enjoys playing the piano, a hobby he began four years ago. He played when he was younger, and recently started playing again. He credits his father, James, for his talent both on and off the field.

He is optimistic his talents, as well as his team's, can slowly matriculate.

"We have been working hard and doing the right things," he added. "It's time for us to step up."