Beemer, ‘not trying to do anything flashy,’ rolls along for Burlington Centra

Burlington Central’s Reece Beemer knows he has the talent to throw the ball all over the field.

The only problem for the 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior quarterback is that the Rockets are known for their ground game, so he has to really take advantage of his opportunities.

“I know we’re a run-heavy team,” Beemer said. “I just have to do my job. I put a lot of trust in my running backs and my linemen. Whenever we have a pass called, I know what needs to be done.

“I’m not trying to do anything flashy.”

Beemer was exceptionally efficient Friday night, completing 6 of 7 passes for 105 yards in host Burlington Central’s 41-10 win over Rockford East in a Class 6A opening-round playoff game.

That included a 49-yard TD pass to Wagner Viebrock before Beemer and the starters took a seat during the second half for the Rockets (7-3), who will travel to Lake Zurich (6-3) for next weekend’s first round.

Parker Auxier rushed for 116 yards and two TDs on only five carries, while Paco Acevedo, Ben Atieh and RJ Perez also ran for TDs in rolling the Rockets past Rockford East (2-8).

Auxier set the tone with an 80-yard TD run on the first play of the game. On their second drive, however, Beemer got cooking. He went 4-for-4 for 72 yards, completing passes to four different receivers and capping it with the 49-yard TD pass on a screen to Viebrock.

“He’s done exactly what we’ve asked out of him,” Burlington Central coach Brian Iossi said of Beemer. “I’m not going to call him a game manager, but we’re a heavy run team.

“That’s our identity and what we do. We need him to be good, around 115 yards and a couple touchdowns a game is what we shoot for, and that’s what he’s done. I’m super proud of him.”

Sam Ames, who was one of nine Rockets to catch a pass Friday, has seen Beemer blossom as the season has gone on.

“He’s really developed as a leader and as a player,” Ames said of Beemer. “He’s shown a great command of the huddle. I can see him from Week 1 to Week 10, there’s been a ton of growth.

“Everyone has been very supportive of him. We know he’s a great player. He’s just showing himself out there. You can see the arm talent on some of those throws. He can fling the ball.”

The quarterback spot has been solidified since Iossi took over the program five years ago.

First it was Jackson Alcorn, then Landon Arnold. This was the first time there was a competition to be the starter. In the summer, Beemer outdueled Ashton Binz for the nod.

“We knew we’d have a competition and Ashton competed his butt off,” Iossi said. “He had a great season too on JV. Even next year, nothing is guaranteed on our team.”

Beemer confirmed that keeps him sharp.

“I give all my props to Ashton,” Beemer said. “He gives me tough competition. When I’m not my best, I have to try to keep my spot.

“Ashton and I are very similar people. People get us mixed up. We’re the same height.”

Iossi knows that all of this will benefit the two juniors in the future as well.

“This is invaluable experience for next year — a playoff win,” Iossi said. “It’s awesome.”

Beemer learned last season being behind Arnold on the varsity. Now, he’s the team’s leader. That’s only made him more comfortable heading into next week’s game against Lake Zurich.

“It taught me a bunch, how to keep my head clear,” Beemer said. “I feel like my composure is a huge part of it.”