Kyle Burns returns from injury to help Centennial defeat Everman in 9-5A opener
Burleson Centennial didn’t seem to mind playing a day early as the Spartans scored the first 21 points of the game Thursday night on the way to 35-8 District 9-5A Division II win over Everman at J.E. Marr Stadium.
The schools decided Wednesday to play the game a day early due to the threat of inclement weather on Friday.
Centennial (3-1, 1-1) picked up its first district win thanks to a pair of first-half scoring runs and defense score. The Spartans would add a pair of second-half scoring runs to finish out the win.
Everman (1-3, 1-1) picked up its only touchdown a 14-yard pass from Juan David to Caleb Lester.
Game was over when: After a short punt by Everman put the ball on the Bulldogs 33, Centennial needed just four plays to score and go up 21-0 with 9:26 to play in the first half. Kyle Burns broke free on a 19-yard run and Chris Mosley followed with a 15-yard run to the Bulldogs 3. On the next play, Jeff Kirven scored on a three-yard run.
Play of the game: Burns, who missed part of the last game with an injury, showed he was just fine when on the second play of the game when he got loose for a 27-yard run. On the Spartans next possession, Burns carried six times for 62 yards.
Offensive player of the game: Centennial slot back Jaylon Jackson had a big night but couldn’t find the end zone. Jackson carried 11 times for 101 yards. He averaged 9.1 carries per carry.
Defensive player of the game: Centennial defensive back Matiroyn Easley intercepted a pass and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown with 18 seconds to play in the first quarter. The score gave the Spartans a 14-0 lead. Centennial scored twice in the span of 1:46.
Unsung hero of the game: Burns kept the Spartans offense on track all night. The senior quarterback ran for 128 yards on 21 carries and threw for 27 yards. Centennial’s offense finished the game with 371 yards on 56 plays.
What’s next? Everman plays a district game at Aledo at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Centennial hosts Midlothian in a district game at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28.