REGION FINAL PREVIEW: BURTON VS. GRANGER

The Burton Panthers and the Granger Lions renew their rivalry in the Class 2A Division II Region IV Championship Game.

Kickoff is scheduled for tonight (Friday) at 7pm at Memorial Stadium in Bastrop.  KWHI will have live coverage beginning with the pregame at 6:30pm.

Burton won the District 14-2A Division II Championship.  They are a perfect 12-0 on the season, which includes a 46-0 Bi-District win over Milano, a 55-0 Area win over Rocksprings, and last week’s 7-0 Region Semifinal win over Chilton.

The Panthers have a powerful rushing attack with four dangerous runningbacks.  Tyrone Gilmon has 94 carries for 987 yards and 20 touchdowns.  Delvin Gantt has 87 carries for 851 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Pierson Spies has 103 carries for 761 yards and 7 touchdowns. Chad Schubert has 48 carries for 361 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Burton can also throw the ball when needed.  Colby Beck is 22-41 passing for 354 yards with 4 touchdowns, and two interceptions. The leading receiver on the team is Tanner Gore with 11 catches for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Schubert also has 7 catches for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Lions are the runner-ups from District 13-2A Division II.  They are 11-2 on the season, which includes a 60-13 Bi-District win over Somerville, a 41-6 Area win over D’Hanis, and last week’s 35-15 Region Semifinal win over Falls City.

Burton Coach Jason Hodde gave KWHI a scouting report on their former district rivals.

Granger is led by D.J. McClelland, who is both their leading rusher and leading receiver.  He has carried the ball 137 times for 1,192 yards and 16 touchdowns.  McClelland also has 12 catches for 230 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Their quarterback, Nathan Tucker, is 56 of 111 passing for 639 yards with 5 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has also carried the ball 69 times for 355 yards and 8 touchdowns.

The winner of tonight’s (Friday’s) game moves on to the State Semifinals next week. They will face the winner of Mart vs. Lovelady, who play tonight (Friday) at 7pm at A&M Consolidated High School.