BURTON LOOKS FORWARD TO FIRST FOOTBALL SEASON AT NEW PANTHERS STADIUM

After back-to-back six-win seasons and consecutive first-round playoff exits, the Burton Panthers are entering the 2025 football season with renewed determination to return to form. The last time Burton hit double-digit wins was in 2022 and this year, the program is aiming to go even further with a deeper playoff push and a return to district dominance.

Adding to the anticipation, the Panthers will begin their journey in a brand-new home. The recently completed Panthers Stadium is now open and ready for action, providing the team and its fans with a long-awaited home-field environment after three seasons of playing exclusively on the road. It marks a major step forward for the program and the surrounding community.

That new chapter officially begins today, as Burton kicks off its 2025 campaign with a scrimmage against Hempstead at Panthers Stadium, giving fans their first look at this year’s squad under the lights and in their new home.

Experienced Core Ready to Lead the Charge

The Panthers return a deep and seasoned roster in 2025, featuring eight offensive starters and seven on defense, a key strength at the Class 2A level, where players are often called upon to contribute on both sides of the ball.

At the center of it all is senior Kaden Patterson, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback and defensive back. Patterson is featured among Dave Campbell’s Texas Football players to watch, and his leadership and versatility will be crucial to Burton’s success.

Several other returning players are also poised to make major impacts:

• Houston Hodde (OL/DL): A dominant presence in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
• Maleek Bibby (RB/DL): A strong runner and physical force on the defensive line.
• Braden Martin (WR/OL): A junior playmaker who adds speed on the outside and toughness in the run game.
• Ruben Rodriguez (LB/RB): A two-way standout with physicality and instincts.
• Lawerence Allan (OL/DL): A key contributor up front, anchoring the offensive and defensive lines.
• Caleb Nausmann (TE/DE): A hybrid weapon with the ability to impact both the passing game and the pass rush.

This group, along with emerging talent in the under class, gives the Panthers a competitive edge in both skill and experience, vital assets as they enter one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.

Climbing the District Ladder

Burton is currently projected as the district’s No. 2 team, trailing only Granger in preseason rankings by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. But the Panthers are embracing the underdog role, turning it into motivation as they pursue a district title and a return to playoff prominence.

After years of traveling for every contest, the chance to defend home turf brings added intensity and pride. The Panthers are eager to feed off the crowd and the energy of their new stadium as they set their sights on reaching the top of the district and making a statement in the postseason.