BURTON FOOTBALL PREVIEW: BACK TO BUSINESS
District realignment did not do the Burton Panther Football Team any favors as they seek to return to the playoffs. For the next two seasons, the Panthers will have to contend with playoff regulars Bremond and Chilton now in their district.
Last season, Bremond was a regional finalist with a 13-1 record, while Chilton was 10-2, but got upset in the area round.
Burton is no stranger to the playoffs themselves under long time Head Coach Jason Hodde. The Panthers have made the playoffs in 16 straight seasons, and 17 out of the last 18.
The Panthers are looking to bounce back after last year's first round exit.
Dave Campbell's Texas Football '26, which now out, has Burton predicted to finish third in the eight-team District 13-2AII. They are also projected as the #20 team in the state in Class 2A Division II Football.
Bremond is picked to finish first in district, and are ranked as the #1 team in the state for Class 2A Division II. Chilton is predicted to finish second in district and is ranked #9 in the state.
Rounding out the district are Somerville in 4th, Holland in 5th, Bartlett in 6th, Milano in 7th, and Snook in 8th.
The Panthers return seven starters on each side of the ball.
The key starter on offense for Burton is senior QB Kayden Patterson. Patterson was almost a one-man offense by himself. Last year, he was the team's leading rusher with 158 carries for 1,269 yards, and 27 touchdowns. He was also the leading passer, completing 55 of 89 passes for 1,014 yards, and 12 touchdowns to just three interceptions.
Other top returners for Burton according to Dave Campbell's Texas Football:
OL/DL Houston Hodde
WR/DB Braydon Martin
RB/LB Rueben Rodriguez
LB Lawrence Alan
The top juniors are projected to be WR/DB Isaac Matthies and OL/DL Marcos Casas. Meanwhile, OL/DL Colt Kmiec is ranked as the top sophomore on the team.
Prior to the season, Burton will scrimmage on the road at Hempstead on August 13, and at home against Centerville on August 20. Their first official game of the season is at home against Thorndale on Friday, August 28, at 7pm at Panther Stadium.