FOOTBALL PREVIEW: GRANGER AT BURTON

The Burton Panthers have a big game in front of them later tonight (Friday) as they take on the current District Front-Runner, the Granger Lions.

Going into the game, Granger is 9-0 overall, and 6-0 in district, while Burton is 8-1 overall, and 5-1 in district. Due to McDade and Snook deciding earlier this season to forfeit the rest of their varsity schedule, tonight's (Friday's) game will be the final night of the regular season. The four playoff teams will have a bye next week, and then play their Bi-District games in two weeks.

Granger is coming off of a 58-14 win over Somerville last week. Burton is coming off of a tough 37-36 loss to Iola.

If Granger wins, they are the district champions. If Burton wins, and Iola beats Bartlett, then that would create a three-way tie for first.

Burton is led by QB Kayden Patterson (Jr.), who is their top passer and rusher. Patterson is 41 out of 75 passing for 699 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also carried the ball 113 times for 938 yards and 21 touchdowns.

RB Maleek Bibby (Jr.) is their second leading rusher with 61 carries for 411 yards and five touchdowns. FB Rueben Rodriguez (Jr.) has carried the ball 42 times for 274 yards and a touchdown.

WR Braydon Martin (Jr.) is the leading receiver with 16 catches for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Right behind him is WR Eli Simank (Sr.) with nine catches for 204 yards and three touchdowns.

Granger is currently ranked #6 in the state, and has plenty of experience with 19 seniors on the team.

Last year when they faced Burton, the Lions came away with a 40-20 victory.

Burton Head Coach Jason Hodde talked about what the Panthers will be facing.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm at Panther Stadium in Burton.