Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Burns eager for another opportunity against Lumberjacks
FAYETTEVILLE — Ozark is quite familiar with Warren, the Hillbillies’ second-round opponent in the Class 4A state playoffs.
In 2017, Ozark drove south to the piney woods and lost 49-14 in a second-round game. That Warren team was led by Treylon Burks, who is now a standout freshman receiver at the University of Arkansas.
“They were a great team with great athletes,” said Bryant Burns, a tight end and defensive end for the Hillbillies. “Year-in and year-out, they’re really good. Still are.”
Ozark is really good, too, and tonight’s home game will feature two teams with 10-1 records. Ozark shut out Malvern 21-0 last week while Warren warmed up for tonight’s showdown with a 34-14 win over Elkins.
Warren has won six state championships, including consecutive titles in 2016 and 2015.
Burns (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) is a senior leader and standout player, who will continue his football career with Army at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., next season. He has 40 tackles while playing mostly at outside linebacker and 12 catches for 175 yards and five touchdowns at tight end for the Hillbillies.
Burns has an interception, and he returned a blocked punt 80 yards for a touchdown in a win over Dardanelle.
“Bryant has really had a good year,” said his father, Ozark coach Jeremie Burns. “His stats may not be as good as last year’s. But he’s played well and shown great leadership, like this whole group of
seniors has done. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from them.”
Ozark has advanced to the second round despite injuries that have kept eight starters out of the lineup at various times this season. Yet, the Hillbillies have strung together nine consecutive victories after falling 15-12 to Clarksville in the second game of the season.
Burns returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown to spark Ozark to a 26-8 victory over Elkins on Nov. 3. Burns and his teammates turned in a dominant defensive performance last week when the Hillbillies held Malvern to seven first downs and 170 total yards.
“We’ve accomplished quite a bit, but we’re not thinking about that right now,” said Burns, one of 13 seniors for Ozark. “We’re trying to keep our minds on the goals ahead of us.”
Burns said playing at
Ozark with his friends and father as head coach has made his journey as a player even more satisfying. Jeremie Burns played high school football at Alma and collegiately at Henderson State.
“It’s been super special,” Burns said. “It’s kind of hard to describe playing for your dad to someone who hasn’t experienced it. But it’s been fun coming in here with him and working every day.”
Burns’ work ethic on the football field and his performance in the classroom led to his acceptance in the United States armed forces at Army. Burns committed to the Black Knights in April.
“I chose Army because it’s an elite school where you can receive an elite education,” said Burns, who has a plus-4.0 grade point average. “I’ve watched the Army-Navy game for years, and I’ll watch it again this year. I love the tradition.”
For now, Burns and his teammates are focused on trying to advance in the playoffs. Warren is a huge test for the Hillbillies who were eliminated 38-16 by Joe T. Robinson after beating Lonoke 34-0 last year in the playoffs.
“We’re ready to play anywhere at any time,” Burns said. “Our focus is with our team. We know what we have to do.”