Excerpt from 2011 KBTX/Taco Bell Friday Football Fever High School Football Preview Magazine to be available at Brazos Valley area Taco Bells beginning August 24th.
BRYAN -- The Panthers lose key members of their record-setting 2010 team in Montrell Crenshaw and Gabriel Patterson, but seven returning starters on offense and eight on defense should once again help Burton reach the playoffs.
Quarterback Xavier Bethany, who earned third team all-state honors on defense a year ago, is back to lead the Panther spread attack. Bethany will have three returning offensive linemen to block for him, led by big Sam Gibson. Ryan Rollins will get the first crack at helping replace Crenshaw and Patterson at running back. When Burton goes to the air Brandon Green and Andy Gibson provide large targets, both are 6-foot-4.
The Burton defense returns the most talent and may be the strength of the 2011 team. Four starters are back on the line, one at linebacker, and three in the secondary.
The Panthers play four of their first five games at home this season, and should help younger players get used to the varsity level. However, what looks like their two toughest district games will be on the road at Milano and Holland.
