Three Burnet Bulldogs ready to play football at next level

JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

BURNET — They’ve been playing football together for years, so it’s only fitting that on National Signing Day on Feb. 5, Burnet High School’s Derek Kiser, Blayne Parisher and Chase Mardis signed their letters of intent to play at the collegiate level at the same time, side by side. 

Kiser, a quarterback, will play at Tarleton State University in Stephenville; Mardis, a defensive end, is on his way to West Texas A&M University in Canyon; and Parisher, a receiver, is going to Howard Payne University in Brownwood.

“These are three great universities and three outstanding young men,” Burnet head football coach Kurt Jones said. “It’s exciting to see all their hard work, dedication, commitment both in the classroom and on the playing field come to this moment and pay off for them.”

Kiser decided on Tarleton State a few days ago after completing his visits. The Texans utilize the same spread offense the Bulldogs use with the same terminology.

“I loved it when I took the trip,” he said. “It’s a great atmosphere and a good program. They said I could play pretty quickly. That’ll be fun.”

One of his new teammates is former Marble Falls High School quarterback Zed Woerner, class of 2012.

The son of Roy and Gina Kiser will major in kinesiology to become a physical therapist.

Burnet offensive coordinator Andy McHazlett said Kiser has performed at a high level on the playing field and in the classroom.

“It’s been wonderful to watch them grow to mature young men who contribute so much to this school,” he said about Kiser, Mardis and Parisher.

Mardis said he was hooked on West Texas A&M’s tradition and family atmosphere.

“I really like the coaching staff and how they treat their players,” he said. “Everybody is really close as a team.”

Mardis said being a Bulldog will help him because his high school and college coaches share some of the same philosophies.

“(The Burnet) coaches coach us to go fast and not stop,” he said. “That’s one of the things they liked about me was not to stop.”

Burnet defensive coordinator Kevin Hall said he sees similarities between Mardis and former San Francisco 49er and Atlanta Falcon Pierce Holt. The Angelo State University defensive lineman didn’t listen to those who told him it was a waste of time to purse his dreams of playing in the NFL.

“(Mardis is) just now realizing his potential,” he said.

“Just like (Holt), he kept believing in his ability and kept working hard. You’re fixing to do that. I’m proud of you,” he told Mardis.

The son of Mark and Ellen Mardis will major in journalism to become a photojournalist.

One of the reasons Parisher wanted to attend Howard Payne is because the offense is the same as the one at Burnet.

“They swing the ball around,” he said. “And the location is the best fit for me and my family.”

Parisher caught 76 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

The son of Brian and Sonia Parisher is undecided on a major.

“The things he did the most for us were his leadership and practice habits,” Bulldogs receivers coach Billy Cook said about Parisher. “I want to say thank you.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com