Burnet battling Billies in Fredericksburg
The Burnet Bulldogs travel to Fredericksburg on Sept. 9 for a game against the Battlin' Billies. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Photo by Glenn Morris/ftog.com
JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER
BURNET — To remain unbeaten, the Burnet High School football team will have to defeat an opponent that found its rhythm last week.
The Bulldogs (2-0, District 13-4A Division I) travel to play Fredericksburg (1-1, District 14-4A Division I) on Sept. 9 at Battlin’ Billies Stadium, 1107 Texas 16 South. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
Listen to the game on KMPN 95.9 FM powered by KBEY or at KBEYFM.com starting with a pregame show at 7 p.m.
The Billies lost to Lampasas 33-12 in week one but bounced back to beat Austin Travis 49-21 last week.
“I think coach (Lance) Moffett in Fredericksburg (and) their staff will tell you they didn’t feel like they performed very well in that season opener in Lampasas,” Burnet head coach Kurt Jones said. “When you watch Fredericksburg against Travis, everything was much more clean and crisp, efficient, so they just did a much better job. I feel like they’re a good football team. They’ll be a tough team to beat at their place.”
The Billies are led by two quarterbacks, passer Will Flannery, who completed 24 of 34 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, and Riggs Threadgill, who has completed eight of 13 passes for 130 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Both are juniors.
“Both are big strong kids and can throw it fairly well and make things happen,” Jones said. “They look sharp, they look crisp, especially this past week. Their offense was much more efficient and pretty balanced between the running backs.”
Junior running back Tristan Sanchez has 21 carries for 218 yards and three scores, while senior running back Neil Loth has 25 carries for 119 yards and a touchdown. Senior receiver Jonny Cleland has 19 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown.
Jones said the Billies have a new offensive philosophy this season.
“They’re still going to get some two back and try to run the football,” he said. “They want to first establish a running game. They’re trying to throw around the ball a little better than in the past. Their offensive line is big and physical. They do a good job. They have weapons to hurt you if you don’t handle them the right way.”
Defensively, the Billies are led by senior defensive end Wade Davis, an all-state selection last year, and senior cornerback Jordan Hartman.
“We’re really super impressed with their defensive end, Wade Davis,” Jones said. “He makes a lot of things happen. Jordan Hartman is a big hitter and had a few interceptions. They can get on the field and defend you and make things difficult for you.”
The Bulldogs have yet to turn the ball over this season, a trend they hope to continue.
“We’ve done a great job protecting the football,” Jones said. “At the same time, we’ve gone out and created seven or eight turnovers ourselves to get the ball back from our opponent. We’re going to have to continue with that.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com