Burns High School - Blazes Yearbook (Lawndale, NC)

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Dogs journeyed to Bel- mont to take on the South Point Red Raiders. In the game Burns com- pleted only seven of twenty-five passes and had six interceptions. The Bulldog defense was solid but South Point managed to gain 13 points, enough for a Raider win. ‘‘Mistakes, just too many mistkaes” was all Coach Eddie Greene had to Say. The 13-0 loss left the Bulldogs 2-2 and Crest, the defending SWC Cham- pion, was upcoming. As the Bulldogs and the Chargers took the field at the Burns stadium, it was pride at stake. As they walked off after a 6-0 Bulldog victory, neither had reason to be ashamed. The game was a Classic, courageous de- fensive struggle. There were only 13 total first downs for the game and the only score came in the second quarter on an 84 yard run from junior Darin Brown. Burns Coach Sam Homesley commented, ‘‘We played a super ballgame. It was a hard-hitting struggle. | guess we hit harder.” The Bulldogs now 3-2 were ready for the Homecoming Game against East Rutherford. The team did not let the home crowd down and romped to a 21-6 triumph over the Cava- liers. The win left the Bulldogs in a three way tie for second place with East Gaston and R.S. Cen- tral with a 4-2 conference mark. The Bulldogs narrowly escaped defeat in the next contest, a 7-6 win over a scrappy North Gas- ton team. Out for re- venge against the Chase Trojans t he Bulldogs won the grudge match going away 28-6. With their eyes on a playoff berth the Dogs had only one obstacle left, the War- riors of East Gaston. Things looked grim as East Gaston struck hard and fast to take a 12-0 halftime lead in a game that meant everything to the Bulldogs. However, what began as a night- mare, turned into a dream come true. The 19- let the defense handle Bre- vard's offense. 12 victory was one of the sweet revenge and the Bulldogs were playoff bound. Senior Marty Gee summed up the feelings of the Burns fans. ‘‘The attitude of this team has been terrific — the play- ers, coaches, and fans. Everybody!” With the first playoff berth in the history of the school, the Bulldogs were in the Division II 3-A playoffs. The Bulldogs debut was outstanding as Burns took a 14-7 over- time triumph from the home standing Lincoin- ton Wolves. The Burns defense proved to be the catalyst and Coach Greene remarked, ‘‘l don’t think Lincolnton should have scored.” Back home to take on the Brevard Blue Devils the Bulldogs had gone farther and won more games than any team in Burns’ history. Coach Jim Atkinson expressed the feelings, ‘‘It was the greatest season ever, but it ended one week too soon.” The Bulldogs lost a game that they played Taking a water break, center Scott Grigg and Rodney Hopper Senior quarterback Charles Wal- ton watches his receivers while the R.S. Central defense closes in. with heart. They never gave up and finally, at the end of the second over- time period, the season ended for the Bulldogs with a 20-14 loss. Coach Greene said, “This team was 3-2 at one point and could have laid down. They didn’t and they won six in a row and proved they were a good foot- ball team.” Ending with a 9-3 school record and a good showing in their first playoff debut is nothing to be ashamed of and the Bulldogs were proud of their showing, as com- ments from senior Scott Webber indicate. ‘‘I'm proud to have been part of the team. It was a real honor for me. It’s some- thing nobody can take away from me.” Senior Clint Shuford replied, ‘‘| felt we could have gone further but | was proud Of our showing this year.” A question of pride? Yes, and the Bulldogs had plenty.

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Back to the Basics Back to the basics was the key for the Bulldogs in pursuit of their best season ever. A physical, grind’em out, ball-control style Offense and an aggresive defense led to the Bull- dogs’ success. In the opening game of the season it was Kings Mountain and a steady downpour of rain. Taking the field with high aspira- tions the Bulldogs made the first step toward their winning season, with a6-0 triumph. Coach 38 iat ee eS aes Se eee TS tis Greene commended the The came Shelby. The defense. “Our defensive Bulldogs traveled to Lion guys really did super.” country in hope of pick- The Dogs recovered five ing up a second confer- Mountaineer fumbles to nece victory and bid for kill any chance of a Kings first place. The game was Mountain victory. weird, wild, and wacky, a Off to a slow start and barn burner that came trailing 14-0 at halftime down to the final 43 against non-conference seconds of the fourth Cheeryville, the Dogs put quarter. The Bulldogs, fear in the hearts of with the ball on the Shel- Burns’ fans who had by 5 and behind 20-24, dreams of playoffs. weremakinga bid forthe However, a rousing win. A running play that second half that led to a failed and an intentional 29-14 win put hope back grounding penalty into those dreams. smashed the hopes of Late in the third quarter, our number one defense squad held Crest short of our goal. This was a decisive play as Burns won the contest 6-0. the Bulldogs and gave Shelby a win — peculiar style. The game was one of turnovers and costly mistakes. There were 15 total turnovers. Coach Greene said, ‘‘I don't want to take anything away from Shelby, but | feel like we gave them the game.” With a record of 1-1 in conference play, the Bulldogs took on the Hill- toppers of R.S. Central in a defensive struggle and Came out on top 7-0. With spirits high, the

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Chase met its match when it ran into Ronald Brown and the rest of the conference leading Bulldog defense. Tailback Darin Brown turns the ball upfield after breaking tackles made by the Brevard Blue Devils. Darin rushed for 186 yards in this playoff game. Marty Gee leads the way for Ulysses Tuft on a reverse against Brevard in the Division ll, semi-final playoff game.