Mansfield’s Andrew Burton running helps the Tigers go for a state title

Nearly a year ago at this time, Mansfield’s dream of playing for a state championship was denied by Salem. The Greyhounds went on to claim the Class 3A state championship in Little Rock.

But on Friday (Dec. 5), in a similar scenario, the Tigers got their chance at revenge. Not to mention getting the opportunity to play for a title. Mansfield hosted Salem in Friday’s 3A semifinal round. A season ago, Salem ended the Tigers’ season in the same semifinal round, 38-20; then the following week, captured the 3A crown by beating Bismarck.

One Tiger player who has waited for the chance at payback is senior Andrew Burton. On Friday, Burton would run for five touchdowns and Mansfield would get its revenge in a 48-22 win over Salem. Mansfield will on Dec. 16 play Fordyce in the Class 3A championship game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

“It made us work harder,” Burton said of last year’s defeat. “Because we know how hard we worked last year, so we know we have to work even harder this year.”

The Tigers have been able to do just that, fashioning a 12-0 record after going 11-3 the season before. They have scored 571 points, and in eight of their 12 wins, have scored 46 points or more.

“We are a lot better this year than last year,” Burton said. “It’s good. We work really good together on the field.”

Burton, who plays running back and safety, has been a focal point in the Tigers’ success this season. Entering Friday’s semifinal, he has carried the ball 196 times for 2,108 yards and 33 touchdowns, and also has scored 12 two-point conversions.

He also owns both the career and single-season school record for rushing yards and touchdowns. Plus, he is the single-game record holder for the Tigers in rushing yards (303) and touchdowns (six) in a single game. On defense, he has intercepted two passes, forced two fumbles and caused two more. Burton has broken up five passes, recorded six quarterback hurries and six tackles for loss.

“Offensively, I can read where to go pretty good,” he said. “And on defense, I’m way stronger than everyone and no one can block me.”

Burton has been a starter all four seasons playing on the Tigers’ varsity. He did the normal preparations for his senior year, and then some. And perhaps another reason he has been able to find the end zone numerous times has been taking advice from an observer.

“I had an older fan named Papa Butch tell me to get the ball and run straight to the end zone and don’t stop,” Burton said. “So that’s what I did.”

Of the games Burton has participated in, he remarked his best performance came against rival Waldron, in which he ran for 281 yards on just 13 carries. He also savored the Tigers’ opening-week win against Bismarck, the defending 3A runner-up.

“Andrew is a phenomenal football player and an even better person,” Mansfield coach Whit Overton said. “He is exactly what you want out of a leader. He works extremely hard on and off the field. Whether it’s the weight room or the practice field, he is always here and ready to get after it.”

Burton is also part of a unique family situation. He has seven brothers, all of whom play or have played football at Mansfield. Two of his older brothers, Daniel and Samuel, were seniors last season. Daniel Burton departed the program as the Tigers’ all-time leading rusher, and previously held the single-season school rushing record before Andrew broke it this season.

Then, Andrew is teammates with three of his other brothers: Matthew Burton, a running back and defensive lineman; Silas Burton, a running back and safety; and Jeremiah Burton, also a running back and safety. There are also two younger brothers on the junior high squad: Elijah Burton, a quarterback and cornerback; and Seth Burton, a receiver and safety.

Andrew Burton also plays basketball and participates on the school’s weightlifting squad. But he lives for football and hopes to play in the title game. That’s because he doesn’t plan to play beyond his senior season.

“I’m going straight to work with my dad in construction,” Burton said. “I’ve been running heavy equipment since I was 12.”

Burton wants, along with his brothers and the rest of his Mansfield teammates, to experience the bright lights of War Memorial Stadium as Mansfield goes for a state championship, which would be the program’s first-ever title.

“Staying healthy’s the main thing,” Burton said. “We just have to play as a team.”