Burleson, Hampton team share Co-Player of the Week for Bulldogs
Published 1:49 pm Monday, November 4, 2024
Ivan Sanders/Star Correspondent The Hampton Bulldogs have endured significant adversity during the 2024 season but continued to play hard despite the challenges.
Ivan Sanders/Star Correspondent Dominique Burleson accounted for over 200 yards of offense and two scores in Hampton's game against South Greene.
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Star Correspondent
Although Hampton’s game at South Greene wasn’t a battle for the top spot in Region 1-2A on Thursday night in Greeneville, the Bulldogs aimed to prevent their regional rivals from going undefeated in the region for 2024.
With several players in blue and white sidelined due to injury, the outlook wasn’t promising early. But as everyone knows, you can’t count the Bulldogs out, as the Rebels would soon discover.
Senior Dominique Burleson stepped in at quarterback after starter Mason Wilson was injured in the Bulldogs’ previous game against Eagleton Academy. Burleson’s performance was impressive enough to earn him a share of this week’s Hampton Player of the Week honors.
The senior accounted for over 200 yards of total offense — primarily rushing — to keep his team in the game. Burleson scored two touchdowns, putting Hampton up 20-14 with less than seven minutes remaining. South Greene responded with two scores to win 35-20, but not without a fierce battle.
The entire Hampton team also garnered Co-Player of the Week honors for good reason. Coaches often talk about “facing adversity,” but that term couldn’t apply more accurately than to the 2024 Bulldogs.
Already missing several key players due to injury, the Bulldogs faced an unexpected challenge when Hurricane Helene struck, causing extensive flooding at Hampton High School. As a result, students were relocated to the Carter County School Board office at the former Keenburg Elementary site, preventing the senior class from completing their final year at Hampton High.
Additionally, the team’s football field and facilities were damaged by floodwaters, forcing the Bulldogs to practice and play at different locations throughout the season.
While the regular season didn’t go as hoped, the Bulldogs aim to make a strong statement in the playoffs when they travel to York Institute for the first round.
For their efforts, Dominique Burleson and the 2024 Hampton High Bulldogs have been selected as this week’s Co-Players of the Week.
