Kaufman Lions enter Prim Stadium Friday night with hopes of a win that will tie the two teams for second place in District.
Jeramy Burleson is in his third year as head football coach for the Kaufman Lions. Before getting a promotion after the head coach went to Tatum, Coach Burleson was offensive coordinator for the Lions for two seasons. He was also a Wildcats’ football assistant under former coach Brad Turner from 2001 through 2006. Coach Burleson is the son in-law of legendary East Texas Coach Dickie Meeks. He went to high school at Emory Rains and to college at what was known back then as East Texas State University.
Kaufman is in third place in District 8-5A with a record of 4-2. The Lions’ season mark is 5-2. Coach Burleson said the Lions have played well for the most part. He said in their two losses, turnovers have hurt them. Fresh in his mind were turnovers suffered in a 27-21 loss at Kaufman to Royse City last week. Coach Burleson said you can’t so that against good teams. He said his players work hard and do what they are asked to do and he added he is proud of them.
The Lions quarterback is senior Trey Collier. Collier has committed to Tulsa as a wide receiver. Coach Burleson said Collier is a good leader. The Lions also have twin brothers that have been big contributors to the team, Jay and Cecil Gasper. Jay is a running back and Cecil is a wide receiver. Coach Burleson called them good competitors and team leaders. He said the Kaufman offensive line makes the offense click. Coach Burleson said Offensive Line Coach Kent Smith has done a good job. He said the leader on the offensive line is senior Landon Taylor. Coach Burleson called him a next level kind of guy.
He said the Kaufman defense has done a pretty good job this season. Coach Burleson said they need to get better at tackling like everybody else. He praised defenders for their effort and for being where they need to be. He added they have done a pretty good job of keeping Kaufman in ballgames. Coach Burleson said the strength of the defense is the defensive line. He said they tie guys up which allows big middle linebacker Billy Pullen to make plays.
Coach Burleson said the Wildcats are well coached. He said the Wildcats defense flies to the football and makes few mistakes. He said the Wildcats use their offensive players well.
Coach Burleson said he expects a fun atmosphere for Friday’s big district football game in Sulphur Springs.
