Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/898336
PREP RALLY PLAYOFF: 23 4 7 9 - 84 6 - 4 3 3 3 RICK FIRES NWA Democrat-Gazette PRAIRIE GROVE — Dustin Burton is a senior middle linebacker and the face of the Prairie Grove defense, even with a nickname many would find offensive. "ey're been calling me 'e Big Ugly' since my sophomore year," Burton said of his teammates. "I don't mind. I kind of like it." Burton stands out in his play and appearance. He has a beard and wears his long blonde hair down to his shoulders. He is a fierce tackler and a senior leader who is also skilled enough to contribute at running back for the Tigers. "If I was in a war, I'd want Dustin right there with me," Prairie Grove defensive coordinator Craig Laird said. "He's as tough as they come and you never know he's hurt until aer the game. He's always in a good mood but plays as mean as anybody I've ever coached." Burton will take the field for the third consecutive year in the playoffs when Prairie Grove (9-1) hosts Pottsville tonight in a first-round game. As a sophomore, Burton recovered a fumble in the Class 4A state championship game when the Tigers lost to Nashville. He started in three playoff games last year when Prairie Grove was eliminated in the state semifinals by Warren, the eventual champion. He's confident Prairie Grove can make another run aer finishing in a tie with Pea Ridge for the championship in the 4A-1 Conference. Prairie Grove's only loss came on Oct. 13 at Pea Ridge. But the Tigers bounced back with consecutive wins over Gentry, Berryville, and Lincoln to close out the regular season. "e loss to Pea Ridge showed we were beatable and it made us go at it even harder in practice," Burton said. "We know the playoffs are going to be hard, but I think we have the heart to make a good run." Burton is a menace on defense with 61 tackles, two sacks, and 12 1/2 stops for loss. He also helps on offense, where he's carried the ball 21 times for 153 yards and two touchdowns. "Dustin has an air about him that says he's to go with you," Prairie Grove coach Danny Abshier said. "He plays with a lot of physicality but he doesn't go around barking at people. He's a good ol' boy who makes you worry about him a little bit." Burton is among 16 seniors who've had overwhelming success on the football field at Prairie Grove. e Tigers are 34-4 over the past three seasons and playing in a state championship game for the first time in 2015. "It makes you feel good that you are making history," said Burton, who moved to Prairie Grove from Oklahoma when he was in the third grade. "We're winning a lot of games and we're having fun doing it. 'Big ugly' a big winner for Prairie Grove Special to NWA Democrat-Gazette/SHELLEY WILLIAMS Dustin Burton (28) is a starting middle linebacker and reserve running back for Prairie Grove. The Tigers begin the Class 4A state playoffs Friday by hosting Pottsville in a first-round game. AT A GLANCE DUSTIN BURTON SCHOOL Prairie Grove CLASS Senior HEIGHT 6-0 WEIGHT 210 POSITION Middle linebacker NOTABLE Has compiled 61 tackles with two sacks and 12 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage. … Contributes on offense with 153 yards rushing on two touchdowns on 20 carries. … Finished with 71 tackles as a junior and returned one of his three interceptions for a touchdown. … As a sophomore, recovered a fumble in the state championship game against Nashville. Prairie Grove Tigers (9-1) DATE OPPONENT RESULT Aug. 29 ............At Farmington ................... W 36-13 Sept. 9 ..............Vian, Okla., ........................... W 41-21 Sept. 15 ...........At West Fork ........................ W 40-6 Sept. 22 ...........At Huntsville ....................... W 41-14 Sept. 29 ...........Gravette ................................ W 31-7 Oct. 6 ................Shiloh Christian .................. 35-21 Oct. 13 .............At Pea Ridge ........................ L 26-21 Oct. 20 .............Gentry .................................... W 32-7 Oct. 27 .............At Berryville ......................... 34-6 Nov. 3 ...............Licoln...................................... W 56-25 Nov. 10 .............Pottsville ............................... 7pm CLASS 4A THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 Tommie Frisbie Agency (479) 846-0836 • Home • Life • Auto •Business • Boat • RV • ATV Go Prairie Grove Tigers!