BROWNSTOWN
Sean Burton’s name did not show up big in the post-game statistical listings during Brownstown Central’s 6-3 football season this fall.
But when the honors were passed out at the Braves’ post-season awards ceremony, it was obvious how much the senior was appreciated.
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“It caught me off-guard,” said Burton, a 5-foot-10, 200-pound offensive and defensive lineman who was presented with one of the team’s most coveted awards in the school auditorium.
A captain, who was one of the winners of the squad’s Pride Award recipients, as well, Burton received the Mental Attitude Award.
“Hard work,” is how Burton characterized his efforts for the team. “You just always need to work harder.”
Burton was on the field sometimes as a second-team offensive tackle, sometimes as a defensive end, sometimes as a defensive tackle, and on special teams.
He plans to attend college and go into law enforcement, but the plaque and letters and certificates he brought home from this celebration all would find designated places where he could view them.
“I’m going to hang them up on my wall,” Burton said.
May prizes the experience seniors bring to the team, but this year there were only eight Braves seniors on the club, Burton, Lucas Hines, Jayden Steinkamp, Treyton Ream, Nicholas Robbins, Justin Howard, Jacob Blann and Layden Canary.
That senior class went 38-8 overall, said May, who completed his 28th straight winning season in charge of the Braves program.
“That is pretty darned good,” May said. “Seniors, you had a heck of a career here.”
In one way, this season played out under the shadows and doubts of the always-threatening COVID-19 pandemic, and ended somewhat in the same manner. The team had to suspend practice for a period over the summer due to a positive virus test and the cheerleaders could not be present for the awards event because they were undergoing contact tracing.
“This year was very unique,” May said.
The Braves lost their scheduled opening game against Corydon Central to a last-minute positive test within the opposition, when Brownstown was almost to the field for the away game.
“Fortunately, we were able to get through our season,” May said.
May praised the community support, which has only built over his decades at the helm, and parents who also helped players stay healthy. He reminded the Braves that they were victorious in the epic encounter with rival Seymour, a 43-42 triumph won in the final minute.
“The Seymour game was memorable,” May said. “Guys, you will remember that game for the rest of your life.”
Blann won special recognition for his contributions to the team for the job he did imitating opponents’ offenses on the scout team.
“I just did whatever they needed me to do that week,” Blann said. “It usually was a skill position. Mostly it was at wide receiver.”
Blann, listed on Brownstown’s roster as a running back-defensive back, said he did not have to memorize all the other teams’ plays.
“Usually, it’s written on a card,” Blann said, “so it’s not too hard.”
There was much recognition spread around.
Hines was Most Valuable Player, Outstanding Defensive Lineman/Linebacker, was named all-league in the Mid-Southern Conference, won the team Black Jersey Award for most defensive points accumulated and received the Mason Watson Memorial Award, a special honor with team tradition.
Robbins won the Outstanding Defensive Back/Outside Linebacker Award, Cooper Wolka was given the Outstanding Special Team performer award, Jayden Steinkamp was the Outstanding Offensive back award winner, Treyton Ream was the Outstanding Offensive Lineman winner, Payton Terry was the Most Improved Back on the junior varsity and Jonathan Garvey was the Most Improved Lineman on the JV.
Hines, who is scheduled to sign a scholarship commitment with Marion University next week, Ream, Robbins and Steinkamp were selected all-conference and Dustyn Kocsis and Kiernan Tiemeyer were honorable mention all-league.
The 6-1, 290-pound Ream has playing college football on his mind.
“I’d love to,” he said. “Anywhere.”
Hines termed his all-around recognition on offense and defense “awesome.” He said he will miss Brownstown football, though. “It’s a sad realization it’s over. It’s been years of my life.”