BURLESON, Texas — Burleson High jumped out to a commanding lead Friday night, stunning rival Centennial with a 22-0 halftime advantage in the annual Battle of the Boot.
The Elks, guided by second-year head coach and former Dallas Cowboy Phillip Tanner, played with urgency from the opening kickoff. Burleson’s defense set the tone early, swarming Centennial’s offense and forcing a safety to take a quick 2-0 edge.
On the next possession, the Elks marched downfield behind a steady ground attack and capped the drive with a short-yardage touchdown run. The extra point extended the lead to 9-0.
Burleson’s defense struck again moments later, pouncing on a Centennial fumble that gave the Elks prime field position. They quickly converted the turnover into another touchdown, though the PAT sailed wide, leaving the score at 15-0.
As the first half wound down, Tanner’s squad mounted one more scoring drive. With just over two minutes remaining, Burleson powered into the end zone once again and nailed the point after, sending the Elks into the locker room with a 22-0 cushion.
Centennial, led by head coach Blake Meyers, entered the game riding a three-year winning streak in the series and holding the Boot since 2021. But the Spartans were bottled up through the opening two quarters, struggling to establish rhythm against Burleson’s aggressive defense.
The second half will determine whether Burleson can hold off a Centennial rally and reclaim bragging rights in the city rivalry for the first time in four years.