El Dorado graduated two its top three receivers and its quarterback from 2021’s 6A state championship team. That meant DeAndra Burns, Jr., was destined to draw all sorts of extra defensive attention from opposing teams this season.
It was supposed to be a down year for the senior but all Burns did was catch 69 passes from three different quarterbacks, plus a tailback, for 1,106 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Burns’ receiving statistics were just the starting point for why he became a football player of the year finalist. The Arkansas State signee totaled 1,939 yards, scoring touchdowns receiving, rushing, punt return and kickoff return.
Little Rock Catholic took away El Dorado s explosive plays on offense and made big plays of its own in a 42-16 win at Memorial Stadium on Friday night.
Last year was the best season in a decade for El Dorado. The Wildcats rattled off nine wins after a 2-2 start to finish 11-2 and won their 10th state championship to cap the season.