For the Daily Reporter
INDIANAPOLIS — The final game of Landan Burton’s high school football career didn’t turn out as he had hoped.
Nonetheless, the former New Palestine defensive end was all smiles following Friday night’s North-South All-Star Game at North Central High School.
Responsible for six tackles in the South’s 27-24 loss, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive end said he’ll always cherish his five-day experience as an All-Star.
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“It was fun. It was an experience. I never thought I would get the opportunity to play in a game like this,” a sweat-soaked Burton said after the game. “I only played varsity football my senior year. I quit after freshman year.
“Making the teams I did, all-county and all-conference, and being able to come out here and represent New Palestine and the southern half of Indiana is special to me.”
Burton is the seventh New Palestine player to be in the North-South Game in the last five seasons.
He finished last season with 55 tackles and 6.5 sacks for the Dragons, helping them to a 10-1 record and the program’s fifth consecutive Hoosier Heritage Conference title.
Burton also excelled in wrestling, advancing all the way to the State Finals in February in the 285-pound weight class.
His All-Star experience began Monday when he reported to the University of Indianapolis for the first day of practice. Burton roomed with Guerin Catholic defensive end Sam Ashton.
As the week wore on, players from different programs and coaching philosophies were molded into a team. Strangers became friends. Teammates became brothers.
And the game itself proved to be one of the most entertaining North-South battles in years.
After taking the lead 27-24 on a 38-yard field goal with 5:59 remaining in the fourth quarter, the North hung on for dear life. The South All-Stars, beginning the ensuing drive at their own 5 with 30.2 seconds left, marched deep enough into North territory to attempt a 44-yard field goal.
It was blocked as time expired.
“The game was great, obviously. It was tied up most the time, came down to the very last play, a blocked field goal. But the morale of our team was the most special part,” Burton said. “It just hit me now that I’m really done with sports.
“I thought I was done in February with wrestling, but it was an honor and a privilege to come out here and represent New Pal one last time.”
