The annual Bethel High School Football Banquet, sponsored by the BHS Quarterback Club, was held on May 23, wrapping up the 2021 football season with several awards.
One honor that stands out is the Brandon Burlsworth Award, which is named after a University of Arkansas student. Burlsworth’s name may be familiar since the movie, “Greater,” was made about him in 2016.
According to the website, burlsworthtrophy.com, Burlsworth started as a walk-on in 1994, and through “his unbelievable work ethic and ceaseless determination, Brandon not only earned a scholarship,” but became team captain, First Team All-SEC 1998, Football News First Team All-American, and “the first All-American from the University of Arkansas in a decade.” At the same time, he “was the first football player in the entire history of his university to earn a Master’s degree before playing his last game.” He was also the 63rd overall pick for the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft.
After Burlsworth passed away in a car wreck 11 days after the draft, the University of Arkansas established an endowment in his name. They present one $10,000 Walk-On athletic scholarship and 18 academic scholarships of $5,000 each year, in addition to The Burlsworth Trophy, which was created in 2010 and is given to the “most outstanding college player who began his career as a walk-on.”
Bethel Head Football Coach Joey Ginn said, “Each year, the Burlsworth (Foundation) allows each high school to nominate a recipient. We have done it every year I’ve been at Bethel. So, this year is the fifth year we’ve given it.”
This time, the Brandon Burlsworth Award went to Michael Parsons.
Ginn said the award is based not on football achievement but on “character, effort and growth.”
“We voted Michael to represent Bethel High School in 2021-2022 based on his growth from his ninth-grade year to his senior year,” said Ginn. “He went from a young man as a ninth-grader into a kid who was very dependable, trustworthy, and accountable his senior year.”
“He went from a kid who we didn’t trust much as a ninth-grader, and didn’t play very much, to a kid who played nearly every meaningful snap his twelfth-grade year at Defensive Tackle, and a lot of that had to do with his growth as a young man.”
Parsons’ mother, Amber Parsons, said he also has a “heart of gold.”
“He’s there for anyone and everyone,” she said. “If you need prayer, he has no problems dropping everything and praying over you. We have seen Michael use his own money to buy (for) someone who needed shoes. If you need help with anything, big or small, he’s there for you - on or off the field.”
Michael Parsons said he began playing football in kindergarten, but injuries almost kept him from playing in high school.
“I had knee surgery before I started my freshman year,” he said. “I wanted to be well before the season started. I told my doctor, ‘Get me ready for football.’ ”
“Last game of my junior year, I suffered a back injury. My doctor told me I shouldn’t play my senior year. I told the doctor, ‘My coach and brothers need me. I am playing.’ ”
What kept him going during high school, Michael said, was “the love of Christ (and) family. When I say family, I include my coaches and teammates.”
Due to his back injury, Michael is unable to play football in college, but has graduated from a machining program in trade school this year.
Ginn said, “The recipient from each school gets a certificate from the Burlsworth Foundation, a copy of the “Greater” book, which is Brandon Burlsworth’s story, a DVD copy of the movie, and a pair of replica glasses” (like Burlsworth wore while playing football).
Michael also received the First Team Defensive Lineman award, and he played in the Citizen Potawatomi Nation All-Star Bowl this year.
His teammate, Dominick Contreras, was also in the All-Star Bowl. He was awarded Defensive Tackle of the Year, 2A All-Star Defensive Lineman, and the Heart of a Champion Award at the banquet.
T.J. Ramsey also received the Heart of a Champion Award, as well as the Defensive End of the Year.
John Gordon was Wide Receiver of the Year and 2A All-Star Wide Receiver. Gordon was also inducted into the 20-Catch Club, with 65 catches.
Three Wildcats joined the Century Club this year. They were John Allred, with 160 tackles; Austin Melson, with 112 tackles; and Corey Metscher, with 101 tackles.
Metscher was the 2A All-Star Linebacker and was named Most Valuable Player.
Also making the First Team were Tyler McKinney, as Wide Receiver; Connor Hall, as Defensive Lineman; Colby Thompson, as Defensive Back; Gage Porter, as Defensive Back; and, Laco Andujo, as Honorable Mention Offensive Lineman.
