By TOM HALLIBURTON
Port Arthur News Sports Writer
PORT NECHES — Another special award headed toward The Reservation this week, recognizing 1999 Class 4A state finalist Port Neches-Groves.
Indians’ head football coach Matt Burnett was selected the Class 4A state coach of the year by Fox Sports Southwest. The announcement aired on last Sunday’s High School Xtra show.
High School Xtra co-host and former KBMT-TV (Channel 12) sports anchor Randy McIlvoy confirmed Thursday that PN-G’s Burnett was one of five coaches to receive the state coach of the year honor. The other four were Joe Martin of Garland (Class 5A), David Ream of Liberty-Eylau (Class 3A), Brad Thiessen of Stratford (Class 2A) and Gary Roan of Aspermont (Class 1A).
McIlvoy said the High School Xtra show had honored one head coach in each classification as its coach of the year since the show’s inception 10 years ago.
“There were several coaches around the state that we looked at but we at Fox Sports Southwest certainly believe that the accomplishments by Matt, his staff and his team were very deserving.
“Being from there, I understood how difficult it was for PN-G to get through (District) 20-4A. The win over La Marque (22-6 in the quarterfinals) really turned the corner for them, but I think it was great the way the Indians hung in there so well with (state champion) Stephenville. We’ve seen Stephenville just blow out so many people all year.”
Contacted at his residence on Thursday, PN-G’s coach accepted the honor on behalf of even football fans throughout the Golden Triangle, and especially paid tribute to his staff and his players.
“That’s a great deal,” a delighted Burnett said. “To be recognized over Texas, this award gives hope to programs like ours, because those kind of things seem to go to the La Marques, the Stephenvilles and the Texas Citys over and over.
“I think all of Southeast Texas can share in this award. I’ve never seen fan support like we had, especially in the championship game when our fans filled up their half of the Dome.”
By no means did Burnett feel the award belonged to himself in an individual way. The 42-year-old Port Neches native and former PN-G all-state defensive lineman extended the tribute to everyone on his coaching staff, especially offensive coordinator Mike Long and defensive coordinator Ken Cummings and their varsity assistants.
“This has been the most enjoyable staff I’ve ever been on,” Burnett said. “This has been the closest staff we’ve ever had because everybody always has known his exact role and his goal and how to get it done.”
Last but not least, those Indians – especially 37 seniors – drew Burnett’s special praise for their sacrifice and hard work to lead PN-G to its first state championship game in 22 years.
“I’m real proud of the kids and everything that they sacrificed to have such a good season. It takes a lot of sacrifice for something like this to happen. It’s been a great year and this is a great reflection on our whole program.”
