#8 Brownwood is Without Head Coach Following Emergency Surgery Sunday

ABILENE, TX — The #8 ranked Brownwood Lions are 10-1 and in the second round of the 4A Division I playoffs.  They are having one of their best seasons in the past decade under the leadership of second-year Head Coach Sammy Burnett.

Now, after flying by Castleberry 61-14 in the first round, they may have to make due without him.

Burnett had emergency surgery Sunday night and into Monday morning, according to KTXS.  David Jones, an assistant coach, told KTXS that Burnett had abdominal pain on Saturday and went to the emergency room in Brownwood Sunday.  From there, he was taken to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene for the surgery. 

Jones will take over in his absence, and there is no current timetable for Burnett's return.  He was still hospitalized as of Monday afternoon, but Jones said the surgery was successful and Burnett was in good condition.

Brownwood will travel to Denton Friday to play Alvarado in Apogee Stadium.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.  The Alvarado Indians are 9-2 on the season and went undefeated in the 8-4A DI district.  They have not lost since week two of the regular season.

When asked about Burnett’s return, Jones told the Brownwood Bulletin, “As far as Sammy being present Friday night, that remains to be seen. We’re preparing as if he will not, but hoping for the best. I don’t think they had spoken to the doctor yet today, but I suppose they will have more information after they talk to the doctor about recovery, how long he’ll be in the hospital and things like that.”