Marion’s Cantrell wins Burlsworth Award

Patriots center earns recognition for impact on teammates

By CHUCK LIVINGSTON

Marion School District

The Brandon Burlsworth Award website says that a prospective winner of the prestigious award “gives 100 percent on the _eld and stands as a moral example to his team.”

So it’s only _tting that Marion senior center Charlie Cantrell was a natural _t for the award.

Cantrell learned that he earned the 2025 Burlsworth Award Wednesday afternoon at the Marion High School _eldhouse surrounded by his teammates and coaches.

“Charlie made a big impact for

See AWARD, page A2

Marion all-conference center Charlie Cantrell (standing, at center) is joined by Marion head football coach Lance Clark (at left) and offensive line coach Odell Brown (at right) after he was presented with the 2025 Brandon Burlsworth Award on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by Chuck Livingston/ AWARD

From page A1

us in his three years,” said Marion offensive line coach Odell Brown. “Though considered undersized, he played with toughness and heart, proving himself as a key leader in the trenches.”

Cantrell earned a starting role entering his sophomore season at guard, shifted to center the following week, and never relinquished that role for the next three years. Marion went a combined 22-11 from 2022 to 2024, and the Patriots averaged almost 35 points per game over that time.

The senior center graded out at 80 percent for his career with 35 pancake blocks, including a career-high 20 in 2024, when he earned all-conference honors.

“Charlie’s presence was always felt,” said Brown. “His grit, intelligence, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the team.”

Cantrell is the second Marion lineman to earn the high school Burlsworth Award, joining 2024 Marion graduate Carter Benton.