By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

For Logan Burnett, his senior year plans shifted his junior year.

Moving to Pelham before second grade when his dad accepted the PHS varsity football coaching position, Burnett expected to spend his senior year at PHS.

With two parents teaching at the high school, he attended graduations, senior nights, football banquets and awards nights. He lived PHS tradition.

Following the 2014 football season, Burnett’s dad was no longer PHS head coach. Suddenly senior year became a question mark.

Would his dad coach elsewhere? Would the family move? Could Burnett remain for his senior year at PHS in light of the coaching change?

After much prayer and research, truth emerged. If Brett Burnett took another coaching job, he would not see his son play his senior year of high school football.

Brett Burnett decided he would not coach during his son’s senior year. Unless the family made a physical move, Burnett could only attend a private school outside of Pelham High School’s area.

Bessemer Academy (BA) emerged as the best school for Logan Burnett’s senior season. Burnett’s parents left the choice to their son.

“Leaving people I have been close to for 10 years was a tough decision. I prayed and talked with my family, with BA students, and with PJ Garrett, who had transferred to BA for his 2014 senior season,” said Logan Burnett. Garrett assured Burnett that the school welcomed transfers warmly.

“Everyone was so accepting and really made me feel welcome. From day one, our coaches preached family. Everything we did, we were reminded to do for our brothers in Christ. Our coaches kept us focused, not only on winning a championship, but also on our ultimate goal of becoming great Christian young men.”

Last Friday night, led by starting quarterback Logan Burnett, Bessemer Academy won the AISA Football State Championship.

Logan Burnett plays one more football game to complete his senior year. He will play in the AISA All-Star game at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec, 4 at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. What’s next for Burnett? Discerning God’s plan—no doubt.