Owen's multi-purpose football star to kick it at Mars Hill University
Hayden Burpeau takes his versatile skill set to Madison County
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 30, 2026
Owen senior Hayden Burpeau, front row, center, is surround by teammates, March 27, as he signs to continue his football career at Mars Hill University. Photo by Fred McCormick
Anybody who has watched a single of play of Owen football over the past four years has likely observed a maroon and white jersey emblazoned with the number 2 on the field. It could be spotted when the offense possessed the ball, any time the defensive unit was on the field and in key positions in every conceivable special teams package.
The versatility of Hayden Burpeau has been a key feature of the Warhorse game plan throughout the duration of his football career, which he will continue, as a punter for Mars Hill University, following a packed March 27 signing ceremony.
The two-sport athlete, who began playing organized football as a freshman, led the Warhorses in multiple statistical categories, including total points scored, in 2025. As a senior, he was a versatile weapon for Owen, which returned to the postseason for the first time since 2021, hosting a first round contest for the time in 11 years.
Burpeau, who has lined up at 12 positions during his time with the Warhorses, topped the program last season with 1,205 all-purpose yards, while scoring 4 touchdowns on the ground and 2 through the passing game. Two of his three passing attempts in his final campaign for Owen connected for touchdowns. He recorded 42 tackles on defense, hauling in an interception and plucking a fumble recovery from the turf for a 78-yard touchdown.
As a place kicker, Burpeau connected on 22 of 24 extra point attempts and a game-winning field goal in a road win over Polk. He accumulated 1,781 kickoff yards with 12 touchbacks in 34 attempts, while recording 1,123 punting yards on 28 kicks, with 9 inside of the 20-yard line.
His diverse skill set allowed the athlete to impact a game from nearly any position.
“I lined up at kick returner, punt returner, slot, wide receiver, kicker and punter,” Burpeau said. “I also lined up at quarterback, one time, running back, cornerback, free safety and strong safety, and I basically played linebacker, at times.”
Although he grew up playing soccer and baseball, Burpeau soon developed a keen understanding of what was required to find success on the gridiron.
Hayden Burpeau, who lined up at 12 positions during his football career at Owen, will continue playing the sport at Mars Hill University, following a March 27 signing ceremony. Photo by Fred McCormick
“I feel like I have a mind for sports,” he said. “I understand the game, and it comes more natural to me than a lot of other things. When I was 2 years old, I was watching SportsCenter instead of kid’s shows. I was sitting through nine innings of baseball by the time I was 3. Any time a sports comes on, even it’s curling in the Olympics, I’m usually watching it.”
The student-athlete’s ability to understand each of his assignments turned him into a fundamental piece of the football program, according to Owen head coach John Faircloth, who along with offensive coordinator Jeff Grier, attended Mars Hill.
“Hayden was really like five different players for us,” he said. “We’re only graduating five seniors from last season’s team, but with him playing so many positions, it’s more like graduating nine. He’s not somebody you just replace with one guy.”
While Burpeau’s athleticism allowed him to escape pressure and launch booming kicks into opposing territory, he embraced the challenges associated with the position.
“The idea of punting came from me playing 12 years of soccer and travel soccer, prior to football,” he said. “I see punting as a mental battle. There are days that nothing goes right, and there are days when everything is clicking. The key is finding that happy medium and being as consistent as possible.”
Repetition and an ability to motivate himself fueled Burpeau’s growth in the position, his coach added.
“He had a base foundation of mechanics and technique when I got here, we just needed to trim some time off between the snap and kick,” said Faircloth, who has led the program since 2024. “His commitment to improving in that position finally clicked for me in the offseason, when I was getting in my car to go home for the day. I heard a ‘thud,’ looked down on the football field, and there was Hayden with about six footballs and a few teammates shagging balls for him.”
Owen senior and multi-purpose football standout Hayden Burpeau signs with Mars Hill University, March 27, as his family looks on. Photo by Fred McCormick
That work ethic convinced Faircloth that his all-around player could benefit his former college football team.
“Mars Hill got better today because Hayden Burpeau is now on their roster,” Faircloth said. “He’s a quality human, who you don’t have to worry about. He’s going to do whatever he has to do to get better on the football field.”
Burpeau will join a Lions program that finished 5-6 in the South Atlantic Conference under head coach Kevin Barnette.
“Coach’s connections with Mars Hill helped get the ball rolling, and I have a lot of family friends that have played football there,” Burpeau said. “When I toured the campus, the coaches took the time to sit down with me and have conversations. It really feels like they’re building a team that feels more like family, and that’s something I appreciate.”
He is eager to continue his career with the NCAA Division II program.
“I’m looking forward to the next steps in the process,” said Burpeau, who intends to major in recreation sports management. “Just having the opportunity to keep learning, and eventually play on Saturdays, is the next part of that process, and I’m excited to get that chance.”
He credits the Owen coaching staff with preparing him for the next chapter in his football career.
“They treated our program like it was a college program, so that really gave me a foundation to understand what this will be like,” he said. “They showed me how hard I have to work and what is required of me to succeed at the next level.”
As family, coaches and teammates celebrated the latest milestone of the senior’s career, Burpeau allowed himself a brief moment of reflection.
“It feels great, but I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘relief,’” he said. “Now it’s time to work even harder, but this game has given a lot to me, so I’m looking forward to it.”