Coming into the GHSA 2A football semifinal round, the stage was set for Burke County (11-3) to avenge its loss in the state title game a year ago against Carver (14-0). Both teams had vivid memories of that game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta; the Tigers remembered hoisting a championship trophy, while the Bears had the pain of losing seared into their memories.
Those recollections fueled both teams headed into the contest. Despite Burke County giving everything it had, Carver was too much to handle. The Tigers walked away from the rematch of last year’s state championship with a 33-14 victory, advancing to the title game in the process.
“Over the last couple of years [Carver has] kind of made themselves the measuring stick in 2A football,” said Bears head coach Franklin Stephens after the loss. “I feel like this year, we kind of closed the gap. Last year, I thought the game got away from us very quickly. They ran away with it. This year felt like it was a closer game. Still need to make more plays but at the same time, the gap between us and them has closed.”
By halftime, the Tigers led 13-7. At the same point of last year’s matchup, the Bears trailed 31-7. The first half saw them keep Carver relatively in check offensively by limiting chunk plays through the air and on the ground. Meanwhile the Burke County offense found some life towards the end of the first quarter with a 49-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Sean Vandiver to senior receiver Rashad Carter. It was one of two touchdowns on the day for Carter. The second was a 92-yard rushing score late in the third quarter.
But by that point, the Tigers' offense began having its way. A 79-yard touchdown run by star freshman Zach Watts earlier in the second half gave Carver the big play it was looking for. That score would be one of three rushing touchdowns in the half for the Tigers.
This version of Burke County racked up 32 wins over the last three seasons, but the team will look different in 2026. Seniors such as Vandiver, among others, have been key contributors over the years. The ultimate goal was a championship. But the loss, according to Stephens, shouldn’t diminish the run to the final four this year, an appearance in the state title game last year, and everything else that they did up until that point.
“You can’t let this one moment define what you’ve accomplished this year and throughout your career,” Stephens said. “You’re making history. You’re cutting your own path in life. You’re doing some great things even though you’re not accomplishing everything you wanted to accomplish.”
While the Bears are done for the season, Stephens already is looking towards next year and what they can change and do differently. Defense will be one of the main things they look to address early on. The offense will be revamped and catered towards the style of play that the weapons Stephens has can excel at.
It didn’t end like Stephens and Burke County may have wanted to, but if the last two seasons are any indication, the Bears will continue to be strong contenders for a Class 2A championship for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Burke County falls to Carver in GHSA Class 2A football semifinals