Burke County advances to semifinals after win over Thomson
Under the Lights
WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - At the start of the season, the GHSA said they would axe Black Friday as a playoff date.
But it was reinstated after Helene canceled numerous games around the Peach State.
In 2A, Laney, Thomson and Burke County were all put in the same quadrant.
Burke County took out one local team last week, giving us a second edition of one of the greatest rivalries in the CSRA.
The energy was at an all-time high on Friday night as Burke County and Thomson finally had their rematch.
This time, it’s in the quarter-finals.
Brentwood Academy takes home state title over Southeast Georgia
The Brentwood War Eagles capped off a Cinderella season with a monster second-half defensive performance, and it lifted them to a GIAA 2A state title game.
Fans and alumni say getting to this moment alone is an accomplishment they will .
Two of Georgia’s fiercest high school football teams are facing off in their long-standing rivalry.
“Feeling great, man, great. It’s amazing. Great. Atmosphere never played Thomson in the playoffs before, but this is the biggest rivalry in the state of Georgia,” said a Burke County parent, Donald Heath.
Felicia Pennamon, a parent from Thomson, said: “My nerves have been wrecked all week. Even today, I felt had butterflies in my stomach, because it’s felt like I was playing, knowing the hard work that the boys have done all this week.”
With the stakes higher than ever, parents and fans say this is the culmination of hard work through the entire season.
Heath said: “You’re going to have obstacles, and guys stay together, they stay focused, and they be working their butt off all summer long. And it’s showing now.”
Westminster falls to Sherwood Christian Academy in state final
It certainly has been a season to for the Westminster Wildcats. Their 17-game win streak has come to an end in the state final.
Another Burke County parent, Ashleigh Roland, said: “I’m so proud of him. I’m so proud of the team. Like they all just click. They work together so well, and they have really been working hard this year for this.”
Despite the fierceness in the stands and on the gridiron, the parents say they’re more excited about the memories and connections that will leave the field.
“Win or lose, I want them to know that it’s more than football. They’ve all grown together as kids and young men, and they’re all great young men. So, we really just want them to just continue to play football, continue to grow to be good men in their communities, and that’s what it’s really about,” said Roland.
Parents say it was an emotional night they will never forget as both teams have played together for years.
It’s a hard-fought game that fans say they’re proud to have two powerhouse teams represent the region.
Burke County took home the win, 49-42.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
