The Academy of Richmond County Musketeers defeated Statesboro 49-34 in the first round of the Georgia High School Football 5A State Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 13.
This marked ARC’s Head Coach Keenan Grissett’s first playoff win and the school’s first playoff victory since the 2020-21 season.
“It’s Less about me and more about those guys and coaches walking off in locker room and these fans in the stands,” Grissett said. “We have earned it and worked our way to get to this point. I am proud of them.”
The Musketeers were able to host the playoff game also for the first time since 2020.
“Only three home games this year, so now to be able to get your fourth one in the first round of the playoffs is big,” Grissett said.
This was the second time ARC matched up with Statesboro as they defeated them 41-14 on Oct. 9.
Statesboro struck first in this game early in the second quarter with a rushing touchdown by DJ Brooks, making score 7-0 with 10:19 remaining in the first half.
The Musketeers would get in the endzone twice before the end of the half as quarterback Carson Hand threw two touchdowns, one to wide receiver Chase Caldwell and other to Henry Rivers.
ARC’s defense came up big, halting Statesboro’s drive and keeping the Musketeers ahead 13-7 at the half.
Early in the second half, the Musketeers defense came up big again, forcing two fumbles. Both turnovers ended in touchdowns for the Musketeers with Hand and running back Vincent Carter getting the endzone, making the score 27-7 with 8:27 left in the third quarter.
Statesboro continued to fight throughout the second half, but the ARC’s offense continued to answer with touchdowns of their own.
ARC running back Vincent Carter scored three touchdowns in the second half and was able to lead the Musketeers to a 49-34.
ARC (9-2) will now travel to play North Oconee (9-2) in the second round of the GHSA 5A Football State playoffs on Friday, Nov. 20.
“We did so many uncharacteristic things tonight and we can’t do that moving forward or we will be at home,” Grissett said.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. He won three Georgia Press Association sports awards in 2026. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
