ATLANTA — The Carver-Columbus Tigers showed why they are the No. 1 team in Class 2A, dominating the Burke County Bears 52-14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday to win the GHSA Class 2A state championship.
“This is an amazing feat for us,” Carver coach Pierre Coffey said. “These young men have worked so hard all year long, so I’m happy this is the outcome for them.”
The win marked Carver-Columbus’ first state championship appearance since their 2021 title-game loss to Benedictine. Burke County’s last championship appearance came in 2011 when the Bears defeated Peach County 28-14 under coach Eric Parker.
Carver’s victory was fueled by the unstoppable connection between quarterback Matthew Mungin and wide receiver KJ Miles, who combined for 179 yards and three touchdowns.
First Half
Carver-Columbus set the tone early as Braylon Jakes returned the opening kickoff to Burke County’s 18-yard line. The Tigers capitalized on the excellent field position with a two-yard touchdown run by Jameil Williams. Kendrick Pearce-Spencer’s extra point made it 7-0.
“Braylon Jakes is one of the most phenomenal young men I’ve ever met,” Coffey said. “That kickoff return summed up our year — we rally around him and the plays he makes.”
Burke County’s offense stumbled on its opening possession, but the Bears’ special teams came up big. Joshua Arroyo recovered a muffed punt, giving Burke the ball at Carver’s 48-yard line.
Facing a fourth-and-four, Burke quarterback Sean Vandiver connected with Denarion Perkins for a first down. Later in the drive, Kel’von Scott broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7 with 3:56 left in the first quarter.
Carver answered immediately. Mungin found Miles for a 42-yard pass to set up a scoring opportunity, but a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jakes was negated by a penalty. Spencer converted a 26-yard field goal to give the Tigers a 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Carver’s defense made its mark. Zay Billingsley intercepted a Vandiver screen pass and returned it for a touchdown. Spencer’s extra point extended Carver’s lead to 17-7.
Burke County struggled to respond, punting after a three-and-out deep in their own territory. Carver quickly struck again, as Mungin led a scoring drive capped by a 16-yard rushing touchdown from Kelston Tarver. Spencer’s extra point made it 24-7.
Burke County’s best opportunity of the half came after a failed Carver onside kick, giving the Bears the ball near midfield. However, penalties stalled the drive, and Burke was forced to punt again.
Carver took over at its own 7-yard line and marched down the field. Mungin connected with Miles for a 51-yard gain before finding him again in the corner of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown. Spencer’s kick made it 31-7 as time expired in the half.
At halftime, Mungin had 171 passing yards and one touchdown, with 100 of those yards going to Miles. Burke County managed just 55 total yards, 48 of which came on their lone scoring drive.
Second Half
Burke County opened the third quarter with possession but was quickly forced to punt after another three-and-out. On Carver’s ensuing drive, Tarver fumbled, and Burke’s Tyquavian Spencer recovered the ball at the Tigers’ 29-yard line.
Burke capitalized immediately as Vandiver connected with Arroyo for a 29-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 31-14 after William Lovett’s extra point.
Carver responded with a clock-draining 11-play, 75-yard drive that took nearly six minutes. Mungin capped it off with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jakes, extending the Tigers’ lead to 38-14 after Spencer’s kick.
The touchdown appeared to sap Burke County’s momentum, as Carver’s offense continued to roll. Mungin connected with Miles for two more touchdowns, sealing the Tigers’ dominant 52-14 victory.
Player Highlights
Mungin delivered a near-flawless performance, finishing with 327 passing yards and four touchdowns.
“Each week Matthew has gotten better,” Coffey said. “Spending time in the film room has been huge for him. He’s been phenomenal in the playoffs, and this game was a testament to his hard work.”
Miles, who proved unstoppable against man coverage, caught seven passes for 179 yards and three touchdowns.
“We saw that they were going to be playing man coverage a lot, and we felt disrespected because of that,” Miles said. “We knew we could beat them over the top, and our QB can always get us the ball.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Burke County coach Franklin Stephens was proud of his team’s effort and season.
“Not everybody can do what we did this year,” Stephens said. “These guys have nothing to be ashamed of. We wish we could have won, but we came in here and played our butts off.”
For Carver, the celebration will be short-lived as they shift focus to next season.
“Of course, we’re going to celebrate tonight and until the end of the semester,” Coffey said. “But the second we hit January, we’re going to be back in the weight room and getting to work.”
Burke County fans take a selfie at the GSHA AA State Championship Football Game between Burke County and Carver Columbus at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Dec.17, 2024. Mike Adams/Augusta Good News. Carver Columbus defeats Burke County 52-14. 
The Burke County Band performs at halftime at the GSHA AA State Championship Football Game between Burke County and Carver Columbus at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Dec.17, 2024. Mike Adams/Augusta Good News. Carver Columbus defeats Burke County 52-14. 
Burke County fans cheer on their team at the GSHA AA State Championship Football Game between Burke County and Carver Columbus at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Dec.17, 2024. Mike Adams/Augusta Good News. Carver Columbus defeats Burke County 52-14. 
Burke County fans show support as the Bears lose to Carver Columbus at the GSHA AA State Championship Football Game between Burke County and Carver Columbus at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Dec.17, 2024. Mike Adams/Augusta Good News.
Jaxon Garner is a student at Augusta University. Mike Adams is a Georgia Press Association award winning photographer.
