THOMSON — Thomson battled back to defeat Burke County 24-14 for the first time since the 2021 football season on Friday, Oct. 3.
“Coach Stephens (Burke County Coach), I love and respect him, and many people can’t say they have beaten him and to be able to put this together tonight and finally get over that hump it feels great,” Thomson Football Coach Michael Youngblood said.
It was a special night at the Brickyard not only because of the big win, but it was Youngblood’s birthday.
This matchup is one of the most historic rivalries in the CSRA as the two teams have played against each other every season since 1987.
While Thomson was ahead in the early years, Burke County has won the last four games over Thomson and leads in the overall series.
The Bulldogs would take the lead of Friday night’s game after driving and being halted at the goal line. Thomson Kicker Sam Amerson converted on the short field goal, making score 3-0 through one quarter.
After a questionable Thomson fumble and an another no call on a Burke County fumble, the Bears drove downfield to score on a 3-yard rush by quarterback Sean Vandiver. The Bears led 7-3 heading into the second half.
Thomson quarterback Markevion Jones threw an interception to start the first half. Burke County followed the interception with a 65-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Bears ahead 14-3.
Jones threw another interception on his next drive, but the turnover would be called back due to Bears penalty. Zay Brinson scored the first touchdown of the game for Thomson on a 2-yard rush, putting the Bears lead only at 14-10.
Late in the third quarter, Burke County would drive all down in Thomson territory, but fumble to give the Bulldogs life and momentum.
A long drive by the Bulldogs led to Brinson’s second rushing touchdown of the game, giving Thomson the 17-14 lead.
Youngblood praised Brinson and his rushing attack after the game.
“They are the leaders,” Youngblood said. “They did a good job by stepping in that situation because they have that dog in them, and we want to get them the ball and I am proud of the way we were able to run the football tonight.”
After some early second half mistakes by Jones for Thomson, he made the play of game as he broke off for a 66-yard rushing touchdown, leading to a Bulldog 24-14 victory.
“My coach gave me little talk to focus on the easy routes and if I don’t like it, run or throw It out bounds,” Jones said. “I just listened to my coach, and it worked.”
Burke County will return home to face Josey next Friday, Oct. 10. Thomson will travel to play Glenn Hills also next Friday night.
“We have to go take care of Glenn Hills, and on senior night will have Josey here for the Region Championship,” Youngblood said. “This win just puts us in the driver seat and now we got to go handle business.”
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. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
