Burke County running back A’merre Williams stole the show on Nov. 8 with four touchdowns, leading the Bears to capture the GHSA Region 4-AA championship in a heated showdown over Thomson 47-35.
“I just let the game come to me,” Williams said. “I had some butterflies before this game because of how big it was.”
The Bulldogs came out swinging, setting the tone early. Jaris Sinkfield’s explosive kickoff return brought Thomson to Burke County’s 14-yard line. On the next play, Anthony Jeffery powered through for a 14-yard touchdown, putting Thomson ahead just 19 seconds into the game.
Burke County responded with a calculated six-minute drive, capped by a two-yard touchdown from Williams to tie the game with just over five minutes remaining in the first quarter. Both teams showcased their star power early, but it wasn’t until the end of the first quarter that the game shifted. Thomson quarterback Markevion Jones rolled out of the pocket under pressure, fumbled the ball, and the Bears recovered at their 29-yard line.
The first play of the second quarter mirrored the start of the game but in Burke County’s favor. Williams burst through the line for a 71-yard run, setting up a first-and-goal. The Bears then executed a quarterback sneak, as Sean Vandiver pushed through for a one-yard touchdown to give Burke County a 14-7 lead with nine minutes left in the half.
Thomson answered with a methodical drive, leaning heavily on Jeffery. He capped it with a one-yard plunge to even the score at 14 with just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter. Both defenses held firm for the remainder of the half with Burke County stopping Thomson on a critical fourth-and-three near midfield. The game remained tied at 14 heading into halftime with the region championship hanging in the balance.
Burke County opened the second half with a statement drive. Vandiver showcased his passing ability finding tight end Joshua Arroyo for a 22-yard touchdown to regain the lead, 21-14, with just under seven minutes left in the third quarter.
Thomson’s response was swift with Jeffery once again taking the spotlight. He accounted for all 75 yards on the ensuing drive, capping it with a 15-yard touchdown run—his third of the night—to tie the game at 21 with 3:51 remaining in the third quarter.
The back-and-forth battle of the star running backs continued as Williams broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run. However, kicker Will Lovett missed the extra point, leaving Burke County with a 27-21 lead as the third quarter ended.
The Bears’ defense then forced a Thomson punt, setting up another explosive play from Williams early in the fourth quarter. This time, he sprinted 54 yards for his third touchdown, extending Burke County’s lead to 33-21. The Bears attempted a two-point conversion but were unsuccessful.
Williams wasn’t done yet. With seven minutes remaining, he hurdled a Thomson defender on his way to a 28-yard touchdown, putting the Bears firmly in control 40-21.
The Bulldogs refused to go quietly. Jeffery scored his fourth touchdown of the game on a five-yard run to cut the deficit to 40-28 with just over five minutes remaining.
“I saw his heart tonight,” said Thomson Coach Michael Youngblood. “Anthony carried us tonight and that’s what he had to do for us to have a chance.”
Thomson’s defense then came up with a huge play, blocking a Burke County punt and recovering the ball near midfield. On the very next play, Jones connected with Sinkfield on a 45-yard touchdown pass to bring the Bulldogs within five points, 40-35, with 2:31 remaining.
However, Burke County quickly put the game out of reach. Vandiver broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run around the edge, extending the lead to 47-35 with just over two minutes left. As time wound down, tensions flared between the two sidelines, a testament to the intensity of the rivalry.
“We set goals at the beginning of every season, and to win the region championship was one of those goals,” said Burke County Coach Franklin Stephens. “We didn’t want it to be about Thomson, but we just so happened to be playing them for the championship.”
Both Burke County and Thomson will advance to the GHSA AA state playoffs. Each team will host a first-round game with postseason action set to begin Nov. 15.
Jaxon Garner is an Augusta University student.
