The Carver (Columbus, GA) varsity football team will face Burke County (Waynesboro, GA) in a home playoff game today at 4 PM as part of the 2024 GHSA Class 2A Football Championship. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class 2A tournament.
Burke County vs Carver Football Game Info:
What: Georgia High School Football Playoff
Who: Burke County vs Carver
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: In Progress
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Langston Hughes vs Milton
The stage is set for the 2024 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) 2A Football Championship, featuring two powerhouse teams: Burke County and Carver. Both teams have had incredible seasons, showcasing their dominance on the field with impressive records, standout players, and championship-caliber performances. Let’s break down the matchup and see how these two teams stack up ahead of the title game.
Season Recap and Records
Burke County (13-1) enters the championship after a near-perfect season, finishing with an undefeated region record (5-0) and an overall 13-1 mark. The team has been dominant at home with a 10-0 record, showing their strength in familiar territory. Their only blemish came on the road, where they went 3-1.
Carver (14-1), on the other hand, boasts a stellar overall record of 14-1 and an impeccable 7-0 region record. Much like Burke County, Carver has defended their home turf flawlessly with an 11-0 record and maintained a strong presence on the road (3-1).
Both teams enter the championship undefeated in the playoffs (4-0), making this a clash of two evenly matched programs hungry for the title.
Team Performance and Averages
The offensive firepower from both teams has been a significant factor in their success. Here’s how they compare in scoring averages across all four quarters:
| Quarter | Burke County (Points) | Carver (Points) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 13.3 | 10.6 |
| Q2 | 16.0 | 11.1 |
| Q3 | 6.0 | 9.9 |
| Q4 | 5.0 | 4.7 |
| Final Avg | 41.9 | 39.6 |
Burke County holds a slight edge in total scoring, averaging 41.9 points per game compared to Carver’s 39.6. However, Carver’s defensive prowess stands out, allowing only 98 points all season, a stark contrast to Burke County’s 264 points allowed.
Statistical Breakdown
While Carver’s team stats are less detailed, Burke County has produced some eye-popping numbers this season:
| Category | Burke County | Carver |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 259.1 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 129.8 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 388.9 | – |
| Points Per Game | 43.1 | – |
| Tackles Per Game | 45.6 | – |
| Pancake Blocks | 114 | – |
Burke County’s offensive dominance is clear, with 259.1 rushing yards per game and a total average of 388.9 yards per game. Their ability to control the ground game will likely be a key factor in the championship.
Players to Watch
Burke County
- #1 A’merre Williams: A force in the running game, averaging 119.6 rushing yards per game and contributing 14.7 points per game.
- #8 Sean Vandiver: A versatile offensive leader, averaging 129.8 passing yards per game and 168.1 total yards per game.
- #3 Kel’von Scott: Key receiver, averaging 48.9 receiving yards per game.
- #52 Cadyn Bracely: A standout lineman with 31 pancake blocks and 6.1 tackles per game.
- #84 Sheldon Cunningham: Defensive disruptor, averaging 1.0 sacks per game.
These players will be critical to Burke County’s success as they look to capitalize on their offensive momentum.
Carver
While Carver’s individual stats are less available, their balanced offense and stifling defense have been their calling cards all season. Allowing just 98 points all year, their defense will need to find ways to contain Burke County’s offensive leaders.
Key Matchup
The game will likely come down to the battle between Burke County’s explosive rushing offense and Carver’s stingy defense. Burke County’s running back A’merre Williams will face a tough test against Carver’s defensive front, which has allowed minimal scoring all season.
Additionally, Burke County’s ability to protect quarterback Sean Vandiver will be crucial, as Carver will look to disrupt the passing game and force turnovers.
Final Thoughts
Both teams enter the championship with remarkable seasons, and the matchup promises to be an exciting display of Georgia high school football. Burke County’s offensive firepower and balanced attack will go head-to-head with Carver’s defensive strength and discipline. With both teams only one win away from glory, this showdown will determine who emerges as the 2024 GHSA 2A Football Champion.
Will Burke County’s offensive dominance prevail, or will Carver’s defense stand tall once again? All eyes will be on the field as these two titans battle for the title.
