The Burke County Bears (3-0) are a decade removed from the program’s only state championship (2011), but they are eyeing another deep run into the postseason.
Burke entered the 3A rankings at No. 10 after its 33-27 victory against South Carolina’s North Augusta program in Week 2 of the season. It defeated Cross Creek 41-8 last week and heads into this week’s game against Class 4A No. 4 Benedictine with momentum.
Here are a few things making Burke County tick:
Head Coach: Eric Parker has coached at Burke County since the 2007 season. He won a state title in 2011, when Burke defeated Peach County 28-14 in the 3A title game. Parker coached at Laney from 1997-2006 and has a record of 193-96 in 25 seasons, with one state title and nine region championships.
Quarterback: Junior quarterback Marshall Flowers is 25-of-46 passing for 294 yards and a touchdown. He has carried the ball 30 times for 175 yards and four touchdowns.
Rushing: Senior Eldrick “Tiger” Williams has 30 carries for 336 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Bears rushing game. Junior Charlie Dorsey has 36 carries for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman A’Merre Williams has nine carries for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
Receiving: The only touchdown reception was to junior Jaylen Golphin, who has four receptions for 77 yards. Junior Kohen Rogers has six receptions for 43 yards.
Defense: Senior Ivan Arroyo has one sack with two tackles for loss. Senior Jeremiah Whitfield has one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Special Teams: Sophomore Blake Burden is 3-of-5 on point-after tries. Sophomore Noah Boynton is 3-of-3. K. Rogers has three punts for 105 yards with long of 40 yards, one downed inside the 20.
Team Totals: The Bears average 285 rushing and 103 passing yards. Burke has passed for one touchdown and rushed for 13, with one defensive touchdown on a fumble return.
Week 7: Class 3A Top-10
1. (1) Cedar Grove (3-1)
2. (2) Oconee County (5-0)
3. (3) Pierce County (4-1)
4. (4) Sandy Creek (5-0)
5. (5) Peach County (2-2)
6. (6) Appling County (6-0)
7. (7) Thomson (4-1)
8. (8) Monroe Area (5-0)
9. (9) Hart County (5-0)
10. (10) Burke County (3-0)
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