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The Bear Den Roars Again: 5 Keys To Burke County High School Football's Dominant 2025 Season And Playoff Run

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The Burke County High School Bears football program has firmly established itself as a perennial powerhouse in Georgia high school athletics, and the 2025 season proved to be yet another chapter in their storied history of success. As of this current date, December 25, 2025, the Bears have just wrapped up a phenomenal campaign, solidifying their status as a top contender in the GHSA Class 2A division, driven by a blend of veteran coaching, elite defensive prowess, and a relentless offensive attack.

Following up on a recent "magical run" to the state runner-up title, the Bears entered the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, and they delivered. Finishing the year with an impressive 11-3 overall record and a 4-1 mark in region play, Head Coach Franklin Stephens navigated his team through a challenging schedule and led them deep into the state playoffs, once again making the Waynesboro community proud.

The Burke County Bears Football Program: Profile and Key Personnel

The Burke County Bears, representing Burke County High School (BCHS) in Waynesboro, Georgia, compete in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 2A classification. The program has a rich history, including a State Championship title under Coach Franklin Stephens in 2011, and a more recent, powerful resurgence that has put them back on the map as a consistent title threat.

Coaching and Staff Leadership

  • Head Coach: Franklin Stephens (A proven winner who has led the program for multiple successful stints, including the 2011 State Championship).
  • Assistant Coaches & Staff: Charles King (Statistician), Mark Flowers, Cyrus King, Garry Fulcher, Cedric Johnson, Rashad Carter, and Kenderrick Bonner.

Key Roster Entities (2025 Season)

The Bears' success is built on the talent of its players, many of whom are high-level college prospects. The 2025 roster featured several standout athletes who dominated on both sides of the ball:

  • Marcus Washington: A high-impact Outside Linebacker (OLB) listed at 6-2, 210 lbs, Washington was a defensive anchor and a major recruiting target.
  • Terrell Brigham: An essential Safety (S) at 6-0, 170 lbs, Brigham anchored the secondary and provided crucial run support.
  • Rashad Carter: A versatile player, Carter excelled as a Free Safety (FS) and Wide Receiver (WR), leading the team in receiving yards per game.
  • Jeremiah Wright: A promising young talent on the 2025-26 roster.

The 2025 Season: A Deep Dive into the 11-3 Campaign

The 2025 season for Burke County was defined by grit, hard-fought victories, and a powerful playoff push. The team finished with a remarkable 11-3 overall record, demonstrating their consistency and ability to win tough games.

Challenging Non-Region Schedule

Coach Stephens is known for scheduling challenging opponents to prepare the team for the region and playoff grind. Early in the season, the Bears secured key victories against teams like the Academy of Richmond County (a 46-35 win) and a dominant 44-0 shutout against Cross Creek. However, the team also faced a tough test, suffering a major loss to powerhouse Benedictine (0-41), which served as a crucial learning experience for the team's later success.

Dominance in Region Play

The Bears' 4-1 region record was a testament to their strength within their GHSA Class 2A division. They showed their offensive power in region wins, including a 44-6 victory over Butler and a 34-14 win against Laney. This strong performance secured them a high seed and a favorable position heading into the state playoffs.

The Playoff Thriller: Elite 8 Victory and Historical Context

The true measure of the 2025 team's success was their ability to perform under the high pressure of the GHSA playoffs. Their run culminated in a dramatic Quarterfinals (Elite 8) victory that will be remembered for years to come.

A Nail-Biting Quarterfinal Win

On Friday, November 28, 2025, Burke County faced off against Rockmart High School in a thrilling Quarterfinal matchup. The Bears secured the win in a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle, ultimately prevailing with a 41-40 scoreline. This victory showcased the team's resilience and their ability to execute in the clutch, further cementing the program's reputation for competitive excellence.

The Legacy of Recent Success

The 2025 playoff run comes on the heels of a recent, highly successful season where the Bears earned the title of GHSA Class 2A State Runner-Up. This "magical run" solidified the program's return to elite status and set the stage for the current generation of players. While the program’s first State Runner-Up finish dates back to 1997, the consistency of making deep playoff runs in back-to-back seasons under Coach Stephens is a clear indicator of sustained topical authority.

Topical Authority: The Franklin Stephens Era and Future Outlook

The sustained success of Burke County High School football is inextricably linked to Head Coach Franklin Stephens. His tenure, which includes the 2011 State Championship win over Peach County, has instilled a culture of winning and discipline in Waynesboro.

The continuous development of high-caliber players like Linebacker Marcus Washington and Safety Terrell Brigham ensures that the team will remain a force in the GHSA Class 2A landscape for the foreseeable future. With a strong foundation and a proven coaching staff, the Burke County Bears are not just a regional contender; they are a statewide threat.

The 2026 season will undoubtedly see the Bears once again aiming for the State Championship title, building on the 11-3 record and Elite 8 appearance of 2025. The community support remains strong, and the "Bear Den" is poised to continue roaring as one of Georgia's premier high school football programs.

The Bear Den Roars Again: 5 Keys to Burke County High School Football's Dominant 2025 Season and Playoff Run
burke county high school football
burke county high school football

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