ATLANTA, Ga. (WTVM) - In a thrilling showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Columbus’ Carver High School emerged victorious in the Georgia Class 2A state football championship Tuesday evening.
The Tigers, led by head coach Pierre Coffey, triumphed over Burke County with a final score of 52-14, securing the school’s second championship victory, the first since 2007.
The Tigers dominated the first half, leading by an impressive 24 points with a score of 31-7 at halftime. Burke County managed to score a second touchdown in the third quarter, but the Tigers answered back with two decisive touchdowns of their own, maintaining their lead.
The momentum continued in the final quarter with yet another touchdown for Carver, solidifying Carver’s victory. This win marks a significant milestone for Carver High School, bringing pride and a trophy back home to Columbus. The Tigers finished their regular season with a 14-1 record.
“They came out here and performed at elite level,” Coach Coffey said. “We worked seven days a week, we worked long hours, we stayed overnight during the summer at camps. You know, they did a lot of things to be uncommon. So, I’m so glad that at the end of the day, they’re the state champions. So, we’ll take a little time off...January, we’ll be back at it again.
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We interviewed some of the standout players to get their feelings on breaking the long-standing streak since Carver’s last state title win.
“It was fun. It feels great to be a state champ...first time, we’re going back-to-back next year,” said Kei’Maurii “KJ” Miles, junior wide receiver for the Carver Tigers.
“I’m blessed. I’m thankful. Most of all, thank God,” said Carver junior starting quarterback and MVP Matthew Mungin III. “It’s an unbelievable moment. The coaches...they prepared us very well. We practiced literally every day during the week just for this moment right here. I thank our coaches.”
“I knew it was my last high school football game and I just wanted to put on a show so I could have some of these college coaches looking at me,” said Braylon Jakes, Carver senior wide receiver. “So, I left it all out there today.”
“It means a lot. We worked hard since January 8,” said Jakobe Caslin, Carver junior running back. “It just means a lot. We haven’t won in a long time.”
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“The kids are just selfless. When you got a group like that said they don’t care who’s going to get the credit. They’re all going to do their job and great things can happen and they’ve proved that with the season that they had,” said Carver defensive coordinator Justin Newman. “They did a great job and I love these kids.”
Our crew was at Carver High School to capture the moment when the buses carrying the team and coaches returned to Columbus.
Congratulations to the Carver Tigers on their outstanding achievement!
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