News Summary
In a stunning reversal, the Benedictine Cadets triumphed over Burke County with a 41-0 victory, breaking their losing streak. This win is significant after previous struggles against tough opponents. With a roster featuring numerous Division-I commits, the Cadets showcased their capabilities, solidifying their reputation in local high school football. Meanwhile, Burke County, coming off a strong performance, faced challenges that affected their game, including the uncertainty of a key player’s participation. The week also saw various local matchups with mixed results, giving a glimpse into the season’s prospects.
Augusta – In a spectacular turnaround during Week 3 of Augusta high school football, the Benedictine Cadets achieved a decisive victory over Burke County with a score of 41-0, effectively breaking their losing streak. This performance was particularly impressive following the Cadets’ earlier struggles against top teams Buford and Colquitt County.
The victory marks a significant boost for Benedictine, which struggled to find its rhythm in the first two weeks of the season. Despite having a roster filled with talent, including 12 Division-I commits and standout quarterback Stephen Cannon (a Texas Tech commit), their previous games did not yield favorable outcomes. Historically, Benedictine has dominated Burke County, winning the last five matchups by an average margin of almost three touchdowns, and this game further confirmed their status as a leading high school football program in the region.
On the other side, Burke County entered the game with confidence after a staggering victory over Cross Creek, where they won by 44 points. Junior running back Talon Heath proved to be a key player for Burke last week, rushing for 101 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Additionally, senior quarterback Sean Vandiver has emerged as a significant threat this season with over 3,600 passing yards and a total of 61 career touchdowns. However, his participation against Benedictine was uncertain due to a knee sprain incurred during practice, an issue that likely hindered Burke County’s performance.
Other notable matchups around Augusta demonstrated varying degrees of success for local teams. Thomson entered their game against Academy of Richmond County (ARC) with a better record, though they had faced offensive challenges, scoring only two touchdowns in their prior two games. ARC displayed their attacking capabilities in a high-scoring affair against Burke County, resulting in a close loss of 46-35, showcasing sophomore Carson Hand, who threw three touchdown passes.
The Evans Knights aimed to improve their offensive performance following a scoreless game against Thomson. Conversely, Grovetown continued their upward trajectory with a 42-7 victory over Evans, having successfully edged out Greenbrier in a recent matchup with a score of 14-12. Their season opener had hinted at potential with a whopping 42 points scored against Lakeside, demonstrating a potent offense.
This week, Lakeside faced off against South Aiken in a critical game. Lakeside was desperate to break a five-game losing streak against South Aiken dating back to 1998. South Aiken’s senior quarterback, Tommy Burns III, wowed crowds by throwing for 328 yards and three touchdowns in his prior game, contributing significantly to their 28-13 victory over Lakeside.
Meanwhile, the Laney Wildcat made strides with a recent win against Putnam County, defeating them 46-16. Laney’s historical performance against Putnam is strong, securing four out of seven past encounters. Standout player Omarion Butts from Putnam County boasts impressive averages of 135.5 rushing yards per game and four touchdowns this season, making him a critical component of the team’s attack.
In an exciting finish, Thomson held a thin lead against Richmond Academy at 43-42 before an interception returned for a touchdown sealed the game, showcasing the unpredictable nature of high school football.
Week 3 of Augusta high school football undoubtedly provided thrilling matches, significant player performances, and a glimpse into the potential for the remainder of the season.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Week 3 Preview
- KSN: High School Football Previews
- Augusta Press: High School Football Scores Week 3
- Augusta Chronicle: Week 3 Standouts
- WJBF: Westside High School Football Team
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Google Search: Augusta High School Football
- Google Scholar: High School Football Performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: Augusta Football News

Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
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