News Summary
High school football in the Central Savannah River Area remains a major focal point as teams showcase their talents amidst weather challenges. Midland Valley High School shines with its NFL-ROTC program, while North Augusta achieves a significant victory over Strom Thurmond. The anticipation builds for various matchups this week, contrasting the excitement of sports with pressing discussions on community safety and teenage violence following a recent incident involving local law enforcement. Varsity Drive continues to provide local football coverage, highlighting the importance of both athletics and community well-being.
Augusta, GA – High school football in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) continued to take center stage on September 16, 2025, as schools showcased their athletic talents amidst a varied weather forecast. Despite a 60% chance of rain in the morning, expect warmer temperatures later in the day, reaching up to 85°F with sunny skies expected by afternoon. Winds will come from the north at 5 to 10 mph, with a nighttime low of around 63°F.
The local high school football scene is being highlighted by FOX54’s Varsity Drive, which emphasizes the community’s passion and pride. This week’s featured institution is Midland Valley High School in South Carolina, recognized not only for its athletic programs but also for its commendable Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program. Sponsored by the United States Navy and the Aiken County Public School District, the program focuses on fostering leadership, service, and personal growth among students.
In recent competitive action, North Augusta faced the Strom Thurmond team in a non-region matchup. Ranked No. 2 in Class 2A and No. 3 in Class 4A respectively, North Augusta triumphed with a decisive score of 37-13. With this victory, North Augusta marked a strong 4-0 start to their season, the best since 2017. Key plays included a 71-yard touchdown run from Mike Doe and a touchdown pass from quarterback AJ Hillary to Isaiah Davis. Furthermore, Davion McKinnis distinguished himself on defense, contributing four and a half sacks, aiding the team in overcoming other offensive difficulties.
Week five of the high school football season has spotlighted several crucial matchups across various schools in the area. This includes Greene County looking for their first win against a resilient Laney team, while Baldwin and Harlem compete for a pivotal victory. Additionally, the historic rivalry between Westside and Hephzibah continues with Hephzibah holding a favorable performance history. Meanwhile, Swainsboro aims to secure their fifth consecutive win against Thomson.
Beyond the excitement of football, community safety has become a pressing topic. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging conversations regarding teenage violence following a recent shooting incident. Authorities dropped murder charges against two teenagers in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy, determining they acted in self-defense. This incident has sparked discussions about the ongoing issues surrounding teenage violence in Richmond County, a concern shared by local law enforcement officials.
This week’s football highlights alongside pressing community issues underscore the multifaceted nature of the CSRA, where local traditions and sports play an influential role in shaping the fabric of the community. As the football season progresses, the commitment to fostering a safe and engaged environment for youth takes equal precedence alongside celebrating their sporting achievements.
Varsity Drive airs every Wednesday and Thursday during FOX54’s 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. broadcasts, delivering fresh highlights and coverage on local high school football.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: North Augusta Continues Undefeated Season
- Wikipedia: High School Football in the United States
- Augusta Chronicle: Augusta High School Football Rivals
- Google Search: High school football Augusta
- WJBF: Football Friday Night Week 5 Scores & Highlights
- Google Scholar: High School Football CSRA
- Augusta Press: Week 5 High School Football Scores
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Post and Courier: Player of the Week North Augusta McKinnis
- Google News: North Augusta Football
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
