News Summary
In a nail-biting overtime clash, the Harlem Bulldogs edged out the Academy of Richmond County Musketeers with a final score of 17-14. Key performances came from Harlem’s Malik Tyler, who scored two touchdowns, while ARC’s MyKheal Smith and Carson Hand contributed significant efforts. The muddy field conditions heightened the intensity of the match, leading to pivotal moments including missed opportunities for both teams. The Bulldogs advance their record to 4-1 while the Musketeers fall to 2-4, setting the stage for future matchups.
Augusta, Georgia – The Harlem Bulldogs triumphed over the Academy of Richmond County (ARC) Musketeers 17-14 in a thrilling overtime contest held at ARC Stadium on September 26, 2025. This closely contested match was particularly significant as it marked a Region 4-AAA showdown in high school football.
The game was heavily impacted by muddy field conditions, creating challenges for both teams throughout the competition. Harlem’s senior running back Malik Tyler made an immediate impact, sprinting 41 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter, which gave Harlem a 7-0 lead after the point after touchdown (PAT).
However, ARC quickly responded. After a mishap on a bad snap during a punt by Harlem, sophomore running back MyKheal Smith seized the opportunity, scoring a 5-yard touchdown and leveling the score at 7-7 with 2:47 left in the first quarter.
Tyler continued to shine as he scored again with 4:43 remaining in the first half, driving into the end zone from one yard out, bringing the score to 14-7 in favor of Harlem. Not to be outdone, ARC’s sophomore quarterback Carson Hand connected with junior Lo’than McBride for a 13-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 14-14 before halftime.
The second half saw a noteworthy defensive struggle with both teams fighting for control. Highlights included an interception by ARC and a missed 40-yard field goal attempt in the final minutes of regulation, which left the score unchanged heading into overtime.
In the overtime period, ARC attempted to break the tie with a field goal. However, they suffered penalties that nullified their attempts, preventing them from scoring. Taking full advantage of the situation, Harlem’s Connor Anderson kicked a successful 29-yard field goal, sealing the 17-14 victory for the Bulldogs.
With this win, the Harlem Bulldogs improved their overall record to 4-1 and moved to 1-1 in Region 4-AAA play. Meanwhile, the loss brought Academy of Richmond County’s record to 2-4 overall, also placing them at 1-1 in the region.
Upcoming Games
Looking ahead, the Harlem Bulldogs will host Hephzibah for their next match. In contrast, the ARC Musketeers will travel to face Baldwin.
Game Summary
- Final Score: Harlem Bulldogs 17, ARC Musketeers 14 (Overtime)
- Location: ARC Stadium, Augusta, Georgia
- Date: September 26, 2025
- Harlem Record: 4-1 overall, 1-1 Region 4-AAA
- ARC Record: 2-4 overall, 1-1 Region 4-AAA
Key Player Statistics
- Malik Tyler: 2 touchdowns for Harlem
- MyKheal Smith: 1 touchdown for ARC
- Carson Hand: 1 touchdown pass
Field Conditions
The muddy conditions of the field contributed to the intensity and difficulty of the game, as both teams had to navigate through challenging terrain, impacting their gameplay and strategy.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Athlete of the Week Voting
- WJBF: Keenan Grissett on Richmond Academy
- Richmond Times-Dispatch: High School Baseball
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
