The Carver Tigers ended the Harlem Bulldogs playoff run, winning by a score of 40-7 in the Sweet Sixteen of 3A Georgia High School State Playoffs on Friday, Nov. 18.
This was the first time the Bulldogs have competed in a Sweet Sixteen game of the playoffs in school history.
Carver lost the 4A State Championship, making their first championship appearance since 2007.
The Tigers moved to 3A this season and we’re 8-2 going into the game against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs were 10-1 going into the matchup.
It was a cold 37 degrees at Harlem for both teams’ biggest game of the season.
Tigers running back De’ante Childs scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4-yard carry. Carver quarterback Navelle Dean converted the two-point conversion with a pass to wide receiver Terrel Dewberry, making score 8-0 with 3:43 left in the fourth.
The Bulldogs offense would struggle all game with the Tigers defense neutralizing elite Harlem senior running back Jason Williams. Carver also continued to put pressure to the quarterback the entire game, making it difficult for the Bulldogs to get into rhythm offensively.
Childs added is second touchdown of the game with a 6-yard run at the beginning of the second quarter to put the Tigers ahead 14-0.
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Childs wouldn’t stop there as he ran in his third touchdown of the game before the end of the first half and the Tigers led 21-0. He would score the fourth and final touchdown of the game in the third quarter on another short-yard run.
Harlem scored their only touchdown of the game on special teams after a tipped punt was took for a touchdown by linebacker Marcus Wheeler late in the fourth quarter. Carver (9-2) will now move on to face Oconee County (8-4) in the quarterfinals next Friday, Nov. 25.
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
