Thomson, Ga. — The Thomson Bulldogs (4-3) turned the tide in the second half Friday night, storming back from an 11-point deficit to defeat the Burke County Bears (5-2), 24-14, in a Region 4-AA clash at The Brickyard. The win snapped a four-game losing streak against their conference rival.
Burke County controlled the first half, leading 7-3 at the break before stretching the margin to 14-3 early in the third quarter. Running back Jamari Reeves broke free for a 65-yard touchdown sprint with 10:57 left in the period, putting the Bears in firm command.
But from there, the Thomson defense locked down. The Bulldogs held Burke scoreless the rest of the way while the offense came to life behind quarterback Markevion Jones.
Jones scored on a one-yard keeper on 4th down late in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 14-10. In the fourth, the Bulldogs surged ahead with a short touchdown run at the 11:04 mark, and Jones later delivered the knockout blow — a dazzling 66-yard dash down the left sideline to put the game out of reach.
Despite two costly first-half fumbles, including one at the Burke County 1-yard line, Thomson’s resilience carried them to victory in front of a packed home crowd.
The Bulldogs (4-3) now hit the road to face Glenn Hills next Friday. Burke County (5-2) looks to rebound at home against Josey.
Thomson quarterback Markevion Jones (12) carries the ball during a game against Burke County at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Burke County cheerleaders during a game against Thomson at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Burke County quarterback Sean Vandiver (8) throws a pass during a game against Thomson at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Burke County Band performs at during a game against Thomson at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Burke County’s Jaris Sinkfield (2) returns a kickoff during a game against Thomson at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Burke County running back Jamari Reeves (5) carries the ball during a game against Thomson at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Thomson quarterback Markevion Jones (12) runs 66 yards for a touchdown during a game against Burke County at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Burke County lineman TK Reeves (76) blocks a defender during a game against Thomson at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Burke County’s Landen Wright (21) carries the ball during a game against Thomson at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)Thomson kicks a field goal to open the scoring during a game against Burke County at The Brickyard in Thomson, Ga., on Friday, October 3, 2025. (photo by Rob Davis)
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