G.W. Carver Tigers Dominate Georgia 2A State Championship

The G.W. Carver Tigers have done it! After a 17-year drought and a heartbreaking near-miss in 2021, the Tigers stormed to victory in the Class 2A State Championship with a resounding 52-14 win over the Burke County Bears.

The championship game, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, solidified Carver's return to glory and showcased the team's unstoppable talent.

Leading the charge was Junior quarterback Matthew “Chew” Mungin, whose near-perfect performance (19 of 20 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns) earned him the Morgan & Morgan Most Valuable Player award. Mungin’s precision passing and poise in the pocket set the tone for what became an unforgettable evening for the Tigers and their fans.

While many expected a tightly contested game, Carver wasted no time proving their dominance. Senior Braylon Jakes electrified the stadium with a game-opening kickoff return that set up Jameil Williams for a two-yard rushing touchdown to put the Tigers on the board. Despite a muffed punt that allowed Burke County to tie the game, Carver responded with a 25-yard field goal to regain the lead.

From there, it was all Tigers. The defense made their presence felt when Zay Billingsley snagged a 22-yard pick-six, extending the lead to 17-7. The offense then kicked into high gear with Kei’maurii Miles powering through for a 13-yard rushing touchdown and Jakes adding to his highlight reel with a spectacular 43-yard rushing score.

Carver’s explosive performance sent shockwaves through the state, leaving no doubt that the Tigers are back on top of the high school football world.

As the dust settles on football season, Carver’s triumph serves as a reminder of the determination and resilience that defines champions.

Heartbreak in Overtime for Lady Blue Devils

It was a night of grit and determination as the Columbus Lady Blue Devils flag football team fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in the championship game, losing in overtime to the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets, 13-6. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Lady Blue Devils capped an impressive season with a 22-7 overall record, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit throughout the year.

The game was a defensive battle from start to finish, with the Lady Blue Devils breaking the stalemate late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Hickman put on a clinic, completing 19 of 31 passes for 160 yards. Senior wide receiver Lofton proved to be her favorite target, hauling in nine receptions for 78 yards. With just two minutes left in regulation, Columbus scored the game’s first touchdown, igniting their sideline and fans.

However, the Yellow Jackets were not ready to concede. Their offense marched methodically downfield, tying the game in the final moments to force overtime. On the first play of the extra period, Yellow Jackets quarterback Sariah Lockhart dashed through the defense on a 10-yard keeper for the go-ahead score. Lockhart’s touchdown, paired with a successful extra point, put Southeast Bulloch in control. The Lady Blue Devils had one final chance but were unable to convert, sealing the Jackets' championship win.

Greg Nance Bowl: A Bowl to Remember

This past weekend, youth football history was made at Memorial Stadium with the inaugural Greg Nance Bowl—a heartfelt tribute to Greg Nance, a beloved local athlete who tragically passed away at just 21 years old. Nance, an exceptional football player for the Eastway Cherokees and the G.W. Carver Tigers, left an indelible mark on the community. The event honored his legacy by showcasing the finest youth talent in the Tri-City area.

The competition featured the red and blue teams across five divisions: 4U, 6U, 8U, 10U, and 13U. In a spirited series of games, the 4U Red Team and the Blue Teams in the 6U, 8U, 10U, and 13U divisions emerged as champions, capping off a thrilling day of football. From explosive plays to defensive grit, these young athletes proved why they’re the best in the region.

With football season wrapping up, basketball is heating up. The MCSD Christmas Showcase at CSU’s Lumpkin Center features a stellar lineup of games, including clashes between regional powerhouses such as Hardaway, Spencer and Kendrick. Here’s the exciting lineup of games:

Friday, December 15

• 6 p.m. (G)/7:30 p.m. (B) - Shaw at Carver
• 6 p.m. (G)/7:30 PM (B) - Columbus at Marion Co.
• 5 p.m. (G) - Jordan vs. Handley, AL (Showcase Game)
• 6:30 p.m. (B) - Hardaway vs. Douglas Co.
• 8 p.m. (G) - Hardaway vs. St. Anne-Pacelli

Saturday, December 16

• 9 a.m. (B) - Northside vs. Columbus
• 10:30 a.m. (G) - Northside vs. Russell Co.
• 12 p.m. (G) - Shaw vs. Campbell
• 1:30 p.m. (B) - Kendrick vs. Creekside
• 3 p.m. (G) - Kendrick vs. LaGrange
• 4:30 p.m. (G) - Spencer vs. Lee Co.
• 6 p.m. (B) - Shaw vs. Russell Co.
• 7:30 p.m. (B) - Spencer vs. Calvary

Last by not least, for the girls dreaming of gridiron glory, the Columbus Girls Flag Football League is gearing up for another exciting season. Registration opens January 8th, and the season kicks off March 30th. Visit columbusgirlsflagfootball.mydurable.com for details, or call 706-940-8292 to learn about coaching and leadership opportunities.

That’s all for this week’s "Time-Out." Whether you’re cheering courtside or watching the next generation take the field, the spirit of competition is alive and thriving in Columbus.

See you at the games!