Football Recap: Burke County Starts Season with Victory Against Academy of Richmond County + How To Watch

Burke County had to kick off their season on the road on Friday, but they showed no ill effects. They walked away with a 46-35 victory over the Academy of Richmond County Musketeers. The win continues a trend for the Bears in their matchups with the Musketeers: they've now won three in a row.

Sean Vandiver

Passing Yards

08/15/25 @ Academy of Richmond County	190
12/17/24 @ Carver	51
12/06/24 @ Rockmart	72
11/29/24 vs Thomson	150
11/22/24 vs Laney	133
+ 3 more games

Sean Vandiver was nothing short of spectacular: he threw for 190 yards and three touchdowns while completing 92.3% of his passes, and also rushed for 57 yards and one TD on only seven carries. That's the most passing yards he has posted since back in November of 2024. Landen Wright was Vandiver's top target, picking up 20 receiving yards and one score, while also rushing for 71 yards.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Burke County was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 345 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Academy of Richmond County only rushed for 97 rushing yards.

Despite the defeat, Academy of Richmond County saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Carson Hand threw for 257 yards and three TDs, and also punched in one touchdown on the ground. Ben Wright was Hand's top target, picking up 81 receiving yards and a pair of scores.

Burke County wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next contest, a 44-0 victory against Cross Creek on the 22nd. As for Academy of Richmond County, they will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on Thomson at 7:30 p.m. on the 29th.