TAKING OFF

The Burke County High School Bears claimed their fifth straight victory Friday night against the Hephzibah High School Rebels, shutting them down 24-0. Currently ranked second in the sub-region, the Bears are two wins away from claiming their spot in the region playoffs. Head coach Eric Parker is looking for a tough match up against South Effingham County High School in Guyton Friday night, but he believes the Bears will be well on their way if they can tame the Mustangs this week. The Bears have already defeated the Liberty County Panthers, who represented the sub-region along with South Effingham in the playoffs last year. Above, junior Rodney Moye finds a path up the middle as seniors Alton Sapp, #51, and Bryant Wesby, #38, hold off Rebel defenders. See story, page 10.