During the Class AAA championship game at the Georgia Dome, the Bears scored 22 unanswered points in the second half to upend Peach County High School, 28-14.

Burke County won its first title in 25 seasons, and coach Eric Parker won his first game in the Georgia Dome after taking two losses during his stint at Lucy C. Laney High.

“I’m a spiritual man,” said Parker, who will be the grand marshal of the parade along with his football team. “I believe there are things that happen for a reason. ... It was meant to be, but having said that, it was still up to the kids to work hard every day.”

Trailing 14-0, the Bears finally got their offense going late in the first half. Quarterbacks Donquell Green and Corey Mayton combined for almost 200 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Green iced the contest with his 13-yard touchdown run with 2:48 remaining.