Burke County Bears Esports

09/02/2026

With the season starting next week, I thought it important to introduce our official roster! As we go throughout the season, we will introduce title-specific rosters and teams.

Streams will start next Tuesday at 4:00 PM over on our YouTube channel.

You can also support us by buying our merch! We've got a surprise coming up in our merch store, so be on the lookout. (link below)

https://emergeapparel.gg/collections/burke-county-hs-esports

08/07/2026

Today is the LAST day for a student to join our Google Classroom before tryouts! Remember that if you're not in the Classroom, you cannot attend tryouts.

ATTN: Our last flyer had some mistakes in it. I've provided an updated flyer here! Tryouts start next Monday, but students MUST be in this Google Classroom to attend.

08/04/2026

ATTN: Our last flyer had some mistakes in it. I've provided an updated flyer here! Tryouts start next Monday, but students MUST be in this Google Classroom to attend.

07/31/2026

Good morning, Bear Country! With a new school year kicking off SOON, I wanted to make you all aware of esports tryouts. See the poster below for information.

These posters are placed all around the high school, and Mr. Braddock (Rm 607) and Mr Ruffin (Rm 502) will be around to answer any major questions. There will also be a table set up in the mall area for all clubs and organizations.

Keep in mind that if you are NOT in this Google Classroom by August 7, you cannot attend tryouts. Also keep in mind that Burke County's new cell phone policy will severely limit students' abilities to scan this QR code during the school day, so coming to open house is your best chance to get involved.

Also, Madden and College Football are available to be played, but any student interested must furnish their own copies of the games. These titles are also NOT eligible for a GHSA state title.

06/09/2026

Today is the day! T-minus one hour! See you there!

Come join Coach Ruffin and Coach Braddock at the BCRD's new esports camp taking place this summer! Esports is alive and well, and it's time kids get the opportunity to practice! We are so excited for this opportunity, and we are so grateful to Mr. Christopher Castle for taking this on.

See you soon!

06/03/2026

Come join Coach Ruffin and Coach Braddock at the BCRD's new esports camp taking place this summer! Esports is alive and well, and it's time kids get the opportunity to practice! We are so excited for this opportunity, and we are so grateful to Mr. Christopher Castle for taking this on.

See you soon!

05/17/2026

“Esports isn’t even that competitive”

“It doesn’t take that much skill”

“Esports isn’t a real job/ Esports isn’t a real sport”

“How could you be a fan of a video game player?”

“Video games are for kids”

- The Haters, probably.

05/15/2026

I know esports is a newer concept, and most people still don’t fully understand it, but my brother and I traveled to Dreamhack in Atlanta today for a Call of Duty event, and I’m here to say publicly:

Esports is a here to stay. So many people are here today to show their support for their favorite gamers. There’s so many career implications from IT and adverising to content creation and entrepreneurship.

If your son or daughter wants to pursue esports in high school, encourage them to do it! Many colleges are hopping on the train and have their own esports teams, too, and they hand out scholarships. Who knows, maybe one day your child will go pro?

P.S. Go Optic

04/25/2026

Today’s loss in the semi’s eliminates us from the playoffs. We finished third in state. It’s a hard loss, and the guys are taking it hard. I couldn’t be prouder.

Ethan Kemp has put in the time and effort, even coming to practices as a freshman when we weren’t even sure we’d have a Rocket League team.

Parker Prickett put on the grind, rising through the ranks, and listening to coaching advice from his teammates. Never have a seen someone so willing to adapt and grow.

Dustan Stripling, while he joined us late, immediately filled a leadership role. He took time off work, coached, streamed, and watched film.

Honestly, a class A group of guys. I just wish we could have finished the deal. Regardless, we made it farther than the majority of teams in state, and these guys should hold their heads high.

04/25/2026

It’s lit in here now!