Tavarre Terrell & Cassius Burch: The Game-Changing Duo Fueling Creekside’s Dominant Defense
Fairburn, GA – The Creekside defense was a nightmare for offenses in Georgia’s 4A classification this past season. Holding opponents to just 14.6 points per game and recording six shutouts, this unit thrived on one thing—getting to the quarterback. And at the heart of that chaos? Two sophomore monsters, Tavarre Terrell and Cassius Burch. This duo isn’t just good for their age—they’re good, period. Let’s break down why these young stars are already turning heads and why you’ll be hearing their names for years to come.
Tavarre Terrell: A Scary Sight Coming Off the Edge
When you watch Tavarre Terrell play, it’s hard to believe he’s just a sophomore. At 6’1” and 220 pounds, he plays like a veteran pass rusher, causing havoc in the backfield every snap. If you’re a coach or recruiter watching his film, it won’t take long before you’re up out of your seat.
Terrell is the kind of edge rusher who can win in multiple ways—bull rush, inside stunt, pure speed off the edge—you name it, he can do it. His relentless motor and violent hands make life miserable for offensive linemen. In 2024, he racked up an impressive 81 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks, earning both All-Region and GACA All-State honors.
As he continues to develop, adding more refined hand techniques to his already explosive game will make him even more dangerous. If he transitions to middle linebacker at the next level, coaches will want to see him operate in space more, but one thing is for sure—Terrell is a defensive game-wrecker in the making.
Cassius Burch: The Wrecking Ball in the Trenches
Lining up alongside Terrell is another Creekside terror—Cassius Burch. At 6’0” and 240 pounds, Burch brings a unique skill set to the defensive line, capable of playing both inside and outside with equal dominance. He’s got a blend of strength, athleticism, and football IQ that makes him an absolute force in the trenches.
Burch is a problem whether he’s setting the edge, tracking down ball carriers from the backside, or shedding blocks to make plays in the backfield. His long arms help him maintain vision while engaging linemen, and he’s already got a solid pass-rush toolbox.
His sophomore season was nothing short of dominant: 83 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, two forced fumbles, and even a blocked field goal. Like Terrell, he earned All-Region and GACA All-State honors, cementing himself as one of the best young defensive linemen in Georgia.
The Future is Bright at Creekside
Creekside’s defensive front is special, and Terrell and Burch are just two of the rising stars leading the way. This program has built a reputation for producing elite defensive talent, and these two are next in line. Don’t be surprised when their names start popping up on recruiting boards for some of the top D1 programs in the country.
For now, offensive coordinators across Georgia have one major problem—how do you stop this sophomore duo? Spoiler alert: you don’t.
