On Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, 2025, high school robotics teams from across Georgia showcased their innovative engineering marvels as they competed in Peachtree District Qualifier matchups.
What is the FIRST Robotics Competition?
When you break down the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, it consists of each team entering the competition with their own hand-built, custom industrial-sized robots. These robots have been constructed by the students who have worked year-round to build these robots in preparation to compete in qualification events around the state with hopes of advancing to district level events.
After setting up their workstations and passing inspections, teams compete in a series of qualification matches. In each match, three teams form an alliance to compete against another three-team alliance, working together to complete tasks and score points.
Over the competition weekend, 52 qualification matches took place, with each team competing in 12 matchups to earn points for playoff selection. Once playoffs begin, new alliances are formed for a double-elimination tournament, giving teams a chance to bounce back from setbacks and fight for victory.
Students from several schools in Bulloch County were united together into one team named the B.A.R.N. Stormers. The students who participated in the B.A.R.N. Stormers were representatives from Statesboro High School, Southeast Bulloch High School, Statesboro STEAM Academy, Trinity Christian School, and Bulloch Academy.
The B.A.R.N. Stormers had a competitive showing during the qualification rounds, as they were able to place 11th out of the 26 teams that entered the competition, leading them to a spot in the playoffs.
Teams from the southeast portion of the state were allied with the B.A.R.N. Stormers. These teams included the Bot Bros from Benedictine Military School in Savannah and the Wildcat Robots from Richmond Hill, forming a strong alliance.
The playoffs commenced full of stacked competition throughout each team's alliance. The B.A.R.N. Stormers alliance would have a tough outing in their first playoff matchup, losing by only three points, but they were able to turn things around in the next round bracket with a decisive victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The B.A.R.N. Stormers alliance would eventually meet their demise in their next matchup, being eliminated from the competition. The team would finalize their placing at 12th overall out of 26 teams at the FIRST Robotics Competition achieving the second highest point total in team history.
The team looks to continue the success they achieved from this event in future competitions down the line. Georgia FIRST Robotics Competition will make its next stop at the Albany Civic Center to continue to exhibitions in the Peachtree District Qualifiers.
