For the past two seasons, it’s been one and done for Bulloch Academy in the Class AAA football playoffs as the Gators got adjusted to life in the top classification of the Georgia Independent School Association.
    But head coach Ronnie Hodges thinks that his guys can make history tonight against Stratford Academy.
    “From here on out, it’s a one-game season,” he said. “I truly believe that we have a chance to do something tonight that has never been done by a BA team. But in order for us to do that, we’ve gotta put all the pieces together.”
    Bulloch, the third-seeded team from Region 1-AAA and fourth-ranked team in the state, travels to Macon to battle Stratford Academy, the second-seed from Region 2-AAA, in the opening round of the playoffs.
    Last season, Bulloch also met the perennial powerhouse in the first round and got pounded 42-7.
While Eagles have essentially the same team from last year, Hodges has observed on tape that something seems to be missing.
“Although they have a lot of the same linemen and skill position players back, they don’t seem to be as strong,” he said. “They aren’t scoring points like they did last year. But, after Friday night, I may have to eat my words.”
 Still, Hodges and his coaching staff are confident that the Gators have a very real shot at a victory.
    “We will have to play very well on offense, defense and special teams to pull off a win,” he said. “Stratford is a very fundamental football team. They play old-fashioned power football.”
    Hodges is especially impressed by senior Greer Smith (6-1, 204 pounds).
    “He is everywhere,” said the BA head man. “He is listed as a running back but he has played offensive tackle as well. He is in the secondary on defense. He was a big factor in our game last season. We have to know where he is on every play.”
    Tailbacks Austin Simmons (5-11, 198) and Ken Spears (5-10, 199) hurt Bulloch last year as well. Simmons racked up 155 yards and scored three touchdowns rushing and one on a punt return. Spears had 103 yards and added a score.
    Returning quarterback John Mitchell is also a threat.
    “He will drop back to pass and then tuck the ball and run,” said Hodges. “They don’t throw a lot but when they do it is very effective because it comes off of play action.”
    Senior defense end Jarret Humphries and company will have their hands full. Humphries leads the Gators with 70 solo stops, 43 assists and seven sacks. Other top defenders are sophomore defensive tackle Andrew Howell (54, 51), junior linebacker Zach Sapp (49, 49), senior linebacker Loy Waters (42, 29) and senior defensive tackle Asa Johnson (36, 13).
      A tough Eagle defense has allowed 235 yards per game and just 16 points per contest. The big-play Gators average 332 yards and almost 29 points per game.
    The option is Bulloch bread-and-butter. Senior tailback Harrison Averitt has amassed 1,090 yards and 10 scores. Quarterback Waters has rushed for 481 and 11 TDs while junior fullback Matt Sheppard had 759 and has entered the end zone seven times. Waters is 29-for-69 in the passing department for 577 yards and eight touchdowns. His favorite receiver is senior Bailey Smith, who has 14 catches for 292 yards and three scores.
    “We’ve had a good week of practice,” he said. “The guys are real loose but they are focused. I think they are ready.”