The Bulloch Academy Gators are coming off their lone loss of the season as they dropped a 35-23 decision at No. 1 ranked John Milledge Friday in Milledgeville.

The Gators were able to keep the game within a touchdown for most of the contest before a turnover and Trojan touchdown in the fourth. Coach Aaron Phillips feels the team played pretty well but says they have to clean things up especially when playing a tough team like JMA.

“We shot ourselves in the foot with penalties and three turnovers,” Phillips said. “I think what we learned is we can survive a very physical game. We played a few tough teams to start the season but this was probably the best team we will play all season. The ball didn’t really bounce our way but we answered all night we just ended up falling short. Games like this will help us on our state playoff run.”

Phillips feels the schedule the Gatos have played will really benefit them in the long run.

“These last three games at least have all been playoff games,” Phillips said. “Brentwood, Tattnall Square and John Milledge will all go far in the playoffs if not win the whole thing. You learn more about your team from playing these games and that will benefit us as well.”

Friday Bulloch Academy returns to Gator Alley as they host Westfield. The Hornets come in 3-1 and are averaging over 27 points per game with notable wins over Brookstone and Strong Rock and their lone loss coming in a 21-13 loss to First Presbyterian.

“They have a few really good athletes,” Phillips said. “They have a quarterback who has committed to play baseball at Georgia Southern and a wide receiver who has committed to play football at Georgia Southern. They like to throw the ball and we have had a few issues stopping the pass this year so that will be a challenge. We will have our hands full in the secondary and we will have to try and get some pressure on their quarterback with our guys up front.”

Bulloch Academy and Westfield are scheduled for a 7:30 start at Gator Alley.