The Bulloch Academy Gators improved to 8-1 on the season with another lopsided victory. last Friday, shutting-out St Andrews 53-0 and are currently ranked No. 2 in GIAA Class 4-A.
The Gators have defeated their last four opponents by a combined 187-14.
Head Coach Aaron Phillips has been pleased by the effort the team is giving regardless of their opposition and is glad they have been able to get younger players into the game and keep their starters fresh for a state playoff run.
"We haven’t been able to get everybody in every game so this was great especially since our J.V. season wrapped up,” Phillips said. “Those guys won’t have the same opportunities when you get to the playoffs. We were also able to work four quarterbacks and work at different spots on defense so it was a good night for us.”
This week the Gators wrap up the regular season as they host Frederica. The Knights are currently 3-6 this season, but the Gators know they can be a dangerous group and remember their 35-20 loss to Frederica last year.
“They call this hate week down there,” Phillips said. “In all their interviews we read about that. I guess it all started before I got here. For our older crowd it’s all about Pinewood but I think lately it’s kind of shifted to Frederica. They beat us last year and had a strong team. Most of those guys are gone but they still have a few athletes and it will be important for us to try and keep them in check.”
A victory will sew up home field advantage throughout the playoffs and with a bye week next Friday, Phillips knows the importance of finishing strong.
“We can’t overlook anyone and we have to first take care of business Friday against Frederica,” Phillips said. “We know with a win we will be either the first or second seed and get to host throughout the playoffs. The state championship will be at Paulson and our goal is to get back there again, but the first order of business is to focus and play hard Friday against Frederica.
Frederica and Bulloch Academy are set for a 7:30 start Friday at Gator Alley.
