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Do or die for Jackets' playoff chances against New Hampstead
Southeast Bulloch in must-win Friday at Fred Shaver Field in Brooklet
SEB Football 2026
Southeast Bulloch's Aaden Peterson, left, slips through blockers to tackle Liberty County running back Noel Best for a loss during the second quarter on Friday, Oct. 16. - photo by SCOTT BRYANT/staff

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets are 3-5 and have their backs against the wall. Any chance of making the post season includes having to win their next two games, beginning with Friday night’s matchup against New Hampstead at Fred Shaver Field.

The Jackets are coming off a bye week and head coach Jason Anthony believes the team improved from a health standpoint as well as working on things on the field to get better.

“The week was solid with some much-needed work,” Anthony said. “Quarterback J.K. Small hurt his shoulder against Liberty County. He should be good to go against New Hampstead Friday. On offense we worked on him getting the passing game going and then on defense we really have to tackle in space and stay focused for a whole game.”

Friday is senior night and Anthony said it will be tough to say goodbye to some seniors who have spent a lot of time sweating it out on the field for four years at Southeast Bulloch.

"Guys like Aaden Peterson, Brant Horst, Stevie Pageant and Eli Reed to name a few,” Anthony said. “Those guys have contributed and been a big part of our success since their freshman year here. They are the leaders of this team and we hope to send them off with a win Friday.”

The Jackets will be hosting a New Hampstead team who come in with a record of 3-5 but have won their last two meetings against Long County and Windsor Forest. They are led by running back Christian Kinlaw who is 6-2 and 230-pounds and has nearly 700 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.

“Kinlaw is a big bruising running back who is tough to bring down,” Anthony said. “They also have a quarterback who can spin the ball and a couple of good receivers. It’s a typical New Hampstead team who can really move the ball on offense.

"On defense they are kind of undersized up front but have some safeties who can come and hit you. We have to stop their running back and contain their quarterback and try and keep everything in front of us with the receivers.”

Southeast Bulloch and New Hampstead are set for a 7:30 start Friday at Fred Shaver Field.