The Bulloch Academy Gators are currently ranked No. 1 in the state in GIAA Class 4-A as they are 6-1 and coming off a much-needed bye week.

Head coach Aaron Phillips likes the way the team has shown progress on both sides of the ball and believes coming off a bye week the Gators are at full force for the stretch run.

“We are playing well but we still feel like we have room to improve,” Phillips said. “During our off week we feel like we finally have everyone healthy. We will have two players back who have missed a couple game so that’s great. We used the week to get in fundamentals because sometimes during the season you quit working on that and it tends to show.”

Bulloch Academy is currently averaging 40 points per game and allowing just over 16 points per contest. The Gators have been getting a balanced attack on offense with quite a few different players stepping up.

“Recently we have really liked what we have seen from Connor Perry at running back,” Phillips said. “He has speed and it’s starting to click for him. Sam Hubbard has been great for four years and we know we can count on him. B.J. Smart has had a few really good games but he’s always consistent and Rocco Reiss has helped us with depth as well as Maddox Lee who is back after an injury. We also hope Billy Crider can continue his production and receiver and keep teams honest when they try and pack the box.”

This week Bulloch Academy squares off against the newest member of the GIAA as Savannah County Day comes to Gator Alley. The Hornets enter the game with the record of 2-4 but look like they’ve turned things around with wins against Bethesda and Savannah Christian.

“Early on they tried to spread teams out and throw the ball but recently they simplified things and are running much more,” Phillips said. “They aren’t going to be scared when they come in here as they’ve been playing GHSA teams like Calvary and Savannah Christian for years. I feel like if we don’t turn the ball over and eliminate some of the chunk plays that have hurt us defensively, we should be successful.”

Bulloch Academy and Savannah Country Day are set for a 7:30 start Friday at Gator Alley.