Last season, as a No. 3 seed in the state tournament, Southeast Bulloch had to take a long ride before a first-round exit. This year, the Yellow Jackets are aiming to stick around a bit longer.
    Tuesday night, SEB got off to a good start toward another playoff appearance, and possibly a better seed, as the Jackets pounded Jefferson County, 13-3.
    Supplying much of the offense was sophomore Ryan Adams. He played his way into a regular spot in the lineup last season and is now a dependable run producer. He showed off his bat Tuesday, driving in a game-high four runs in the victory.
    “I’m just seeing the ball well and swinging well,” Adams said. “That’s what makes our team good. Everyone in the lineup can hit well. Once we get more consistent, we can really start to win some more.”
    SEB dropped three straight in the late innings two weeks ago, but the Jackets had their A-game for region play.
    “Coach (Brandon Peterson) just kept telling us to settle down,” Adams said. “Our pitching is getting straightened out and our hitting is getting better. I think we’ll do pretty well the rest of the way.”