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BA battles Crusaders
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    The Bulloch Academy Gators (2-1-1) travel to Lyons tonight to take on the Crusaders of Robert Toombs Christian Academy (3-1). If the Crusaders are looking for motivation in this game, then they need to look no further than last year’s 61-24 loss in Gator Alley. The Gators dominated on both sides of the ball, and the Crusaders returning Seniors would love nothing more than to return the favor Friday night.
    The Crusaders come into this game with only one loss this season to Pinewood Christian Academy (27-7) in their opening game. Since then, the Crusaders and their new Wing-T offense have averaged over 38 points a game. The Crusaders success can be directly attributed to their massive senior filled offensive line. “They are extremely big and physical up front,” said Gator Head Coach Terence Hennessy. “Their size will be a good challenge for our defensive front.”
     The Gators come into this game after enjoying a bye week for the first time ever under Coach Hennessy, and they used that time to prepare, heal and rest up for the very large Crusaders. The Gator’s were rolling on both sides of the football before the bye as they amassed 412 yards of total offense, while only allowing a late fourth quarter touchdown in their 34-7 victory over Thomas Jefferson. “That was our most complete game of the season,” noted Hennessy. “We came out wanting to control the line of scrimmage and we did.”
     The Gators offense has found most of their success on the ground, led by Senior Jake Mock and a punishing offensive line. Mock, who had 178 yards on 11 carries with 3 touchdowns two weeks ago against Thomas Jefferson has been the catalyst. Sophomore quarterback Don Aaron has also found success in the air in the Gators new spread offense as fellow Senior Receivers Davis Childs and Nate Rice are becoming a formidable duo to cover.
    The Gators defense has played as well as advertised forcing key turnovers at critical times. The Seniors have led the way for the Gators as fellow defensive linemen Garrett Williams and G.C. Kimbrell have been stout up front, while the line backing corps of Tyce Lovett has Junior Brandon Merrill have made life miserable for opposing offenses. Childs and Rice have been instrumental in the Gator secondary as opponents are finding it just as difficult to pass the ball.
    It will be an old fashioned football slugfest, as the Gators hope to continue their winning ways this Friday night at 7:30 in Lyons.