This season there’s been plenty of talk surrounding the undefeated Bulloch Academy Gators’ offense—and rightfully so.
    The Gators are averaging 47 points per game and came just one point shy last week of breaking a school record in points scored in a game (62).
    However, the defense is proving they are a force to be reckoned with in GISA football. Bulloch Academy (3-0) went the first two games of the season giving up just seven points. BA’s matchup against Robert Toombs Academy last Friday was the first time the defense had a legitimate test all season.
    The Crusaders scored 24 points on the Gators’ defense, and trailed by just three at halftime. Robert Toombs wouldn’t score again as the “D” shut them out.
    “I’m really happy with how things are going,” head coach Terence Hennessy said. “Our team has really matured as a team since last year and I’m really happy about the first three games.”
    Hennessy said he expected to win the first game of the season, however, the second game against Winsor Academy was a concern for the second-year head coach.
    “We watched (Winsor Academy) on film and they looked pretty dominate. Then they got off the bus and wow—they were huge,” Hennessy said. “I thought we were in a bit of trouble to be honest. But our guys played as well as we could have played.”
    Coach Hennessy gives the defensive credit to his players and former head coach Ronnie Hodges. Hodges led the Gators to two 8-3 seasons in 2011 and 2012.
    Hennessy, an offensive-minded coach, said it was very difficult not having a defensive coordinator during his first year with the team in 2014. With the addition of Hodges, Hennessy said he’s able to focus on offense while the defense has a solid, trustworthy coach.
    “Last year we didn’t have a single defensive coach on our staff and last year I called offense and defense, but I’m an offensive coach by trade,” Hennessy said. “We talked coach Hodges out of retirement and got him in here. Coach Hodges has taken a lot of pride in our defense and our kids have taken a lot of pride in our defense.”
    Players such as Hunter Perry and Tyce Lovett have helped the Gators’ defense excel. Lovett not only leads the team in rushing with 279 yards on the ground, but he also leads the team in tackles (32). Perry has 25 total tackles on the year, along with a sack.
    “coach Hodges has been around forever here,” said Perry. “They brought him back and he’s really helped out.”
    Lovett said playing both ways on offense and defense helps with momentum during a game and translates to the defensive side of the ball.
    “If we make a good play on offense, that gets us pumped on defense. When we score that gets us excited to get a stop,” Lovett said. “We need to keep our momentum on defense.”
    As a team, the Gators have not given up a score in the third quarter. Out of the 12 quarters BA has played in this year, teams have only scored in three.
“We can’t give up 24 points in a half. I think we know that and we just have to keep our defense solid. We have to follow the ball and can’t let teams gash us. We have to cut down on big plays,” Perry said.
    On average, the Gators are giving up just 12 first downs a game. BA will be tested on defense this Friday against Gatewood. The Gatewood Gators (3-0) defeated Trinity Christian 48-15 and the week prior shut out Monsignor Donovan 67-0.
    Perry, who also leads the team with four tackles for a loss, said he hasn’t set any personal goals. For him, it’s all about the team.
    “I only have team goals, and that’s win. We don’t really set personal goals. That’s why we don’t have names on the back of our jerseys. We are team-oriented,” Perry said.
        Horace Holloman may be reached at (912) 489-9408.