Bulloch Academy takes a 3 1/2-hour bus ride to Albany today and it’s not for the scenic view along the backroads and interstates of middle and south Georgia.
    “We are going down there to win,” BA head coach Ronnie Hodges said of his team’s date with the second-ranked Deerfield-Windsor Knights. “Why go if you think otherwise?”
    The Region 1-AAA opponent has 61 players on its roster and depth will be a major factor in the game.
    “Their depth is going to be an asset to them,” said Hodges. “They have incredible depth in the offensive line. On film, I have seen them play about six or seven players both ways but they substitute for them pretty frequently.”
    In last year’s 19-0 loss to the Knights, DWS rotated offensive linemen every third or fourth play. Still, the scrappy Gators didn’t let the onslaught of fresh players push them around. At halftime, Deerfield had only a 7-0 advantage.
    Hodges thinks that his Gators can go down to Albany and possibly pull off the upset.
    “I think we are right there with them,” he said. “Conditioning has not been a problem for us this year. I feel we can play just as good in the fourth quarter as we do in the fourth quarter. All of our kids have to play well.”
    Bulloch has pounded three weaker opponents and rolled up some pretty hefty numbers. The offense has amassed 1,168 yards (1,049 rushing, 119 passing) and scored 116 points. That’s an average of 390 yards and 39 points per contest.
    Junior tailback Harrison Averitt leads the way with 459 yards and six touchdowns on just 34 carries. Senior fullback Chris Young has 244 yards and six scores on 36 totes. Senior Jaylen Evans has 170 yards and two TDs on eight carries.
    “We must control the line of scrimmage,” said Hodges. “We must also control the clock. Blocking and maintaining those blocks on all levels is a must.”
    DWS has allowed just 669 yards of total offense (360 rushing, 339 passing) and 34 points per contest. Leading the Knight defense is seniors James Tyson, Gaughf Ivey, Hunter Brettel and sophomore Matthew Fox. All four have 10 individual tackles each. Fox has five quarterback sacks and Ivey has an interception.
    “They have always played good defense,” Hodges said of the traditional Class AAA powerhouse.
    Offensively, Deerfield-Windsor has compiled 996 yards of total offense (592 rushing, 404 passing) and has scored 95 points. Senior Quentin Heard is the leading ground gainer with 220 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries.
    “It all boils down to the hogs up front (offensive linemen),” said Hodges. “And they have those. We’ve got to play real good on defense. We can’t afford to give up a big play.”
    But it’s the passing of junior Dallas Margeson which has given Hodges some sleepless nights.
    “Their quarterback last year (Banks Kinslow) graduated but they haven’t missed a beat with Margeson,” said Hodges. “He is left-handed, throws the ball real well and runs good too. He doesn’t mind running the option.
    The Deerfield gunslinger is 26-for-43 for 404 yards and five touchdowns. Heard has caught five passes while Ivey, Kh’ron McClain and Rich Fallaw have caught four each.
    “Their passing game scares me,” said the BA head man. “We’ve got to get good play from our linebackers and secondary.”
    Sophomore linebacker Zach Sapp leads the defense for Bulloch Academy with 17 individual tackles and 11 assists. Other defensive leaders include senior linebacker Dillan Finch (11, 15), senior defensive lineman Codi Johnson (11, 4), sophomore cornerback Bailey Smith (10, 6) and junior defensive end Jarret Humphries (eight, eight). The Gator defense has held its opponents to just 589 total yards (349 rushing, 240 passing) and has allowed 25 points to be scored. That’s an impressive average of 196 yards and 8.3 points per game.
    Hodges also thinks special teams play will be a factor.
    “Our kicking game, protection as well as coverage, has got to be solid,” he said.