After two weeks on the road battling non-region foes, Bulloch Academy begins its eight-game Region 2-IAAA schedule tonight at Gator Alley, hosting the winless Tiftarea Panthers.
    While the Gators have traveled to Lyons and Stillmore to open the season, the BA faithful have swarmed both stadiums, much to the delight of BA head football coach Ronnie Hodges and his team.
     “We’ve felt like we’ve been at home both weeks with the superior support on the road,” said Hodges. “Our crowds rivaled the home crowds. But we’re glad to get into our own confines and to feel the ‘Gator Alley’ effect. The fact that this is the first region opponent only magnifies the game.”
    The Panthers, who have a 3 ½ hour bus ride today, have started the season with two huge losses, a 62-0 blowout by Valwood and a 64-18 loss to Westwood.
    “They are 0-2 and have given up 126 points,” said Hodges, “but they have played the defending Class A state champion (Westwood) and a team that went 9-2 in Class AA (Valwood) last season. Their record is very deceiving. Coach (Marvin) Barton is going to put a quality team on the field. I’ve been trying to get that in our kids’ heads but you can talk until you are blue in the face and they still won’t believe you.”
    The Panthers run from the Wing-T  but they branch into multiple looks.
    “We are preparing for 10 or 11 different sets,” said Hodges. “The Wing-T has always given us fits because of the deception and misdirection. Being as inexperienced as we are on defense, we are having a heck of a time reading our keys in practice and getting ready for Friday night.”
    Inexperienced or not, the Gators have yielded only 18 points and 198 total yards in two games. Sophomore linebacker Zach Sapp leads the defense with 14 individual tackles and seven assists. Senior linebacker Dillan Finch is second with 10 solo stops, nine assists and two fumble recoveries. Other leaders include senior defensive tackle Codi Johnson (9, 2), sophomore defensive back Bailey Smith (7, 5) and junior linebacker Loy Waters (7, 5).
    “At times, the defense has looked pretty good,” said Hodges. “We are not a good defensive team yet, but we are getting there.
    Offensively, the Gators have racked up 68 points en route to their 2-0 record.
    “I think we can move the football on them,” said Hodges. “Our speed has been a factor. Also, our playing calling, blocking up front and on the perimeter has been very effective. Coach (Matt) Meeks, Coach (Andy) Tomlin and Coach (Jacob) Lord have done tremendous jobs respectively with the kids.”
    Junior tailback Harrison Averitt leads the BA ground game with 304 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. Senior fullback Chris Young has 197 tough yards on 26 carries and five scores. Senior tailback Jaylen Evans has 108 yards and a score on four totes.
    “Whether our guys and our fans believe it or not, we’ve got to play our best football to beat Tiftarea,” said Hodges. “We’ve got to improve every week.”
    The game will be aired live on Yahoo 850 AM.