The Bulloch Academy Gators faced off against Our Lady of Mercy Bobcats on Saturday night in the school’s first ever contest against a Georgia High School Association team. This was billed as a huge test for the Gators, and tested they were as the Bobcats came away with a 30 -7 victory in Gator Alley.
The Gators (1-1-1) could not get their offense on track as turnovers cost them throughout the game, while the Bobcats (1-1) eagerly took advantage of those mistakes. The Gators fumbled on their opening possession of the game leading to a 6 yard touchdown run by Bobcat running back Caleb Pressley. The Gators were intercepted on their third possession of the game and the Bobcats returned it to the Gator 30 yard line. The Gators defense showed heart throughout the game as they held the Bobcats who eventually turned the ball over on downs. The Bobcats were able to put their second score on the board in the second quarter as Pressley ran from 4 yards out to give the Bobcats a 12 - 0 lead at the half.
The second half didn’t start much better for the Gators as the Bobcats speed took over. Sophomore quarterback Garrison Hand took the snap and ran right up the middle for a 52 yard touchdown on the Bobcats opening drive. Hand’s arm hurt the Gators a few series later as he hit Senior tight end Robert Chery on a slant and he took it 45 yards for another Bobcat touchdown. The Gators appeared to get on track offensively as they moved into Bobcat territory on their very next drive, but it ended with yet another Gator turnover.
The Bobcats scored their final touchdown of the night on a 14 yard pass from Hand to Junior wide receiver Javon Henderson in the corner of the end zone midway through the fourth quarter. The Gators failed to quit, as Sophomore quarterback Don Aaron completed several passes to move the Gators into Bobcat territory. The running duo of Senior Tyce Lovett and Junior Brandon Merrill picked up crucial short yardage plays to keep the Gators final drive alive. Merrill’s efforts were rewarded as he barrelled in from 8 yards out on the final play of the game to give the Gators their lone score of the night. Sean O’Sullivan’s point after was good.
The Gators finished the game with only 131 yards of total offense, while rushing for 88 yards on 31 carries and completing 5 passes for 43 yards. Brandon Merrill led the way for the Gators as he rushed for 33 yards on 7 carries. The Bobcats offense racked up 356 yards of total offense. They rushed for 204 yards on 29 carries, and Hand threw for 152 yards on 11 completions.
“I thought our guys showed a lot of character tonight. We had older guys who would not come out of the game. They wanted to stay out there and fight,” said Gator Head Coach Terrence Hennessy. “They were fast and quick and a good football team, but our guys fought hard right to the end. This game will only help us as we move into region competition.”
The Gators hope to get back to their winning ways this Friday night in Gator Alley as they play host to the Hornets of Westfield. Kickoff is at 7:30.
Gators fall in home opener

