Last season, a Southeast Bulloch loss to Savannah High dropped the Yellow Jackets from a region title contender to a team that was just looking for a way into the state playoffs.
    The Jackets began the 2017 campaign with four consecutive losses - including a setback in region play - but two convincing wins have plenty of momentum rolling along in their favor as they storm into Savannah tonight in search of some payback and a firm position near the top of the region standings.
    Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. tonight at Memorial Stadium as the Jackets look to keep the good times rolling.
    “Last week, we executed well,” SEB coach Steve Pennington said. “We felt that, if we could jump the gun on (Johnson), we’d enjoy the benefits, which is exactly what happened. We had a chance to get playing time for a lot of guys, which we hope will help us moving forward.”
    The Yellow Jackets (2-4, 2-1 Region 3-AAA) have swept through their last two games by excelling at what they do best — running the ball.
    The team had established itself as a steady and grinding Wing-T offense over the last few seasons. When offensive architect Pat Collins left the program in the spring, Pennington stepped into the head coaching role and has adopted plenty of Collins’ tried-and-true methods while also throwing in wrinkles of the power wishbone running attack that served him well in his time as Statesboro’s head coach.
    The end result has been similar as the Jackets continue to rely on senior fullback Chase Walker grounding out tough yards between the tackles. Walker has been the featured back in SEB’s run game since his freshman season. He eclipsed the 5,000-yard career mark last week and has rushed for over 500 yards as six touchdowns during the Jackets’ winning streak.
    SEB took care of business as it was expected to last week. This time around, it’s seeking a bit of revenge.
    “As I recall, Savannah put it to Southeast Bulloch last year,” Pennington said. “That’s something we’re looking to stop.”
    The Blue Jackets stung SEB for a 33-16 win in Brooklet last season and — by using that win to finish higher in the region standings than the Yellow Jackets — earned a first round home game in the state playoffs while SEB was forced to hit the road.
    Savannah (3-2, 2-1) has looked shaky at times this season, but is riding its own wave of momentum after a crucial 17-14 victory over Windsor Forest last week.
    “Savannah is a senior-dominated team, much like Jenkins who had success against us,” Pennington said. “They have a very good quarterback and running back. Their defense — ulike what we’ve seen — isn’t big, but they’re quick and they get after you.
    “It’s a treat to play a Thursday game, but it’s a change to our schedule and we have a good opponent to deal with.”