BROOKLET — Two years ago, almost half of the Southeast Bulloch boys’ starters had never set foot on a soccer field.

That might sound like the recipe for a long, loss-filled season, but after an improbable run to the Sweet 16 in 2011, the Yellow Jackets are once again heading to the postseason. Today, SEB travels to Morgan County for the opening round of the Class-AA playoffs with another trip to the Sweet 16 just a win away.

"I can’t say enough about these guys," SEB coach Bob Massee said after practice Wednesday. "To have five guys just pick this game up from scratch while the rest of the young guys developed is just incredible. I’m just so impressed with the strides that this team has taken in the last two years and even since the beginning of this season."

The Jackets came out of the gates hot this season, winning seven of their first eight Region 3-AA games. A region title was within reach, but a pair of losses to close out the season dropped SEB (8-5-1, 7-3) to the No. 3 seed heading into the state playoffs. Today, the Jackets must reverse their small losing streak against Morgan County (12-2, 9-1 Region 4-AA) if they want to keep their season alive.

That will be a tough task as the Bulldogs have put up impressive numbers throughout the season. In their 14 games, the Bulldogs have been held to less than four goals just twice — coming in both of their losses. Even more concerning of a prospect, they have scored 10 or more goals on four separate occasions.

Tasked with slowing the Morgan County scoring machine will be SEB goalkeeper Riley Dinkins and the Jacket back line which has allowed more than two goals just once in 2012.

To make things even tougher, Massee and the Jackets haven’t been able to view any tape on their opponent.

"I wish we could see them on film, but you can figure a lot just by looking at the scoreboard," Massee said. "Looking at all of those 10-goal games, you know that they’re a very explosive team. But their offense isn’t the only thing. From what I’ve heard, Morgan County plays exceptional defense as well. It’s just going to boil down to us playing our best game."

Despite the low seed, the Jackets have proven throughout the season just how dangerous they can be. SEB battled South Effingham — a school two classifications above it — to a draw and notched an impressive 4-1 win over then-No. 2 ranked Savannah Christian of Class-A last month. In region play, the Jackets finished behind Bleckley County and Dublin in the standings, but had a goal differential of just -1 in their four meetings with the schools.

But now, all of the stats are out the window. Offense, defense and seeding mean nothing as only the winners will advance from now on. SEB is ready for the pressure that comes with each game now potentially being its last.

"I think our players — especially our seniors — can feel it," Massee said. "I’ve kind of reminded them all week. ‘This could be your last Monday practice… This could be your last Tuesday practice.’ And I think they get it. Just in the five days since our last game, I’ve seen the intensity and focus ramp up."

As he has claimed all season, Massee is certain that his team has the potential to make noise in the playoffs. After each big win, he has stressed to his team that it can win every game with a good effort.

With the postseason now here, there is little left to be said.

"We’ve got a long bus ride coming up," Massee said. "I doubt I’ll be saying much. I’ll let the guys talk and joke around, then we’ll get serious as the game gets closer.

"This is a good team. And we have the potential to be great."