Making a name for yourself is always tough and can be especially difficult for a freshman on a varsity squad.
    Statesboro’s Connor Akins has been a valuable contributor for the Blue Devils’ junior varsity squad so far this season, but took full advantage of getting his first start at the varsity level. Akins racked up three doubles, scored twice, and knocked in a run in Statesboro’s 7-2 win over rival Effingham County.
    “Everyone was excited to get the win,” Akins said. “Even though Effingham isn’t a region game anymore, we were hearing it from them about how they won last season.”
    Akins played a big part in wrestling back bragging rights for the Devils. His numbers in the box score looked like those of a seasoned contributor, but going into the game, he had the same nerves working that any freshman could expect.
    “I just wanted to play a good game,” Akins said. “I was pretty nervous standing in the on-deck circle. Getting that first hit was big and everything kind of settled down after that.”
    With almost everyone returning from last year’s squad, the Devils began the season with most of their roles filled, but continued contributions from Akins could make him a more regular face in the SHS lineup.

    As a freshman, Cate Williams lit up the soccer field for Bulloch Academy with four hat tricks during the 2012 season. This year, she hasn’t wasted any time getting back to her old tricks.
    Williams found the net three times and was a dominant force as the Lady Gators pummeled St. Andrew’s by a count of 4-1 for their first win of the season.
    “That was a great game for all of us,” Williams said. “We came out competitive and stayed competitive through the whole game. Getting that first win of the season is always a big step.”
    Williams is confident that this year has the potential to be a special one for Bulloch.
Beginning with a strong showing on the football field in the fall and continuing with deep playoff runs for both the boys and girls basketball teams, it has been another stellar year for Bulloch’s athletic teams. Williams would love to continue that trend through the spring.
“You see all of the accomplishments that other teams have had and that really motivates us,” Williams said. “I think that all of us on the soccer team would love to have a banner up on the wall that we can feel good about. If we keep coming together and playing well together, I think that we can be a team that can win our region and do well in the playoffs.”