BROOKLET — It’s a new week, but the same old story for Southeast Bulloch.
    The Yellow Jackets slid to 1-4 on the season last week and dropped their 30th consecutive Region 3-AA game.
    Tonight, SEB tries to pick itself up off the mat and finally get back into the region win column as it travels to Swainsboro (0-4, 0-2).
    “Right now, our record is what it is,” said SEB coach Pat Collins. “We’ve lost some games, but I still truly believe that this team is heading in the right direction. We’ve had a little more effort shown in practice, so when I see 60 or 70 young men continue to strive to get better, I can’t ask for much more.”
    For the Jackets, the top priority is finding some way to put points on the board. Last week, SEB fell 40-0 to Laney, marking the fourth time this season it has been shut out.
    Despite the zero on the scoreboard, the Jackets did mount some good drives, but a turnover and a failed fourth-down conversion ended point-scoring opportunities.
    “We didn’t get any points, but I still saw improvement,” said Collins. “We moved the ball against the most athletic defense we’ve seen so far. Some mistakes were made, but those are things that can be fixed.”
    For all of the Jackets’ offensive struggles, the Tigers aren’t far behind.
    Swainsboro made a run into the quarterfinals of the state playoffs last season and began 2011 as the No. 7 team in Class-AA, but has fallen on its face.
    The Tigers, whose spread offense lit up scoreboards last year, has been anemic this season, notching double-digits just once so far this season. For a team that expects success, Swainsboro has taken a hit to its pride and will be determined to return to its winning ways tonight.
    “Struggling like that is something that (Swainsboro) isn’t used to,” said Collins. “That’s not to say they aren’t a good team. They have a lot of talent and have had to go against some very good competition. I’m sure they’ll give us a test.”
    Adding to that talent will be the return of fullback Quan Gardner, who has missed the last two games due to injury.
    The Jackets haven’t found as many wins as they would like, but have also been more competitive this season. Even in games like last week, SEB has fought hard and kept scores close before coming up short at the end.
    “This is still a young team gaining experience,” said Collins. “We’re still learning a lot and we’re having to do so while playing some very good teams.
    “Things are going to improve with this team. I can’t say when. It could be a year from now, it could be next week. I’ve seen the improvement from week to week. With everyone giving so much effort, things are going to come around for us.”

    Mike Anthony can be reached at (912) 489-9404.