The Statesboro Blue Devil football team opened the 2026 season with an impressive 44-7 win over Southeast Bulloch and followed that up Friday with a thrilling 29-22 win at Womack Field over Burke County.

One of the keys to the Blue Devil’s success both weeks was their rushing attack who put up over 450 yards rushing the ball against SEB. Helping to lead the way was for the Blue Devils was D.J. Brooks who rushed for 87 yards on only eight carries, including a team-best two touchdowns.

Against Burke County, Brooks rushed for 89 yards and two more touchdowns, including the game-winner with 30 seconds to play.

“I feel like my role is just to be a coachable player and if I have to play on both sides of the ball, I will do anything to help us win,” Brooks said. “I know in order to help the team I have to be in great shape and stay hydrated if I plan on contributing on both sides.

“I really have enjoyed the players and the coaches and getting to know them. I feel like I have studied a lot to help the team and I think we can make a deep run this year.”

“D.J. played the majority of the SEB game on defense but made the most of his opportunities on offense with two touchdowns,” said coach Matt Dobson. “We put him in on fourth-and-one a couple times and he picked up the first down, as he is a powerful runner. It was great to see him be able to handle that workload, especially with it being as hot and humid as it was. He has fit in with the team really well and is a humble kid who is always looking to get better.”