With nine returners on offense and nine on defense, Bulloch Academy head coach Aaron Phillips has high hopes for the football team this year. Helping to lead the way are some talented seniors including lineman James Lee who Phillips is looking to for leadership as well as his solid play in the trenches.

“James has really become a vocal leader this year,” Phillips said. “He stepped up last year and helped us out on both sides of the ball. As a senior, he’s really grown into his own as a leader.

“We’re super excited to see what he and his teammates can accomplish. They have worked really hard this spring and summer. This team has 31 upper classmen and 15 of those are seniors. Teams that are coach lead can be good but teams that are player led can be great. This group of seniors has really taken that to heart.

“This summer has flown by, but we continuously build ourselves up each day,” Lee said. “We are steamrolling downhill preparing for our upcoming season. As a senior, my role has changed from last year.

“I’m more depended upon to perform not for myself, but for my brothers. We’re game proven from last year, and nobody is leaving without a fight. I expect to end each week 1-0, and to play every game that is put in front of us.”