FA 34 | Bulloch 27
The game was everything that we expected it to be. It was a hard-fought battle between two great football teams who wanted to advance in the playoffs. We knew going into the game that Bulloch had the big play potential, but we had enough big plays to combat theirs, and we were able to come out on top. The kids played extremely hard and executed when we had to in critical situations. We were mentally tough when the game was not always going our way.
In the first half, Bulloch jumped out early in the game when their running back broke off a 63-yard run in which Bryce Reilly made a touchdown-saving tackle. However, the Gators scored a few plays later to make the score 7-0 with a lot of time in the 1st quarter. We did respond on our second offensive possession when Thomas Veal connected with Josh Meadows for a 16-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 7-7 at the end of the 1st quarter. After trading a couple of punts, our offense went to the air where Thomas completed 6 of 8 passes for about 75 yards, and Jordan Triplett pushed the score to 14-7 on an eight-yard run late in the 2nd quarter. As the quarter was winding down, Bulloch hit another long play of 38 yards and scored on an option play from 20 yards out to make the score 14-13 at the half.
The second half began with both defenses dominating the game and forcing punts. On our third possession, we threw an interception and gave Bulloch the short field. However, our defense went to work, and Eli Fritchman intercepted a Bulloch pass in the end zone. Two plays later, Jordan Triplett sprinted around the right end for an 85-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter to give us a 20-13 lead. As the fourth quarter began, Bulloch responded with a touchdown scoring drive to make the score 20-19 after a missed extra point. On the ensuing possession, Jordan answered the bell again with another long touchdown run of 52 yards to push the score to 27-19 with about six minutes left in the fourth quarter. The defense went out and shut the door on Bulloch and forced a punt with a few big plays by Delon Spencer and Bryce Reilly. On the next offensive possession, Jordan made a curtain call and raced for another 35-yard touchdown run to put us up 34-19 with about two minutes to play. But, Bulloch did not go down easy. They scored on a 72-yard pass and converted the two-point play to make the score 34-27. Somehow we recovered the onside kick, and we were able to run out the clock to ensure a 34-27 victory.
It was a great game, but this week we have to limit Tiftarea's big plays and not commit any turnovers. If we do those things along with playing solid defense, effective and efficient offense, and great special teams we have a shot to make another State Championship game. So, the "March to Mercer" continues! We have to win the next "48 minutes" to earn the following "48 minutes." I hope to see everyone out this Friday night at the game.
Go Knights!
Coach Brandon Derrick
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