It's almost back to school time, which also means it's almost football time!
One of the most anticipated football events in Southeast Georgia, the annual Erk Russell Classic, will help kick off the 2024 football season the weekend of August 16, 2024. There, the Portal Panthers will take on the Bulloch Academy Gators.
In a Bulloch versus Bulloch matchup, the Statesboro Blue Devils and Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will meet on the field to open their own seasons on August 16.
Statesboro High School
The Statesboro Blue Devils finished the 2023 season 4-8 overall. In the postseason, the Statesboro Blue Devils defeated the Jenkins Warriors, 35-0 to qualify for the state playoffs. They upset Tucker, winning 49-27 in the first round, and lost to Harris County in the second round.
The Blue Devils will take on a new region this upcoming season being put into Region 1-AAAAA.
Take a look at their 2024 season schedule below:
| August 16 | at SEB |
| August 23 | Veterans |
| September 6 | at Greenbrier |
| September 13 | Glynn Academy |
| September 20 | Bradwell Institute |
| October 4 | Lakeside-Evans |
| October 11 | at Brunswick |
| October 18 | Evans |
| October 25 | at South Effingham |
| November 1 | at Effingham County |
Southeast Bulloch High School
The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets finished their 2023 season 4-6 overall. Fortunately for the Yellow Jackets, they will be moving to Class AAA in the 2024 season where they earned the schools first playoff win in 50 years back in 2021.
Take a look at their 2024 season schedule below:
| August 16 | Statesboro |
| August 30 | Islands |
| September 6 | at Calvary Day |
| September 13 | Johnson-Savannah |
| September 20 | at Windsor Forest |
| September 27 | Liberty County |
| October 4 | Groves |
| October 11 | at Jenkins |
| October 25 | at Long County |
| November 1 | Beach |
Bulloch Academy
The Bulloch Academy Gators ultimately fell short of their ambitions of a state title in the 2023 season losing to Brookstone 24-22 in a last-minute upset. The Gators finished the 2023 season with an undefeated regular season going 11-1 overall.
Take a look at their 2024 season schedule below:
| August 16 | Portal |
| August 23 | at Claxton |
| August 30 | at Augusta Christian |
| September 6 | Robert Toombs Christian |
| September 13 | at John Milledge |
| September 20 | Strong Rock |
| September 27 | Tattnall Square |
| October 11 | Frederica |
| October 18 | at St. Andrews |
| October 25 | Pinewood |
Portal Middle High School
In the 2023 season, the Panthers achieved historic milestones by winning their first-ever region title and hosting their first second-round playoff game, though they narrowly lost 14-12 to Telfair County.
Head Coach Jason McEachin aims to capitalize on their 8-4 season and navigate the challenge of replacing standout players Amir Jackson and Elijah Coleman.
Take a look at their 2024 season schedule below:
| August 16 | Bulloch Academy |
| August 30 | at Twiggs County |
| September 6 | Jenkins County |
| September 13 | at Bryan County |
| September 20 | Metter |
| September 27 | Savannah |
| October 11 | ECI |
| October 18 | at Claxton |
| October 25 | Screven County |
| November 1 | McIntosh Co. Academy |