Thank you, readers, for your patience as we catch up on stories that were delayed by our coverage of Tropical Storm Debby.
The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets were on full display during the pep rally at the Statesboro courthouse during the First Friday on Friday, August 2, 2024. Not only was the football team in attendance, but the reigning state champion flag football team were present at the pep rally as well. The band and cheerleaders ushered out the football teams as head coaches Jared Zito and Marci Cochran spoke to the crowd.
Head coach Marci Cochran spoke on the goals that the team has for the 2024 season. "Our goal is like always, go undefeated and win the state championship again," Cochran said.
There are several players on the roster that have an opportunity to leave Southeast Bulloch as 4-time state champions. The Lady Jackets will open their season on October 5th, when they take on two tough teams in Blessed Trinity and Greenbrier.
Varsity Football head coach Jared Zito spoke on his team moving to a different region and the challenges that come with that. Zito highlighted the experience of his team being a key for his team. "We have got lots of juniors and seniors on this team this year, which is a lot different than the last two years," Zito said. (Hear more from Coach Zito tomorrow in our intensive interview about his team and their season.)
Southeast Bulloch has been working all summer to prepare for the upcoming season. Freshmen Austin Miller and Bailey Hutchins talked a little about their first summer being a part of the Yellow Jacket football team.
"They take workouts a lot of more serious," Miller said. Hutchins saw a difference in the coaching. "The coaches are better and more work gets done correctly," Hutchins said. Both freshmen are hopeful to see some time on the field and get better over the year.
Eboni and Kyle Johnson are parents of Kamil and Kylique from both football teams of Southeast Bulloch. Eboni and Kyle believe that the flag team has a great chance of taking home a 4th straight state championship.
"They got a big target on their back," Kyle Johnson said. "Whenever you are undefeated everyone wants to be the first one to claim that they beat you. As long as they stay mentally prepared, I think they'll be alright."
Kylique's parents want to see their son have fun during his senior season. "I just hope for the best since we went back to 3A, I think we have a better opportunity this year," Eboni Johnson said.
Some of the older players are very confident and motivated coming into this season. "Two years ago, we made it to the playoffs and made history," SEB senior Jotavion Gaines said. "This year we are looking to go farther than that and make even more history."
Another Southeast Bulloch senior Forrest Fretwell had a message for the Yellow Jacket fanbase. "You all about to watch us win a lot of football games. Come on out," Fretwell said.
The Southeast Bulloch football team will open up the regular season at home with Statesboro High coming to Fred Shaver Field. The Yellow Jackets are 0-2 against the Blue Devils under Coach Zito. "We are looking to make it a rivalry," Zito said.