The high school football playoffs are in full swing, and for the first time in many years, Bulloch County has three teams that are still alive in their respective classes, all playing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023.
Statesboro (4-7)
After having a difficult regular season, the Blue Devils have been having a promising playoff run. Shutting out Savannah's Jenkins High School in the region playoffs, Statesboro earned their state playoff spot.
The Blue Devils had a dominant first round game defeating Tucker High School 49-27, and will be traveling to Harris County for the second-round Friday at 7:30 p.m. If they defeat the Tigers, this will be the first time in 13 years that Statesboro Football has been in the Elite 8.
There are a lot of similarities between Statesboro and Harris County:
- Both teams like to run the football.
- Both QBs run very well.
- Both teams have receivers who have a lot of yards on the season.
Main focuses against the Tigers:
Offensively:
- Run the ball.
Defensively:
- Stop the run.
In this matchup, it’s going to come down to who can do it better. Who is better prepared to give it their all?
Portal (8-3)
The clock has not yet struck midnight for Portal Football. After “Turning it on Turner” County last week, winning 35-12, in the first round, the top-seeded Panthers will be back in action Friday at Portal Athletic Complex to take on the Telfair County Trojans.
Main focuses against the Trojans:
Offensively:
- Attack early. They want to take some shots down the field and establish an inside and outside run game to open up the field.
Defensively:
- Control the run. The Trojans are a spread team that likes to run so the Panthers want to force them to do what they don’t like to do which is pass.
This matchup is all about letting the playmakers play. It could be a dog-fight for four straight quarters.
Bulloch Academy (10-0)
Bulloch Academy has had a dominant season, no doubt about it. They are ranked number two in the state, they won the region for the first time in 14 years and have had an undefeated season for the first time since 1979.
The Gators have no plans to stop now as they prepare to take on George Walton Academy in “The Swamp” Friday. According to head coach, Aaron Phillips, the Gators are a “Georgia Southern, Erk Russell, Paul Johnson, Triple-option team,” which means they are built for Statesboro, Ga.
Main focuses against the Bulldogs:
Offensively:
- Run the ball. That’s what got them this far in the season, so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
Defensively:
- Stop the run. George Walton is a power-run team, so the Gators want to contain the running backs on the corner to cut the ball off from the outside.
This match-up could be a close one, so don’t blink because you might miss it.
If you can’t make the games in person, don’t worry. Grice Connect will keep you plugged in to all things Bulloch County football all night with live score updates through Grice Connect - Sports. To get tickets to the games, you can purchase them on GoFan.
You can also tune into all games on the NFHS Network and listen to the Statesboro High game on The Eagle 94.9.