Harlem, GA -- The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets take down number two ranked Harlem Bulldogs to punch ticket to the GHSA AAA State Playoff Quarterfinals for only the first time since 1974.
In the first quarter, SEB won the coin toss but deferred to the second half, allowing Harlem to start the game with the ball. SEB’s defense stood strong early, and after some solid running by Quentin Reed and Colby Smith, the Jackets were unable to capitalize on their first drive, punting the ball away with 3:33 left in the quarter. Harlem also struggled offensively and could not convert on their second drive, punting the ball back to SEB. As the quarter wound down, Smith gained a crucial 7-yard run to secure a first down with just 32 seconds remaining. The game remained scoreless at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Colby Smith broke through multiple tackles on the first play to score the game’s opening touchdown, and Owen Turner’s extra point gave the Jackets a 7-0 lead. SEB’s defense stepped up again as Forest Frontwell recovered a fumble with 11:26 remaining, but SEB quickly turned the ball over on a fumble of their own. Harlem had a chance to respond, but a big tackle by Brant Horst on third down led to Tyrone Mcgee’s deflection and Stevie Padgett’s first interception of the season. Despite a couple of missed field goals from Turner, SEB couldn't capitalize on the turnover. Harlem got the ball back, but with just 43 seconds left in the half, Padgett picked off his second pass of the night, helping the Jackets hold their 7-0 lead at halftime.
The third quarter began with SEB receiving the kickoff, but their offense struggled and they were forced to punt after a quick drive. Chase Douglas drew the first penalty of the game for SEB with an off sides call. However, the Jackets' defense responded with a strong stand, forcing a turnover on downs and giving SEB excellent field position at Harlem's 34-yard line with 4:33 remaining. Colby Smith then ripped off a 20-yard gain, followed by Jayden Murphy's 24-yard run to put SEB in the red zone. After a couple of hard carries by Smith, SEB was set up with a first-and-goal situation, but the quarter ended with the Jackets still holding a 7-0 lead, unable to break through before the break.
In the fourth quarter, SEB finally found the end zone after a long, 10-play drive that ate up over five minutes of clock. Forest Fretwell powered in for the touchdown from the 1-yard line, and Owen Turner’s extra point gave the Jackets a 14-0 lead with 11:26 left. The defense remained aggressive, with Aiden Peterson making a big tackle in space and SEB forcing another turnover on downs at their own 4-yard line with 7:25 to go. With 5:43 remaining, Colby Smith broke free for a 91-yard touchdown run, stretching the lead to 21-0 after another successful extra point from Turner. SEB sealed the win when Chris Jones recorded his first interception of the season, setting up the Jackets with excellent field position at the 21-yard line. SEB held on to their commanding lead and secured the 21-0 victory.
Head coach Jared Zito was proud of how his team performed and the legacy his team is creating.
“Winning tonight gives this team a legacy of a 2nd round win for the first time since 1974,” Zito said. “This team is special and dangerous because they are a great team that believes in each other and plays hard for the guy next to them.”
The Jacket defense were “lights out” according to coach Zito, and he described how great of a job defensive coach, Jason Anthony, and his defensive staff have done because defense was the reason the Yellow Jackets won this game with two forced fumbles and three interceptions.
Coach Zito was asked about what he had to say about making it to the quarterfinals and being one of eight teams that get to practice over Thanksgiving Break.
“It’s just an exciting time to be a SEB Yellow Jacket,” Zito mentioned. “Our community, school and players deserve it!”