Southeast Bulloch flag football prepares for a challenging yet promising season

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets Flag Football team, led by Coach Marci Cochran, is heading into the 2024 season with plenty of determination and a fresh roster. After an unexpected delay due to Hurricane Helene, the team will officially kick off their season on October 9th at Fred Shaver Field, facing McDonough and South Effingham. Despite the scheduling shuffle, the players remain focused and eager to prove themselves once again.

Southeast Bulloch enters the new season with an untouched record. In fact, the Yellow Jackets have never lost a game in their program’s history, boasting an impressive 62-0 record over three seasons.

"We've never lost a game," Coach Cochran said with pride, noting that maintaining that level of excellence has been no small feat. "Winning becomes a habit. Once you start, it's contagious. You just want to keep working, keep winning."

I must add that when I went in for this interview, Cochran didn't mention their winning record at all. She just started talking about how the team is getting stronger by the day. It wasn't until I asked about all the trophies around her office that she would tell me about the team's success. 

The program's success is evident, but the 2024 season brings fresh challenges. With key players from last year's undefeated squad having graduated, Coach Cochran is calling this year a “changing of the guard.” However, she's optimistic about the new talent on the field, even though this season's team is younger and less experienced.

“We’ve been very lucky with our athletes in the past, and we’ve got some great ones coming up,” Cochran said. “It’s just a matter of getting them on the same page.”

The summer saw the team working hard, playing in two tournaments to prepare for the season ahead. This dedication, Cochran believes, will pay off later.

"We’re not quite a state championship team yet, but we hope to be there by December when it counts. Right now, we're young and inexperienced, and that’s going to catch up to us. But by the time we put in all that work, we’ll be rolling."

One player who stands out in particular is Jaci Kitchings, who has showed a remarkable improvement over the past season. Kitchings, who did not start on varsity as a freshman or sophomore, stepped up last season to fill a key position at upback.

"She played amazing. I never thought she would play that good," Cochran shared. Over the summer, Kitchings further showcased her talents by excelling at corner, proving she could contribute on both sides of the ball this year. "We’re super excited because she’s likely going to be a key player for us on both offense and defense this season."

Despite the team's youth, the defense is expected to remain a strong point for Southeast Bulloch. Cochran emphasized that defense has been a critical factor in the team’s success.

"Our defense is phenomenal. We've outscored our opponents something like 1575 to 120 over the past three seasons," Cochran noted. "We’re returning four defensive starters, so we know that our defense can hold us in games."

Offensively, the team is still working to build chemistry and refine their strategy.

"We’ve been adjusting our offense a little, trying to get more advanced with our routes and passing the ball more than we have in the past," Cochran explained. "The biggest challenge is getting everyone on the same page since we’ve got new players in key positions, including a sophomore quarterback."

The 2024 season will kick off against strong opponents, starting with McDonough and South Effingham on October 9th. These teams are known for their experience and solid programs, which makes them formidable competition. However, Coach Cochran believes that playing tough teams early in the season is essential for growth.

"In order to get better, you have to play better people. We’ve always taken that approach, and it's what helps us prepare for the bigger challenges down the road."

The Yellow Jackets will also host the prestigious Fred Shaver Invitational on October 26th, a full-day event featuring 10 teams from across Georgia. With top-tier talent gathering at Southeast Bulloch, it promises to be a showcase of some of the best flag football in the state.

"It’s a tiring day, but a lot of fun. The girls get to test themselves against some really great teams, and it’s always exciting to host such an event."

Looking at the bigger picture, the Southeast Bulloch program is part of a growing trend in Georgia. Flag football has rapidly gained popularity and Cochran has witnessed first-hand the positive impact the sport has had on her players.

"It’s opened up a lot of opportunities for our girls. We’ve had four girls go on to play in college, and some of them might not have had that chance without flag football," Cochran explained. "It’s the fastest-growing sport in Georgia, and it’s giving these girls experiences they never thought possible."

Community support has also been strong, with fans coming out in high numbers to watch games, even though flag football games take place on weeknights rather than the typical Friday night lights of tackle football.

"Our attendance is one of the highest in the state," Cochran said proudly. "We go places and hear other teams say, ‘Thank God y’all are coming, because you help pay for the referees!’ Our fans love the sport, and that enthusiasm really fuels the girls.”

As the Yellow Jackets gear up for their first game, the expectations are high, but so is the team's work ethic. Southeast Bulloch may be entering the season with a young roster, but the undefeated record and championship mindset remain.

"We expect to win," Cochran said confidently. "The goal is always to win a state championship, and that’s what we’re working towards."

Mark your calendars for October 9th and come out to Fred Shaver Field to watch Southeast Bulloch take on McDonough and South Effingham in what promises to be an exciting start to the season. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to flag football, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Below is the 2024 season schedule:

• Oct. 9th: McDonough/South Effingham, 5:00/7:30 PM @ Fred Shaver Field
• Oct. 21st: St. Vincent/Beach, 5:00/7:30 PM @ St. Vincent
• Oct. 26th: Fred Shaver Invitational, 9:00 AM, 12:45 PM, 3:45 PM @ Fred Shaver Field
• Oct. 31st: ECI, 5:00 PM @ ECI
• Nov. 5th: Swainsboro, 5:00 PM @ Swainsboro
• Nov. 7th: WACO/Calvary, 5:00/7:30 PM @ Fred Shaver Field
• Nov. 13th: Statesboro, 5:00 PM @ SHS
• Nov. 14th: Portal, 5:00 PM @ Fred Shaver Field
• Nov. 19th: Metter/Claxton, 4:00/7:00 PM @ Metter

2024 Roster