The Statesboro Blue Devils take the 41-36 win over the Bradwell Tigers in a 4 hour heavyweight fight. With this win, the Blue Devils are now 2-3 overall and 1-2 in the region. This was a much needed win for a strong Blue Devil team.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the Blue Devils took the field, ready to face off against the Tigers. The first half was a showcase of defensive prowess, with senior defensive back Javon Gibson and junior linebacker Rashad Chavers making crucial tackles early on. Junior Defensive Lineman Cam Jackson’s tackle on fourth down gave the Blue Devils a turnover on downs, setting the stage for their offense.
Freshman quarterback Beckham Jarard connected with sophomore wide receiver Davis Harrison for a first down on the Bradwell 38 yard line, followed by a complete pass to junior wide receiver Gage Newsome. Senior running back Josh Brockett’s carry pushed them to the 48 yard line, and senior running back TY Chambers’ run brought them to the Statesboro 22 yard line after a big run. Despite a false start pushing them back to the 27 yard line, a play-action pass to junior wide receiver Keon Childers and a complete pass to Chavers moved them back down the field to the Statesboro nine yard line. Chavers then scored the first touchdown with 7:29 left in the first quarter, and Chambers’ 2-point conversion put the Blue Devils up 8-0.
The Tigers responded with a touchdown of their own, capitalizing on blown coverage by the Blue Devils. A facemask penalty on the Blue Devils allowed the Tigers to tie the game at 8-8 with a successful 2-point conversion.
Senior running back Willie Jones' punt return placed the ball on the Bradwell 35 yard line, but miscommunication and an incomplete pass left the Blue Devils struggling. A sack on Jarard forced the Blue Devils to punt on fourth down. Despite an incomplete pass forcing a turnover, the Blue Devils’ defense held strong.
Josh Brockett’s carry and TY Chambers’ run brought the Blue Devils to the Statesboro five yard line, where Jaylyn Heath ran in a touchdown at 9:39. Although the 2-point conversion failed, the Blue Devils led 14-8. Beckham Jarard then scored his first touchdown on a play-action screen pass, extending the lead to 21-8 at halftime.
The second half saw Randon Gay making a crucial tackle and the Blue Devils recovering a forced fumble. Beckham Jarard’s 7-yard gain and Keon Childers’ complete pass set up Tony Nessmith for a first down. Rashad Chavers scored his second touchdown of the night, and Mason Sellers’ extra point was good, putting the Blue Devils up 34-8.
The Tigers settled into the matchup better, coming out the half to up the score and close the gap with a touchdown bringing the score to 34-14 and a 2-pt conversion.
The Tigers fought back with a sack and forced fumble, resulting in a scoop and score to narrow the gap even more to 34-22. A successful 2-point conversion brought them closer at 34-24. Sophomore running back MJ Kimble’s punt return and TY Chambers’ carries kept the Blue Devils’ offense moving. Keon Childers scored his second touchdown, and the extra point made it 41-24.
Despite a turnover by Beckham Jarard and a touchdown by the Tigers, the Blue Devils held on to the lead. The Tigers’ 2-point conversion failed, leaving the score at 41-36. The Blue Devils recovered the punt on the Bradwell 20-yard line and entered victory formation with 1:08 left on the clock to finish out the game.
Head coach Matt Dobson described the game as an exhausting roller coaster of emotions, where the team overcame a big lead to secure the win. Offensively, the team excelled, particularly in the running game. Coach Dobson emphasized the importance of unselfish play and the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. This win marked the first region victory of the season, highlighting the team’s learning process and growing ability to win.
“You learn how to win. I think if you do that enough, it becomes a habit,” Dobson said. “So that's what we're trying to do, just keep learning how to win. It may not be pretty but, just keep learning how to win and finish these ball games.”
Up Next
The Blue Devils get to rest up with a bye week next Friday, September 27, and will be back in action Friday, October 4, for the 2024 Statesboro Homecoming game against the Lakeside-Evans Panthers. The Blue Devils hope to continue on the winning track with another region matchup.
