Jesup, GA - In a nail-biting matchup at Veterans Stadium, Southeast Bulloch rallied from a 12-0 deficit, led by quarterback Rhett Morgan and standout running back Colby Smith, to secure a 15-12 win over Long County. Key defensive plays in the final minutes sealed the victory, showcasing the Yellow Jackets’ resilience and determination.
Owen Turner kicked a strong kickoff to the 10-yard line to start the game against Long County in Ludowici, Georgia. Chris Jones made a solid defensive play on 3rd down, forcing Long County to punt on 4th down, and Southeast Bulloch allowed the ball to roll for a touchback. Starting quarterback Rhett Morgan handed off to Colby Smith, resulting in a first down for the Yellow Jackets. However, Long County’s defense held firm, forcing Southeast Bulloch to punt on their first drive.
Chase Douglas made another key defensive play, pressuring Long County’s Wyatt Hudson to punt on 4th down. Colby Smith received the punt with a fair catch on the 26-yard line. On Southeast Bulloch’s second drive, Smith made an impressive run for another first down, ending the first quarter at 0-0.
To start the second quarter, Southeast Bulloch retained possession and executed an impressive 4th-down conversion by Colby Smith, securing another first down. However, a costly penalty pushed them back to 1st-and-25. On 2nd-and-25, Smith broke free for a stunning 65-yard run into the end zone, but a holding penalty brought it back. Despite the setback, Southeast Bulloch managed to pick up a first down.
Long County’s defense held Southeast Bulloch on the following plays, forcing a punt that pinned Long County at their own 9-yard line. Southeast Bulloch’s defense responded, blocking Long County’s passing and running attempts to regain possession at their own 46-yard line. Colby Smith made another solid gain to advance the Yellow Jackets. On 3rd down, Southeast Bulloch failed to convert, leading to a punt by Brant Horst from the 15-yard line, which pinned Long County back at the 11.
Aaden Peterson then made a touchdown-saving tackle, preventing Long County from scoring. On the next play, Long County executed a drive to the SEB 21 yard line for a first down. Long County’s Courtney Charles broke through SEB’s defense, scoring his 9th touchdown of the season, though they failed to convert a 2-point attempt, leaving the score at 6-0.
Following the kickoff, Southeast Bulloch regained possession at the 29-yard line but was held to 4th-and-6 with only 30 seconds left in the half. Southeast Bulloch recovered a muffed punt by Long County but threw an interception shortly after, giving Long County the ball with just 10 seconds remaining. With 2 seconds left, Long County’s offense attempted a final play, but Kyle O’Brien made a crucial stop, ending the half with Long County leading 6-0.
To start the 3rd quarter, Southeast Bulloch’s Chase Douglas recovered the kickoff from Long County, putting them at the 32-yard line. Unable to secure a first down, Southeast Bulloch punted on their first drive of the second half. They managed to hold Long County to a 3rd down with 8 minutes left in the quarter, but Long County’s running back made a crucial run, moving them closer to the end zone. Southeast Bulloch held them to 4th-and-2 on the 19-yard line, but Long County managed to push through for a first down at the 15. A great run on the next play pressured SEB, leading to a touchdown on the following play and a score of 12-0. Kyle O’Brien made another key stop on Long County’s 2-point attempt.
Colby Smith returned the kickoff to the 31-yard line. Jayden Murphy then connected on a pass, moving Southeast Bulloch to 2nd-and-8 on their first play of the drive. Smith followed up with an incredible 65-yard touchdown run up the middle, putting SEB on the board at 12-6. Owen Turner’s successful field goal made it 12-7. Turner kicked the ball to the 25-yard line with 1:54 left in the quarter. Southeast Bulloch’s Aaden Peterson intercepted Long County on 3rd-and-long to end the third quarter. Score: 12-7
SEB started the fourth quarter with possession on their 46-yard line. The Yellow Jackets converted a 3rd down with a pass from Rhett Morgan, advancing to the 27-yard line. On 3rd-and-3, Colby Smith made a solid run for a first down at the 15. After a difficult snap, Morgan saved the play, though it pushed SEB back to the 19-yard line with 7:15 left. Chase Douglas made a strong run but came up just short, setting up 4th-and-inches. Morgan then connected with Quentin Reed for a first-and-goal. On 2nd-and-goal, Morgan handed off to Smith, who ran it in for his second touchdown, giving SEB a 15-12 lead after a successful 2-point conversion.
Long County received the kick and called for a fair catch on the 35. SEB’s defense initially struggled to stop Long County’s offense, allowing them to move to the 42-yard line with 4:21 left. However, SEB rallied, pushing Long County back to 3rd-and-15, though a costly penalty advanced Long County to a first down as the clock ticked down. Long County continued to push, gaining another 1st down with less than 2 minutes remaining.
With 1:17 left on the clock and facing 3rd-and-11, Southeast Bulloch’s Chris Jones made a game-saving sack, leaving Long County at 4th-and-long with time running out. Long County attempted a field goal from the 45-yard line but missed with just 53 seconds left. Southeast Bulloch knelt to end the game with a final score of 15-12.
