STONE MOUNTAIN, GA - The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets end the 2024 season with a 36-3 loss to the Stephenson Jaguars. The Yellow Jackets just could not seem to execute in the red zone offensively despite the defense forcing multiple turnovers throughout the match up.
The game started with Stephenson receiving the football, but the Southeast Bulloch defense quickly asserted itself by forcing a turnover on downs. Senior defensive end Michael Dixon made a standout play early with a key tackle in open space, while SEB’s defense continued to shine, forcing Stephenson to face a critical 4th & 2. After a monumental stop on that play, SEB’s offense took over but couldn’t capitalize on the momentum, punting the ball away with just under three minutes left in the first quarter. SEB did manage to get a fresh set of downs thanks to a penalty against Stephenson, and junior running back Colby Smith and senior wide receiver Easton Phillips each contributed with significant gains, but the quarter ended with a 0-0 tie.
The second quarter saw SEB strike first with a field goal by freshman kicker, Owen Turner, giving them a 3-0 lead after a promising drive stalled at the goal line. However, Stephenson quickly responded with a 66-yard touchdown by senior tight end Romando Craddock, taking a 7-3 lead with 6:34 left to play in the half. SEB’s defense continued to battle, forcing a turnover on downs and recovering a fumble, but their offense struggled to convert as they faced multiple 4th down situations. With 55 seconds remaining, a roughing the passer penalty gave SEB another chance, but a missed 31-yard field goal attempt left the score unchanged at halftime with Stephenson holding the lead, 7-3.
The third quarter began with SEB receiving the ball, but Stephenson's defense quickly forced a turnover on downs, giving them possession at the SEB 47-yard line. Junior running back and wide receiver Anthony Booker made an explosive play, cutting back for a touchdown to give Stephenson a 14-3 lead with 9:24 left to play. On the ensuing kickoff, SEB fumbled the ball, allowing Stephenson to recover at the 25-yard line. Booker capitalized on the turnover with another touchdown run, his second of the night, putting the Jaguars up 21-3. SEB struggled to move the ball and had to punt with just over five minutes remaining, and despite recovering a forced fumble on Stephenson’s 26-yard line, they could not convert, ending the quarter trailing 21-3.
In the fourth quarter, Booker continued his dominance with a 76-yard touchdown run, increasing Stephenson's lead to 28-3. The Jaguars then executed a successful onside kick, recovering the ball on SEB’s side of the field. Although Stephenson was penalized for a personal foul, they pushed forward, eventually scoring another touchdown with 7:21 left to play. A successful 2-point conversion extended their lead to 36-3. SEB managed a spark with a 75-yard kickoff return by sophomore running back Stevie Padgett, but they turned the ball over on downs at the 8-yard line. Despite a late fumble recovery by senior defensive linebacker Kyle O’Brien, the Jaguars’ defense held firm, and they cruised to a 36-3 victory.
Head coach Jared Zito may not be happy with the outcome of this one specific game, but he is happy with the overall outcome of this historic season for his Yellow Jacket team.
"It was a great year," said Zito. "Our players and staff made it great! I told our team after to not let one game define this season. I am proud of all of them. They represented Jacket Nation the right way all year win or lose."
After many long bus trips to and fro in this postseason, the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will look towards next season to build off this historic season.
