Stephenson running back Anthony Booker has fueled the Jaguar rushing with over 400 yards and 7 touchdowns in the first two rounds of the Class 3A high school football state playoffs. (Photo by Mark Brock)
The No. 8 ranked Stephenson Jaguars return to Class 3A state football playoff action on Friday as they host the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets at Hallford Stadium at 7:30 pm.
Stephenson (9-3) is at home for the third consecutive week after defeating Whitewater (44-37) and Jenkins-Savannah (41-7) to reach the state quarterfinal round.
The Jaguars offense has revolved around junior running back Anthony Booker who has rushed for a combined 412 yards and seven touchdowns and added an eighth touchdown with a pass reception in the two first two rounds of the playoffs.
Stephenson quarterback Marte Barton moved into No. 11 on the DeKalb career passing list with 4,718 passing yards and 37 touchdowns as he has thrown for 313 yards and two touchdowns over the first two games. Will Chaney (38 receptions, 598 yards, 7 TDs) has caught eight passes for 144 yards and a touchdown in the state playoffs.
The Yellow Jackets defense is led by outside linebacker Kyle O’Brien with 116 total tackles (21 solo, 95 assists) including three tackles for a loss. Sophomore Brant Horst anchors the middle linebacker spot with 79 tackles (16 solo, 63 assists) including six tackles for a loss.
Southwest Bulloch (10-2) also relies on a junior running back in Colby Smith (208 carries, 1633 yards, 19 TDs) and junior Jayden Murphy (92 carries, 732 yards, 8 TDs). Smith had 254 yards rushing and three touchdowns in their second round 21-0 win over No. 2 seed Harlem. The Yellow Jackets are the No. 18 seed and playing a third consecutive game on the road.
Stephenson’s Jaylon Alden (4) and Sergio Mason (99) had made it tough on opposing offenses this season. They hope to continue the trend against Southeast Bulloch on Friday. (Photo by Mark Brock)
Stephenson’s defense is allowing just 126 yards per game led by senior linebacker Romando Craddock with 136 tackles (91 solo, 45 assists, 1 sack, 8 TFL) and senior defensive lineman Tyler Little with 114 tackles (65 solo, 49 assists, 1.5 sacks, 7 TFL). Junior defensive lineman Sergio Mason has 72 tackles including 6.5 sacks and 31.5 tackles for a loss.
It is the first meeting between the two programs and the second consecutive Region 3-3A opponent for the Jaguars who defeated the No. 2 seeded Jenkins last week. Southeast Bulloch is the No. 3 seed from 3-3A.
The winner travels to the winner between No. 3 seed Peach County (11-1) and No. 6 seed Calhoun (9-3) in the semifinals.
DCSD FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Friday, November 29
CLASS 3A QUARTERFINAL
HALLFORD STADIUM
Southeast Bulloch (10-2) vs. Stephenson (9-3), 7:30 pm