Following their first state title since 1997, Gators hungry for more

2025 Football Preview: Bulloch Academy

Bulloch Academy's BJ Smart rips off a long run to the Brookstone 2-yard line to set up a fourth quarter score last November. (SCOTT BRYANT/file)

111524_BA_FOOTBALL_09 w.jpg — Bulloch Academy's BJ Smart rips off a long run to the Brookstone 2-yard line to set up a fourth quarter score last November. (SCOTT BRYANT/file)

After leading the Bulloch Academy Gators to their first state title since 1997, one would think head coach Aaron Phillips would take a little time to soak it in and enjoy it. But a little more than 24 hours after the 13-10 championship game win at Paulson Stadium, Phillips and his coaching staff were already game-planning for the 2025 season.

“We feel the players take on the attributes of their coaches,” Phillips said. “We won Saturday, and that Monday, I had a two-and-a-half hour meeting with (assistant) coach (Mark) LeFebvre on what we were going to do the next year. My feeling is, that was great and that was fun, but what’s next?”

BA_FOOTBALL_102524_627 w.jpg — Bulloch Academy Gators head coach Aaron Phillips (SCOTT BRYANT/file)

The Gators lost 14 senior starters off their 12-0 state championship team from 2024. In the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA), that often means a couple of lean years will follow. But while the Gators may not have the beef they had from last year, Phillips believes what they lost in size, they more than make up with strength and speed.

“We won’t be as big as we were last season,” he said. “We won’t exactly be small, as we will average about 240 pounds or so across the line, but these guys our strong, and they can really run. I’d say our entire defensive line runs under a 5.0 (second) 40-yard dash.

“We may not just overpower teams like we did last year, but with strength and speed improving, we won’t drop off overall.”

The Gators return eight starters, and Phillips has added a few players who have transferred in, as well as some talented incoming freshmen, who he expects to help either as starters or by adding depth.

“We got Colin Grooms, who is a lineman from Southeast Bulloch, and Maddox Lee, who is a running back and defensive back from Edmund Burke,” Phillips said “We also got Reid Williams … a safety who came over from William James, and he has really looked good.”

In Phillips’ Veer offense, things start behind center, where he hopes sophomore quarterback Sam Hubbard continues to progress after a great freshman season. In the backfield, the Gators lose speedster Shamar Jenkins, but they do return Donya Garvin, as well as a few more talented backs and a pair of 6-3 receivers in A.K. Watkins and Billy Crider.

“Sam did a great job as a freshman, and we have already seen improvement from him and … may need him to throw a little more this year,” Phillips said. “We have two great weapons at receiver, and it’s going to be a tough matchup problem for teams, especially if they are trying to just key in on our run game.

112324_BA_FOOTBALL_02 w.jpg — Bulloch Academy quarterback Sam Hubbard, top, gets a lift from offensive lineman Hamp Haralson as the Gators celebrate their 14-10 victory over First Presbyterian in the 2024 GIAA Class AAAA Championship game at Paulson Stadium last November. (SCOTT BRYANT/file)

“Our offensive line is strong and fast with some younger guys like Bo Crider and Griff Sumner, Finley Stewart, Brice Parrish and James Lee, (who) have been steadily improving on their technique.”

“Our biggest strength could be at running back,” Phillips said. “We lose a homerun hitter in Shamar, but Donya has over 2,500 yards rushing the past two years, and he looks great. We are also so excited about B.J. Smart, who has put on some muscle, so the two of them are each about 190 pounds. Having two kids who can really run, along with Sam, who is an extension of our offense, is just so huge.”

112324_BA_FOOTBALL_11 w.jpg — Bulloch Academy running back, BJ Smart, puts two First Presbyterian defenders on the ground with a spin move during a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter during the 2024 GIAA Class AAAA Championship game at Paulson Stadium. (SCOTT BRYANT/file)

On defense, the Gators lose a few talented starters, as well as coordinator Robby Holder, a position now held by Chris Kearson, who has had plenty of success on the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) level.

“Coach Kearson won a state championship as head coach at ECI (Emanuel County Institute) and is a great addition to our program,” Phillips said. “Braylon Cone anchors our defense as a D-1 talent. Jack Lanier will be playing on both sides of the ball, and I have confidence in the mentality of our players as well.

“They have busted their butts in the weight room and are bigger and stronger than they were last year,” he said. “They are ready for the challenge and know they will get each team’s best effort.”