As the 2025 season approaches, Southeast Bulloch football fans have plenty to look forward to and plenty to remember. This article includes the Yellow Jackets’ full 2025 schedule, along with short previews of each matchup, and a recap of the team’s 2024 campaign that saw the program continue its winning tradition under Head Coach Jared Zito.

The 2024 season was a strong one for Southeast Bulloch, as the Jackets finished 8-2 in the regular season and clinched another playoff season, ending the year with a 10-3 overall record. They opened with a thrilling 23-18 win over cross-county rival Statesboro and followed that with dominant victories over Islands, Johnson, and Windsor Forest. Despite a tough 40-6 road loss to powerhouse Calvary Day and a midseason stumble against Jenkins, the Yellow Jackets rebounded with grit.

A home win over Liberty County marked Coach Zito’s 100th career victory, and the team followed it with a gritty 15-12 comeback win at Long County. The Yellow Jackets capped off the regular season with decisive wins over Beach on Homecoming and Groves on Senior Night. Running back Colby Smith surpassed 1,000 rushing yards on the year, while quarterback Rhett Morgan led a balanced offense supported by key playmakers like Jayden Murphy, Chase Douglas, and Easton Phillips. Defensively, Michael Dixon, Kyle O’Brien, and Chris Jones anchored a unit known for critical stops and game-changing plays.

With a seasoned coaching staff and new leaders stepping up, Southeast Bulloch heads into the 2025 campaign focused on defending Fred Shaver Field, competing deep into region play, and continuing their run as one of southeast Georgia’s most consistent football programs.

Coach Q&A with Coach Zito

How do you feel about your team so far heading into the season? 

I feel good about where we are at so far.  Our kids have worked hard and in some ways I feel like we are ahead of schedule.  We have a lot of work to do before our first game, but so far so good.

What’s the energy been like during practices this summer?  

Our attendance and energy have been good.  We return a lot of starters, letter winners and contributors from last year so that has helped with our focus and attention to detail.

Who are some key players you lost from last year, and how are you filling those spots?

The senior class we lost were very good players, but even better teammates and leaders.  We are looking for guys to step up and fill those very important needs for team success.

Which players have stepped up the most in the offseason?  Hard to just name one or two guys at this point.  They have all stepped up really since the first day of our off-seaon program in January.

Are there any younger players or newcomers we should keep an eye on this year?

Some of rising younger players that are not new but are starting to develop in Friday Night players so far 

9th graders - JK Small, AJ Jackson

10th graders - Austin Miller, Bailey Hutchins, Riley Marsh, DJ Brooks

11th graders - Colton Zito, Taylor Chainey, JR Palmer, Greg Peden, Orion Williams 

12th graders - Herman Marsh, Carson Kirkland, Ja'calen Wells

What are some things you focused on improving in the offseason?

Athletic improvement and explosiveness in addition and in conjunction with our strength program.  We also spent significant time getting to know each other better as people and teammates, not just players.

Do you feel like the team is more confident going into this season?

I think there is a good level of confidence this season based on our success last season and the number of guys that were a part of that team the return this year, but we also need several players to step up into new roles this year for us to continue to have success.

What game are you or the team most looking forward to and why?

Each Friday Night....each won is as important as the next.  

Do you think you’re stronger on offense or defense right now, or are things pretty balanced?

I think we are pretty balanced right now.

Are there any changes to your coaching staff, or are things mostly the same?

Our staff remained mostly the same, with the exception of Rand Morgan.  He was able to land a teaching job at the middle school and is spending his first there coaching football and baseball.  Because he is at SEBMS he is still connected to our program, but in a different way.  We hired a former HS WR at Houston County and current GSU student Jayden Spivey to take his coaching position.

What’s something you’re trying to do differently this year compared to last season?

Execute less scheme but at a higher level in all 3 phases.

What’s one thing the community might not know about your team that they should?

We try to do a variety of activities that either involve our families or the community in some way.  We want our players and program to be a positive impact on our school and community.

How do you keep the team motivated during the grind of the season?

We try to finish each week with some type of competition which the kids really like.  We also try not to take their entire day, week or summer. We want them to be involved with other sports and be a kid and enjoy their summer. 

What would you say is the identity of your team this year?

Experienced, Focused and Tough.

Southeast Bulloch Varsity Football Schedule

• Aug. 15 – at Statesboro

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will open the 2025 season on the road against cross-county rival Statesboro, following up one of the most dramatic wins in program history. In last year’s season opener, Southeast earned its first-ever victory over the Blue Devils, a 23–18 nail-biter sealed by a clutch 4th-and-2 run from Quentin Reed in the final minute. SEB built a 23–6 lead behind explosive touchdown runs by Colby Smith and Jayden Murphy, before holding off a furious Statesboro comeback. Head Coach Jared Zito praised his team’s physicality and resolve postgame, traits that will be just as important this time around as the Yellow Jackets aim to prove last year was no fluke and kick off 2025 with back-to-back wins in the rivalry.

• Aug. 29 – at Islands

After opening the season at Statesboro, the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will head to Savannah to face Islands High — a team they handled with ease in a 43–7 rout last fall. In that 2024 meeting, SEB dominated all three phases of the game, jumping out to a 30–0 halftime lead behind touchdowns from Colby Smith, Quentin Reed, and Chase Douglas, who returned an interception for a score. The Yellow Jackets added defensive highlights, multiple forced turnovers, and a consistent ground game that never required a single punt. Head Coach Jared Zito praised his team for cleaning up mistakes from the season opener and playing more complete football. As they return to face the Sharks in 2025, Southeast will aim to bring the same level of control and discipline on the road in their first non-county matchup of the season.

• Sept. 5 – vs. Calvary Day

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets return to Fred Shaver Field to face a major test in Savannah powerhouse Calvary Day, who handed SEB a 40–6 loss last season. In that 2024 road matchup, the Cavaliers controlled the game from start to finish, capitalizing on big passing plays and multiple Yellow Jacket turnovers to build a 33–0 lead by halftime. Southeast struggled to sustain drives and only broke through in the final seconds with a short touchdown pass from Eli Smith to avoid the shutout. Head Coach Jared Zito noted the need for mental readiness and clean execution against a program of Calvary’s caliber, a lesson that’s sure to carry into this year’s rematch. With home field advantage on their side this time, the Jackets will look to respond with sharper execution and a more competitive showing against one of the region’s top teams.

• Sept. 12 – vs. Johnson 

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will host the Johnson Atomsmashers in Week 4, looking to replicate last year’s 35–13 win that served as a strong rebound after a tough loss to Calvary Day. In that 2024 matchup, SEB struck early with touchdowns from Jayden Murphy and Colby Smith, and never looked back. Sophomore quarterback Rhett Morgan connected with Easton Phillips on a deep ball, while Chase Douglas scored his first career touchdown in the third. On the ground, Murphy was a workhorse, rushing for over 150 yards and helping the Jackets control the clock in the second half. A late interception by Tyrone McGee sealed the win. With Johnson returning to Fred Shaver Field this year, Southeast will look to maintain that same physical edge and continue climbing in the region standings.

• Sept. 19 – vs. Windsor Forest 

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets return home in Week 5 to face Windsor Forest, a team they rolled past 35–8 last season in Pooler. In that 2024 matchup, SEB imposed its will early and never looked back — racking up over 220 yards of offense, including 172 on the ground. Colby Smith set the tone with a first-quarter touchdown and eclipsed 100 rushing yards by halftime, while Chase Douglas and Rhett Morgan added scores on both sides of the ball. Southeast’s defense forced multiple turnovers, including interceptions by Kyle O’Brien and Douglas, and didn’t allow a point until the fourth quarter with the game already in hand. After back-to-back region wins, the Yellow Jackets will look to stay sharp and continue their climb in the standings with another strong showing at Fred Shaver Field.

• Sept. 26 – at Liberty County

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will hit the road for a rematch with Liberty County, where they earned a hard-fought 28–19 victory last fall — a win that also marked Head Coach Jared Zito’s 100th career victory. SEB stormed out of the gate in that 2024 contest, led by Colby Smith, who scored multiple touchdowns, intercepted a pass, and set the tone with a deep first-play run. Key stops by Michael Dixon, a fumble recovery from Trent Jones, and strong secondary play helped the Yellow Jackets maintain control, even as Liberty clawed back late. Zito praised his team’s early energy, physicality up front, and ability to finish when it counted. As they return to Hinesville, the Jackets will look to replicate that explosive start — and show continued growth as the region schedule deepens.

• Oct. 3 – at Groves

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will hit the road to face Groves in Week 7, following up a dominant 50–14 win over the Rebels last season on Senior Night. That 2024 matchup was all Yellow Jackets from the opening kickoff — Colby Smith, Jayden Murphy, and Quentin Reed each found the end zone in the first half, while Kyle O’Brien blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. Easton Phillips caught his first touchdown of the year, and the defense added a safety before halftime, putting SEB up 43–0. Although Groves managed a brief third-quarter surge, the Jackets quickly responded with a final score from Eli Reed to close it out. With another playoff push on the line in 2025, Southeast will look to stay locked in and continue their streak of physical, balanced play as they head into the final stretch of region competition.

• Oct. 10 – at Jenkins

The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets will travel to Savannah in Week 8 for a rematch with Jenkins — one of the toughest opponents on last year’s schedule. In their 2024 meeting, the Yellow Jackets fell 48–14 at home after a series of early turnovers gave Jenkins multiple short-field scoring opportunities. Quarterback Rhett Morgan connected on two touchdown passes, one to Colby Smith and another to Clay Williams, but Southeast struggled to keep pace after falling behind by multiple scores. Head Coach Jared Zito noted that while self-inflicted mistakes hurt, Jenkins simply outplayed them in all phases. With a deeper, more experienced roster in 2025, Southeast will look to respond with cleaner execution and a stronger showing as they continue to push for postseason positioning in a competitive region.

• Oct. 24 – vs. Long County

In what became one of their most dramatic wins of 2024, the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets overcame a 12-0 second-half deficit to defeat Long County 15-12 in Ludowici. Running back Colby Smith ignited the comeback with a 65-yard touchdown and later punched in the game-winner after a long fourth-quarter drive. A clutch 2-point conversion and a late defensive stand — including a sack by Chris Jones and a missed 45-yard field goal by Long County — sealed the comeback win. This year, the Jackets will host the Blue Tide in Brooklet, aiming to build momentum as the regular season nears its close.

• Oct. 31 – vs. Beach 

Southeast Bulloch closed out October in front of a packed Homecoming crowd with a high-energy 44-19 win over Beach High School. Senior running back Colby Smith crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the season and added multiple touchdowns, including a 70-yard screen pass in the fourth. Jayden Murphy and the SEB defense also played pivotal roles in the dominant showing. The Yellow Jackets capped the night with a safety and final touchdown.

2024 Playoff Recap

• Heritage Generals

Southeast Bulloch powered past Heritage 35-9 in the first round of the AAA state playoffs, advancing to face Harlem in the second round. Junior Colby Smith carried the ball over 30 times for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Quentin Reed and Clay Williams added scores. The Jackets racked up 337 rushing yards on 58 plays and held the Generals scoreless in the second half. “Colby is a competitive warrior,” said Head Coach Jared Zito. “He is physical, smart and athletic and he is also a great teammate who gives credit to the players around him.” Zito added, “We played physical football. Our coaches did a great job of putting our players in a great position for success and our players trusted the coaching, themselves and their teammates.”

• Harlem Bulldogs

Southeast Bulloch upset No. 2-ranked Harlem 21-0 on the road to advance to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1974. Colby Smith rushed for two touchdowns, including a 91-yard fourth-quarter dagger, while Forest Fretwell added a score and recovered a fumble. The defense forced three interceptions and two fumbles, with Stevie Padgett grabbing two picks and Chris Jones sealing it with one late. “Winning tonight gives this team a legacy of a 2nd round win for the first time since 1974,” said Head Coach Jared Zito. He credited the shutout to his defensive staff, calling the unit “lights out,” and added, “It’s just an exciting time to be a SEB Yellow Jacket.”

• Stephenson Jaguars

Southeast Bulloch’s historic 2024 season came to an end with a 36-3 road loss to Stephenson in the AAA quarterfinals. The Yellow Jackets took an early 3-0 lead on a field goal by freshman Owen Turner, but were ultimately overwhelmed by Stephenson’s big-play offense, which scored 29 unanswered second-half points—three touchdowns from Anthony Booker included. Despite multiple forced turnovers by the SEB defense, the offense couldn’t convert in the red zone. “It was a great year,” said Head Coach Jared Zito. “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.”