Each week, we ask the head coach from one of Bulloch County’s four schools to highlight a player as the Grice Connect and Optim Health System Sports Difference Maker of the Week.
This recognition isn’t always about the athlete who scores the most points or makes the highlight reel, it’s about the underrated player whose effort, attitude, and determination shift the game in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. These are the underdogs and unsung leaders who truly make a difference for their team.
This idea was presented to Grice Connect by SEB Head Football Coach Jared Zito. We loved it and thanks to Optim Health Systems support this will be a new weekly feature.
Since it was his idea, we felt it appropriate to let Coach Zito kick off our Difference Maker series. Coach Zito named a player from his team that should be recognized for his contributions that has flown under the radar.
The player that he named is Senior Long Snapper #50 Talon Stokes.
Zito had high praise for Stokes and wanted to highlight the amount of work that Stokes has done to perfect his craft.
“He has worked extremely hard in the weight room and on his craft of snapping by countless hours of work, private coaching and attending various camps,” said Zito.
Zito also mentioned that Stokes has asked to help on other special teams as a blocker and that has impressed Zito.
Stokes also received praise for his leadership on and off the field. He has a reputation for being an excellent student in the classroom and leads his team in prayer after every practice and game.
When asked how someone like Stokes can fly under the radar in terms of attention, Zito had this to say.
“I think specialty players often get overlooked, but you really notice when you do not have one that can play at a high level,” said Zito.
Be sure to tune in once a week for our GC Sports Difference Maker of the Week.
Live Score Updates
Once again this football season, Grice Connect Sports will offer live scoring powered by ScoreStream. To get live score during the game or anytime you want local sports scores go to the Sports link on the Grice Connect website.
We are always love to hear from parents (or other super fans!) who would like to send us photos and live game updates from home and away games for each school this season.
If you're interested, please contact [email protected] or Blake Williams at [email protected] for more information.
This coverage is made possible thanks to local supporters.
Grice Connect Sports is proudly supported by Optim Health System, the Press Forward Foundation, and other generous community partners who help make this local sports coverage possible. We are grateful for all financial support, which will allow us to bring Statesboro and Bulloch county even more sports and local news coverage!
Please support us now by clicking here and help us tell the remarkable stories of our youth making a difference for their team, their school, and our community.
If your business would like to support our work, please contact Fred David at [email protected].
