![[Valid RSS]](https://web.archive.org/web/20240108205913im_/https://ocgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/valid-rss-rogers.png "Validate my RSS feed")
By Mark Brock
DCSD Media Athletics Specialist
DEKALB COUNTY, GA–The No. 8 ranked Stephenson Jaguars return to Class 3A state football playoff action on Friday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., as they host the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets at Hallford Stadium.
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 first two rounds of the playoffs.
Stephenson quarterback Marte Barton moved to No. 11 on the DeKalb career list with 4,718 passing yards and 37 touchdowns having 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 junior running back 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 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.
DCSD FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 29
CLASS 3A QUARTERFINAL
HALLFORD STADIUM
Southeast Bulloch (10-2) vs. Stephenson (9-3), 7:30 p.m.