For the first time since 2021, Georgia Military College Prep opened its season with a win, defeating Crawford County 49-12 last Friday in Roberta.
The Bulldogs’ offensive line and backfield dominated, gaining a whopping 457 rushing yards and seven touchdowns against the Eagles. GMC averaged 11.4 yards per carry, with slot back Christian Alexander gaining 163 yards rushing and two touchdowns while averaging an impressive 20.4 yards on eight carries. Fullback Evan Stasney also impressed, rushing for 107 yards on 13 carries with one TD, while quarterback Cason Dennis had two touchdowns with 57 yards rushing on nine carries.
GMC’s veteran leadership and experience shone brightly in the first half, as the Bulldogs controlled the game and led 36-12 at halftime, then shut out the Eagles in the second half.
Regardless, head coach Gavin Tierce said his team started a little slower than he preferred.
“I thought we were really successful with our speed and physicality,” Tierce said. “We played fast and physical all night, and honestly, I’ve never heard the pads pop like that since I’ve been here. That was a great sign of the effort and toughness our guys played with.
'The biggest area we need to improve is starting faster defensively. We came out a little slow on that side of the ball, and we’ve got to do a better job of being ready to play from the opening snap. As the game went on, we settled in and played really well, but we can’t wait until later in the game to get going.”
GMC is now readying for its home opener on Friday at the recently- renovated Davenport Field, complete with new lighting and turf. The Bulldogs will face McIntosh County Academy, led by head coach Bradley Warren, Tierce’s longtime football mentor.
“This is a really special game for me, personally,” Tierce said. “Coach Warren was my football coach from the time I was in sixth grade all the way through my senior year (of high school), and he’s continued to be a great mentor and friend since I started coaching.”
The Buccaneers have struggled so far this season, dropping backto- back games to Long County and Charlton County. Still, Tierce said the Bucs’ early record provides no comfort. He knows how his former coach and his teams always arrive ready to compete.
“We know we’re going to be facing a very wellcoached and physical football team,” Tierce said. “They have an all-state-caliber running back and defensive lineman, so we’re going to have to be prepared to play physical for four quarters.”
Tierce credited much of the Bulldogs’ successful start last Friday night to their experience, speed, and physicality.
“We’re more comfortable in what we’re doing on both sides of the ball, and our guys are playing faster and more physical,” Tierce said. “But more than anything, I think it shows the belief this team has in each other and in what we’re building.”