The playoff picture is pretty simple for Bulloch Academy after a 41-31 sub-region loss to Frederica Academy Friday.
    The Gators (7-2, 1-1 Region 2-AAA) aren’t in control of their own destiny when it comes to the playoff seedings, however BA will be following the “win-and-you're-in” philosophy from here on out.
    If the Gators win the next region matchup against Trinity Christian, then win next week against undefeated Pinewood Christian, Bulloch Academy can secure the No. 1 seed, No. 2 seed or No. 3 seed depending upon tie breakers and head-to-head matchups.
    “We don’t control our own destiny any more and any loss kills our chances of winning the region or hosting a playoff game,” said Bulloch Academy head coach Terence Hennessy. “We’re in a ‘got-to-win’ situation right now. We have to focus on what we can handle.”
    Despite Trinity Christian holding a 1-7 overall record this year, Hennessy said his team can’t afford to overlook anyone on the schedule. If Bulloch Academy defeats TC, the season-finale game against Pinewood could be for a region championship.
    “We can’t even think about Pinewood. We have to keep the kids focused. We’re not even talking about Pinewood,” Hennessy said.
    If two or more teams hold the same record in the sub-region, the tiebreaker would be points allowed in the first half of head-to-head games. The Gators have given up 31 points in head-to-head region games—Pinewood, just six.
    It’s going to be a tough road ahead for the Gators, considering the team doesn’t have a bye week to rest up for injuries.
    Last week against Frederica Academy, Hennessy said his team looked like they got finished playing in a “street fight.”
    The Knights were physical and so were the Gators. The Knights held 13-point leads twice in the game, however, the Gators’ never-say-die attitude helped the team take the lead in the fourth quarter 31-30.
    “Obviously, I was disappointed with the outcome of the game, but I was proud of the way our guys fought. We battled back and we took the lead,” Hennessey said.
    On the ensuing play, the Knights returned the kickoff for a touchdown to take the lead for good. Hennessy said kicking off deep after scoring late was a bad decision on his behalf.
    After a rough game with the Knights, Bulloch Academy is nursing a few injuries. Tyler Budgett, who ran for 341 yards and seven touchdowns so far this season, has been inactive from the Gators’ roster due to injury and coach Hennessy doesn’t know if Budgett will be ready to return against Pinewood Christian.
    Bulloch Academy dressed out just 24 players out of their 34-man roster last week. Hennessy expects around the same number for this Friday’s matchup.
    “We’re beat up. We’re hurt, but we’re not going to make excuses. We’re not going to beat them up in practice this week,” Hennessy said.
    Lanier Olliff, Hunter Perry, Tyce Lovett and Davis Childs played every minute of last Friday’s game against Frederica, not including special teams plays.
    Hennessy knows that trend won’t be able to hold up for very long. The second-year BA head coach said he plans on trying to get his two-way starters a break this Friday versus Trinity Christian.