Lyons, GA – September 6, 2024 | Head Coach Buddy Martin | Article by Matt Lynn
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In a game that will be remembered for years to come, the Toombs County Bulldogs shocked the Georgia high school football world on Friday night, traveling 250 miles to defeat 5A powerhouse Rome Wolves 33-29. The Bulldogs, ranked #1 in Class A, entered the contest as 28-point underdogs but left with their undefeated record intact and their reputation as giant-slayers solidified.
The game began with Rome flexing their muscle, driving to the Bulldog 13-yard line. However, Toombs County’s vaunted “Red Bullet Defense” stood tall, stopping the Wolves on 4th and 4 to force a turnover on downs. This defensive stand set the tone for the night and ignited the Bulldog offense.
Senior quarterback TJ Stanley then led a masterful 90-yard drive, capped by his 1-yard touchdown run, giving Toombs an early 7-0 lead. Stanley’s arm was key, as he completed 7 of 8 passes for 72 yards on the drive. The Bulldogs weren’t done, as Stanley punched in another 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, extending the lead to 14-0.
Rome would show why they’re a perennial powerhouse, answering with a quick touchdown and a field goal before halftime, narrowing Toombs’ lead to 14-9 at the break.
The Bulldogs came out firing in the second half, with Stanley connecting with senior LaGonza Heyward for a 12-yard touchdown pass. The momentum continued to swing Toombs’ way when senior Mike Polke recovered a loose ball on the ensuing kickoff. Stanley immediately capitalized, finding Polke for a 13-yard touchdown pass, pushing the Bulldogs’ lead to 27-9.
Rome, true to their reputation, fought back valiantly, scoring two touchdowns to close the gap to 27-23 with just over 5 minutes remaining. But, senior Dabyn Wadley had other plans, breaking free for a 47-yard touchdown run to give Toombs some breathing room at 33-23.
The drama wasn’t over, as Rome scored again with 25 seconds left, cutting the lead to 33-29. However, Polke secured the onside kick attempt, sealing the monumental upset for Toombs County.
Stanley led the Bulldogs’ offensive onslaught, completing 25 of 34 passes for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 60 yards and 2 scores. Heyward was his favorite target on the night, hauling in 9 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Wadley dominated on the ground, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
Defensively, Zyrese Scott and Alex Scott anchored the unit with 10 and 11 tackles respectively.
The Bulldogs (4-0) will look to keep their perfect record intact as they hit the road again next Friday to face the 3-1 Charlton County Indians in Folkston. After this statement win, it’s clear that Toombs County is not just top dog in Class A, but a force to be reckoned with in Georgia high school football.
STATS:
Toombs County
Time of Possession: 29:26
Pass: 25/34, 255 yards, 2 TD / 0 INT
Rush: 32 carries, 208 yards, 3 TD
Total Offense: 463 yards
Penalties: 5 for 35 yards
Turnovers: 0
1st Downs: 23
3rd Down Conversion: 9/13
4th Down Conversion: 0/1
Rome
Pass: 23/34, 260 yards, 1 TD / 0 INT
Rush: 25 carries, 109 yards, 3 TD (2 fumbles, 1 lost)
Total Offense: 369 yards
Penalties: 6 for 37 yards
Turnovers: 1
1st Downs: 16
3rd Down Conversion: 5/11
4th Down Conversion: 1/2
Time of Possession: 18:34
