The ECI Bulldog c-team won the Southeast Region Middle School championship Thursday, defeating Toombs Co. 28-6.
This marks the seventh time in 13 years the Bulldogs played in the championship game winning four times. The C-team has played for the championship the last 5 years winning 3.
This year’s eighth grade class has won 2 championships the last 3 years. Moving up to the varsity level in 2022 are Vyntavius Hughes, Jordan Handsom, Jackson Kennedy, Tuff Boddiford, Jeremiah Budgett, Creed Sanders, Braxton Oliver, Jon Wesley Oliff, Wessyn Willoughby, Daon Bethea, Noah Johnson, Tyler Foreman and Johnny Baird.
These eighth graders have lost just two games in the last 3 seasons!
ECI and Toombs Co. entered the game as the only 2 undefeated teams. Toombs defeated ECI in the 2020 championship game 21-12.
ECI advanced to the final game by defeating Jenkins Co. 38-20 in the first round. Toombs Co took care of Screven Co. 19-0 for a chance to repeat as champions.
The following is head coach Greg Kennedy’s synopsis of the championship game.
The battle of the dogs began when Ja'shon Branch recovered an onside kick to start off the game. After a promising start, offensively, penalties and lack of execution caused the drive to stall out at the Toombs County 25 yard line. Toombs County methodically drove down to the ECI 12 yard line but the ECI defense held on to come up with two big stops. Patron Mack and Terence Carlyle met the Toombs County running back in the backfield on 3rd and 1. On the next play, 4th and 1, Carlyle and Creed Sanders wrapped up Toombs County's quick running back for a turnover on downs.
ECI moved the ball from their own 20 yard line on a nicely executed trap play that Tuff Boddiford advanced to midfield. The offense continued to move down the field with tough running by Ab Marsh, Chase Johnson, Tyler Foreman, and Tuff Boddiford. Finally, Boddiford scored on a pitch from 1 yard out. The 2 point conversion attempt failed, 6-0 ECI
The lead was short-lived as Toombs County returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked by Ja'shon Branch. The score was 6-6.
With under a minute to go before halftime, Chase Johnson took a reverse 60 yards down to the 5 yard line. Two plays later, Jackson Kennedy scored on a 1 yard touchdown run. Tyler Foreman ran in on a sweep to convert the 2 point conversion. Halftime score, 14-6
ECI received the ball to start the second half. After driving into Toombs County territory, the Toombs County defense stiffened and caused ECI to turn the ball over on downs. However, Tyler Foreman intercepted a Toombs County pass on ECI's 45 yard line and returned it to the Toombs County 25 yard line. Five plays later, Tuff Boddiford scored on a 1 yard touchdown run. The 2 point conversion attempt was stopped by the Toombs County defense. The score was 20-6, starting the 4th quarter.
The ECI defense quickly caused another turnover when Chase Johnson knocked a ball loose from a Toombs County receiver. Ja'shon Branch was there to recover the fumble. The ECI offense quickly capitalized on the turnover when Tuff Boddiford ran in a pitch from 23 yards out. Boddiford also ran in the two point conversion to put the Dogs up 28-6.
As they have done all season long and all game long, the ECI defense forced another turnover. This one would seal the deal for any comeback thought by Toombs County. Jordan Handsom tipped a Toombs County pass that a diving Tuff Boddiford intercepted. A first down later and the offense went into the victory formation. After Jackson Kennedy took a knee, the clock ran out and the celebration began. Final score, 28-6.
ECI finished the season 8-0 and champions of the Southeast Region Middle School Football League. This year's team was made up of a great group of hardworking kids. The season started in June, working out in the weightroom building strength and teamwork. The team was led by an outstanding defense that only gave up an average of 6 points a game. The offense was led by a strong running game, effective passing game, and hardworking offensive line.
The Bulldogs were led again this year by Kennedy and assistant coaches, Artie Fields, Joey Korwin, and Chase Ellison.
