The Skinny
The Thomasville Bulldogs are a team that is steeped in Georgia high school football tradition. The Bulldogs have won 5 state titles in their storied history. Last season, Coach Zach Grage led Thomasville on their deepest playoff run in seven years. Coach Grage knows he and his staff have a couple of new challenges this season.
He said, “Not being complacent after a good 2017 season, and finding a kicker,” are two of the biggest challenges going into the 2018 season.
While Coach Grage battles complacency and is shoring up the kicking game, the offense returns quite a bit of experience from last season. Starting up front, linemen Javonte McGriff, Larry Williams and Tevin Rayford return. Last season, they helped pave the way for 191.6 yards per game average on the ground.
Tan Gelin looks to be the primary beneficiary of that returning offensive line. Gelin was second on the team in rushing in 2017 with 771 yards and 12 TDs. Meanwhile, Junior Kevin Cochran was electrifying last season. He led the team in receiving yards (879) and receiving touchdowns (8), and garnered Second Team All-State honors.
Jay Tillman is the heir apparent at quarterback for the Bulldogs. However, whoever wins the job will have some big shoes to fill as Thomasville passed for over 2,800 yards last season as a team.
Other weapons on offense for Thomasville include running back Ma’lek Miller and receivers Sammy Morrow, Trey Florence and KD Johnson.
The Bulldog defense will be paced by First Team All-State selection Karey Lee at defensive back and All-State Honorable Mention Marc Davis on the defensive line. Davis led the team in tackles while Lee picked off eight passes last season.
Chris Monroe joins Davis as an experienced lineman and Sedrick Robinson and Jeremiah Powell look to lead the linebackers. Jashawun Thornton (linebacker) and Payten Singletary (DL) are also projected to have an impact for Thomasville on defense.
It comes as no surprise that two of the biggest games on the schedule are longstanding rival Thomas County Central and region rival, Brooks County.
The goals are big for the Bulldogs. We asked Coach Grage how success would be defined this season.
He responded by saying, “Winning a state title.”
