Toombs Roars Past Swainsboro in Big Region Showdown

Courtesy of TCHS

The #2-ranked Toombs County High School Bulldogs football team made a powerful statement Friday night, earning a 47–20 road win over #6 Swainsboro in GHSA Class A Division I, Region 3 play.

The Bulldogs showed grit and balance on both sides of the ball — an aggressive defense, explosive passing, and key special teams moments led the way in one of the biggest games of the season so far.

Swainsboro opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter, taking a 6–0 lead after a missed two-point attempt. But Toombs County answered fast. Junior quarterback Joseph Owens connected with senior wide receiver Justice Wilds on a 47-yard touchdown pass, and Alex Otero’s PAT gave the Bulldogs a 7–6 edge.

The Tigers regained the lead, 14–7, after a 23-yard touchdown pass and successful conversion. However, Toombs’ special teams and defense quickly flipped continued from page

the script. Senior punter Gavin Fletcher pinned Swainsboro deep with a booming 51-yard punt, and just three plays later, the Bulldogs forced a safety, cutting the deficit to 14–9.

The second quarter belonged to Toombs. Owens hit Brandon Stevens on a 2-yard touchdown pass, and Otero added a 32-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 19–14 lead. Then, with Swainsboro threatening to score before halftime, senior Justin Powell forced a fumble at the 1-yard line that junior Alex Scott scooped and raced 88 yards for a defensive touchdown. The Tigers found the end zone once more before the break, but Toombs carried a 26–20 lead into halftime.

From there, it was all Bulldogs. Owens threw his third touchdown of the night — a strike to sophomore Nick Carroll — and Powell added two rushing touchdowns in the second half to seal the 47–20 victory.

The win improves Toombs County to 6–1 overall and 1–0 in Region 3-Class A Division I. The Bulldogs have a bye this week before returning home to face Savannah Country Day next Friday.