Kickoff A look at the City Championship Game between Brunswick High and Glynn Academy: When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Where: Glynn County Stadium Records: BHS 4-1, 3-0 Region 1-AAAAA; GA 3-2, 2-1 Region 1-AAAAA Last week: BHS won 42-0 at home over Greenbrier. GA won 54-28 at Lakeside-Evans in Augusta. Last year/All-time: BHS won 49-7; BHS leads 41-38-2 Game Preview Glynn Academy and Brunswick High are set to renew their crosstown rivalry Friday night in a Region 1-AAAAA game that will also decide the City Championship. Both teams will enter their annual showdown riding high after decisive wins last week against Augusta schools in the region. Brunswick blew past Greenbrier 42-0 at home while Glynn routed Lakeside-Evans 54-28 on the road. Glynn and Brunswick share one common opponent to date. That opponent is Wayne County. The Red Terrors defeated the Yellow Jackets 38-14 in the season opener for both teams at GC Stadium on Aug. 15 while the Pirates decked the Jackets 35-10 the next week in a game also played at the local stadium. The Jackets lost all five of their non-region games and will enter region play this week after their head coach agreed to step aside last week during his second season with the program. Glynn lost in Week 2 at Richmond Hill (21-0) and also fell at Bradwell Institute (35-28) to begin league play on Sept. 5. The Terrors rolled in their last two games, knocking off Statesboro (36-8) at home and then Lakeside-Evans last week. Brunswick dropped its season opener 44-35 at Camden County, but the Pirates have won their last four. In addition to defeating Wayne, the Pirates powered past Effingham (42-14) to start region play before shutting out Evans (65-0) and Greenbrier the last two weeks. The 65-point margin against Evans was a school-record for margin of victory for the Pirates. Also, with the back-to-back shutouts, the Pirates recorded consecutive shutouts for the first time since the 1999 season when BHS played for the Class AAAA state crown. Brunswick won last year’s game 49-7 over Glynn after it was postponed to a Monday following Hurricane Helene which blew through Southeast Georgia the previous Thursday night. The Pirates have won four of the last five games against the Terrors. Glynn won the 2023 meeting 22-15 in overtime. The Terrors won six in a row in the rivalry from 2014 to 2019 before the Pirates stopped their slide with a 24-21 triumph in 2020. This season, Brunswick is averaging 43.8 points per game while allowing 13.6 per contest. The Pirates’ scoring average is the fifth-best in the state in Class AAAAA while they rank sixth in points allowed. The Pirates run a spread offense that has plenty of big-play potential which the Terrors know full well. Junior running backs Nigel Gardner and Josiah Gibbons are a lethal one-two combination with foot-speed galore between them. Senior quarterback Grant Moore is a dual-threat signal-caller with a strong and accurate arm. He has a strong receiving corps which features four-star tight end Heze Kent who committed to Florida back in July, speedster Waseem Murray and also Isreal Henry and Dontre’ Butler. For the Brunswick defense, standouts include defensive backs Aviyon Addison, Samir Dobbins and Zi’Yan Rankin, linebackers Braylen Johnson, Antwan Thomas and Adrian Volland and defensive linemen Markhei Hughes and Chozen Owens. Glynn is running from the flexbone offense for the first time this season, and the Pirates are aware of the Terrors’ steady improvement since the start of the season on this side of the ball. The Terrors feature halfbacks Da’Sean Howard and DJ Creighton who run hard between the tackles while their big-play threats as ballcarriers and receivers include Sean Wallace and T.Y. Chisolm. Sophomore quarterback Max Noonan has emerged as a running threat with four touchdowns in the last two games combined. Last week against Lakeside-Evans, he also was 6-of-7 passing for 150 yards and two touchdowns. The Glynn defense features Zamir Bell and Amari Moore on the front line, linebackers Smith Whitehead and Cooper Reiss and defensive backs Qwon Coleman and BJ Perkins. Landon Etheridge has been a steady kicker for the Pirates while Patrick Coyle also has been a standout for Glynn as its kicker an punter. ---- Compiled by Kevin Price for GCS Athletics ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q and A with Players Glynn Academy and Brunswick High players answered several questions mid-week from GCS Athletics as they prepared for Friday night’s City Championship Game. GLYNN ACADEMY Max Noonan, sophomore quarterback Do you think this game is going to be a defining moment this season?  "Yes, we obviously want to win every game we play but this one is especially important,” Noonan said. “Not only is it a big game for the city and everyone that plays in it, but it's even more important for us this year because a win would help us win the region and guarantee a spot for playoffs.” What players have you seen really step up this season that will be critical to the success of the team this week and the remainder of the season? I think some of our younger guys have really stepped up big so far this season. One that really stands out is (tight end) Grant Ferrell. He’s a big kid and he is really good at blocking and making plays that have a big effect on our games.  What would it mean to you personally to win this game? It would mean a lot to me because I'm so young, and I want to prove to my teammates and coaches that I'm capable of stepping up in big moments and leading our team to a big win. What has been the message in the locker room heading into this game? Play hard and do your part if we want to be successful.  How do you think the offense has gained confidence so far this season? We've been able to score a lot of points and fix problems as they come up, which has helped us be more consistent and helped us be more effective in the big games. Cooper Reiss, junior linebacker How is the GA defense preparing to face the explosive play-makers from Brunswick High?  Obviously, they're all very good players, so they’re going to make plays. We just have to keep the big plays to a minimum. We just have to do our job and limit the number of points they get and hope our offense can keep being successful and finding ways to score.  What would it mean to you personally to win this game?  It would mean a lot to me. Obviously, it's a big rivalry game that I've been lucky enough to watch growing up. I remember being a kid and coming to the games, so getting to play in it is really special. We won my freshman year, but I didn't see the field as much, so it would mean a lot to me if we could when I was a starter.  What players do you think have most stepped up this season?  There are a lot of guys that have really stepped up, but one that really sticks out to me is James Kennedy and the defensive line. They have all done a really good job of helping me and the other linebackers as well as the rest of the defense to make good plays. They have been the foundation of our defense all season and have been really big parts in our wins this year. If you could write a perfect ending to this year's City Championship what would it be?  If I were to write the ending of this game, I would want it to be a really close game with a lot of back and forth and good plays from both teams. But, we would make a last-minute play to score and win the game. A very similar ending to my freshman year would be my dream ending. T.Y. Chisolm, senior receiver/defensive back What do you think is the biggest difference between this year's team and last year's team?  Our defense has definitely stepped up the most in my opinion. They have really stepped up in stopping the run game. Who do you think has stepped up the most and had the most positive impact so far this year?  Our secondary has really stepped up, but the one that really stands out the most is Max Noonan. He's so young, but he has done a lot for this program and is definitely a big factor in our wins this season.  Do you think this game is going to be impactful on the remainder of the season?  Yes, it's definitely going to be a big deal for us, especially for the seniors. Winning this game would give us the chance to win the region and that's something that has been a goal of mine since freshman year. Da’Sean Howard, senior running back How do you think last year's outcome affected the preparation for this year? I think that the loss last year was really eye-opening for everyone. Obviously that wasn't the outcome we wanted last year, but I think it has been really motivating for us and has made us want to win even more. Has the offense gained more confidence as the season has progressed? Yes. I think we are starting to become more and more confident in not only ourselves but each other as well. Max (Noonan) has done a great job stepping into the offense and finding a rhythm that helps our offense to function.  It's pretty apparent that the general public and media is expecting BHS to win. How are y’all using that as motivation?  It's obviously hard to go into a game where everyone thinks your going to lose, but I think more than anything it's been a source of motivation this week that pushes everyone to want to win even more.  BRUNSWICK HIGH Grant Moore, senior quarterback What does the BHS- GA game mean to you?  At the end of the day it's still a region game, so we need to focus on that first and foremost. But, it is still bragging rights for the city and obviously an extremely big deal for everyone involved. There are lots of traditions involved so it's always a great game and I can't wait for it this year.” Do you have any extra feelings or emotions knowing this is your last time playing in this game?  This game, not only in football but also baseball for the past four years, has been so fun. And yes, I'm sad it's my last one, but it’s just made me want to win and enjoy my last time even more.  It's obvious you have a big leadership role as the starting quarterback. Are there any players you have observed that have really stepped up this week? At BHS, we are very heavy on the family aspect and honestly everyone has stepped into their role whether it’s scout team guys or sophomores and freshmen coming up and playing varsity. Everybody is contributing, especially this week.  What do you think another win against GA will say about the BHS program?  A win against Glynn would say a lot. We've had a winning record over the past few years and we really want to just keep that going. I think it would say a lot about our legacy and leave behind a special story for this senior class.  Considering that this is probably a more emotional game than most, do you have any rituals or superstitions that help you stay focused on the game?  Nothing out of the ordinary. I just really try to stay focused and watch a lot of film to prepare for the team I'm playing against, so I can have an idea of what to expect.  Aviyon Addison, senior defensive back How does it feel to represent your school in such a high-stakes game? It feels great. We just believe in our team and our school. It's just good. After beating GA by such a large margin last year, do you feel like there's more pressure to perform, less pressure or maybe none at all?  There's always pressure because it's always a good game, a rivalry game. But, there’s really no pressure because we know what we have here at Brunswick and we're just going to go out and do what we do.  What's something you do personally before a game, especially a big game?. Pray. I pray a lot, and I just stay calm and just stay focused and just play my best game. What would you say to any of the younger kids watching you this weekend and hoping to be in your position in a few years? Do you have any advice or things for them?  I'd say take everything one step at a time, never rush anything, because your time will always come. Just stay prepared, stay ready, stay focused. Chozen Owens, junior defensive lineman Do you feel that this is gonna be a big defining game for your season? Yes, I do. This will show everybody that we as defense could stop the run. And this could lead our team into a stronger run throughout the season.  What would it mean to you to get another victory in this game? It would be great because then everybody would start coming out more and supporting the team more.  If you could write a dream ending to this game, what would it look like? ? Well, for me, if it was a close game, I would want us to pull out a last-second victory.  Heze Kent, senior tight end What does the  BHS vs GA rivalry personally mean to you? It’s just a big game, you know, just a game that's for the city, a good time to get people involved and hopefully win for your side of town. Are there any fun things that y'all are doing to get excited? Do you have any rivalry week traditions? ? No, not at all. We just try to treat it like any other week and play our game the way we know we can. Have there been any players that you think have stepped up this week that fans should be paying attention to or anyone that you've noticed, maybe a younger kid stepping up? ? (Dontre’) Butler, our young receiver. He has really been showing what he can do. People should be on the lookout for him. Do you have any piece of advice to maybe some of the little kids watching you play this weekend? Go out there, you know, reach for the stars. Showcase what you’ve got. ----Compiled by Riley Ferrell, student contributor for GCS Athletics ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ City Championship Series Year-by-Year Results (Brunswick leads 41-38-2) Year Winning Team Losing Team Final Score 1968 Glynn Academy Brunswick 45-0 1969 Glynn Academy Brunswick 8-0 1970 Glynn Academy Brunswick 12-6 1970 Glynn Academy Brunswick 21-6 1971 Tie Tie 6-6 1971 Glynn Academy Brunswick 36-6 1972 Tie Tie 0-0 1972 Glynn Academy Brunswick 34-0 1973 Glynn Academy Brunswick 34-24 1973 Glynn Academy Brunswick 56-0 1974 Brunswick Glynn Academy 40-19 1974 Brunswick Glynn Academy 20-14 1975 Brunswick Glynn Academy 39-0 1975 Brunswick Glynn Academy 13-7 1976 Glynn Academy Brunswick 15-0 1977 Brunswick Glynn Academy 19-12 1978 Glynn Academy Brunswick 20-0 1979 Glynn Academy Brunswick 18-14 1980 Glynn Academy Brunswick 10-8 (BHS forfeit) 1980 Glynn Academy Brunswick 3-0 1981 Brunswick Glynn Academy 7-0 1981 Brunswick Glynn Academy 21-14 1982 Brunswick Glynn Academy 20-0 1982 Glynn Academy Brunswick 13-9 1983 Glynn Academy Brunswick 24-6 1983 Glynn Academy Brunswick 27-13 1983 Glynn Academy Brunswick 14-8(Region Playoff) 1984 Brunswick Glynn Academy 9-8 1984 Brunswick Glynn Academy 20-14 1985 Glynn Academy Brunswick 38-7 1985 Brunswick Glynn Academy 28-15 1986 Glynn Academy Brunswick 14-8 1986 Glynn Academy Brunswick 28-0 1987 Brunswick Glynn Academy 26-0 1987 Glynn Academy Brunswick 22-17 1988 Brunswick Glynn Academy 16-12 1988 Brunswick Glynn Academy 13-3 1989 Brunswick Glynn Academy 9-0 1989 Glynn Academy Brunswick 14-7 1989 Brunswick Glynn Academy 16-14 (Region Playoff) 1990 Brunswick Glynn Academy 14-6 1990 Brunswick Glynn Academy 22-9 1991 Brunswick Glynn Academy 21-17 1991 Brunswick Glynn Academy 20-14 1992 Glynn Academy Brunswick 14-8 1992 Glynn Academy Brunswick 7-6 1993 Brunswick Glynn Academy 13-0 1993 Glynn Academy Brunswick 6-2 1994 Glynn Academy Brunswick 42-6(BHS forfeit) 1994 Glynn Academy Brunswick 43-6 (BHS forfeit) 1995 Brunswick Glynn Academy 34-0 1995 Brunswick Glynn Academy 30-3 1996 Brunswick Glynn Academy 9-6 1997 Brunswick Glynn Academy 29-0 1998 Brunswick Glynn Academy 36-3 1999 Brunswick Glynn Academy 42-0 2000 Glynn Academy Brunswick 44-12 2001 Brunswick Glynn Academy 19-13 2002 Brunswick Glynn Academy 26-9 2003 Brunswick Glynn Academy 21-18 2004 Glynn Academy Brunswick 42-14 2005 Glynn Academy Brunswick 17-12 2006 Brunswick Glynn Academy 7-0 2007 Brunswick Glynn Academy 20-17 2008 Brunswick Glynn Academy 46-26 2009 Brunswick Glynn Academy 34-7 2010 Brunswick Glynn Academy 22-14 2011 Glynn Academy Brunswick 34-0 2012 Brunswick Glynn Academy 28-26 2013 Brunswick Glynn Academy 32-14 2014 Glynn Academy Brunswick 28-21 2015 Glynn Academy Brunswick 28-0 2016 Glynn Academy Brunswick 35-28 2017 Glynn Academy Brunswick 26-13 2018 Glynn Academy Brunswick 17-12 2019 Glynn Academy Brunswick 24-21 2020 Brunswick Glynn Academy 24-21 2021 Brunswick Glynn Academy 17-14 (OT) 2022 Brunswick Glynn Academy 55-21 2023 Glynn Academy Brunswick 22-15 (OT) 2024 Brunswick Glynn Academy 49-7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last Year's Game BHS 49, GA 7 The following is the Game Recap from last season: By Kevin Price For GCS Athletics The Brunswick High Pirates reclaimed the Sea Island Company City Championship trophy Monday night with a convincing 49-7 victory over Glynn Academy at Glynn County Stadium. The win was the fourth in the last five meetings for the Pirates in the crosstown rivalry contest. Brunswick had won three in a row before the Red Terrors stopped the BHS run with their overtime victory last season. This year’s game was originally scheduled for last Friday night but was postponed after Hurricane Helena swept through Southeast Georgia last Thursday leaving our local community to deal with circumstances like other nearby communities including the loss of power throughout the weekend and into Monday as well. Early last Friday morning the game was postponed until further notice. On Friday afternoon, the game was rescheduled for Monday night. “Everyone has been through a lot this week with the storm, and our guys really overcame that,” said Brunswick head coach Garrett Grady. “I know a lot of people are less fortunate than us, and at least we were able to come out here and play a football game tonight and get back to some sense of normalcy. “Our guys did a good job of handling all the adversity. Our guys came really focused today, and I was really proud of them.” The 42-point final margin matches the largest winning margin by Brunswick in the city title game. The 1999 BHS team which played for the Class AAAA state title defeated Glynn 42-0 to open that season. With this victory over GA, Brunswick ran its season record to 5-1 overall and 4-0 in Region 1-AAAAA. This game was a league counter for both teams. The Pirates, ranked ninth in the state, have now won five straight since dropping the season opener to Camden County. The loss left Glynn with a 3-3 overall mark and 2-2 league ledger. The Terrors have now lost their last two games. They fell last time out to Lakeside-Evans which was 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the region after that game. The Panthers were scheduled to play Effingham last Friday, but that game has not been played. On Monday, the Pirates took charge from the outset. They scored on their first two possessions in five combined plays while gaining 111 yards and using less than two minutes of game clock. BHS would score on six of its seven possessions in the opening half for a 42-0 lead going into intermission. The only time the Pirates didn’t score before halftime they missed a 32-yard field-goal attempt. In the first two quarters, the Pirates totaled 349 yards with 269 yards on the ground. Glynn, on the other hand, managed only 35 yards in the first half with all 35 yards coming running the ball. The Terrors were intercepted three times before halftime and also saw the Pirates recover a pair of short kicks. The interceptions for BHS were by Antwan Kirk, Aviyon Addison and Andrew Riley. Addison also recovered one of the kicks while the other was recovered by Jeremiah Woodard. The second half was played with a running clock which is allowed by state rule if one team has a 30-point lead. A continuous clock is mandatory if a team is ahead by 30 points at the start of the fourth quarter. Both teams obviously had limited possessions after halftime with the clock steadily moving. The Terrors scored on fourth-and-goal inside the Brunswick 1 with 6:54 to play on a carry by junior running back Horatio Bienemy. The Pirates would add the final score when Wiliam Heck dashed 67 yards to paydirt on the first snap of the following series. Heck, a senior running back for the Pirates, was named the Glynn County Sports Hall of Fame Player of the Game. He finished with a game-best 171 yards on 10 carries with two rushing touchdowns. Heck also scored the first BHS TD when he raced 31 yards on the Pirates’ second play from scrimmage to complete a two-play 52-yard drive. Also for the Pirates, junior tight end Heze Kent, one of the top players in the Class of 2026, scored three touchdowns in the opening half. He ran 7 yards for his first touchdown then caught scoring passes of 16 and 27 yards from junior quarterback Grant Moore. Kent was named the Georgia Farm Bureau Offensive Player of the Game. Moore finished the night with three TD passes while completing 6 of 9 passes for 64 yards. He also tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Jamarius Towns. Towns, an all-purpose player for the Pirates, also ran 19 yards for a BHS score in the second period. For the game, Brunswick totaled 388 rushing yards and 80 through the air for 468 yards. “We were very balanced, I thought, running and throwing,” Grady said. “We got a good push, good surge up front. We have a lot of firepower out there. A lot of guys who are play-makers, and they made plays tonight.” The Terrors finished with only 91 net yards for the game. All of Glynn’s yards came on the ground as the Terrors failed to complete any of their six passes. Also, for the BHS defense, senior lineman Lance Brown received the Farm Bureau Defensive Player of the Game honor as he finished with several tackles and a couple of quarterback sacks. His official tackle numbers will be charted by BHS coaches from postgame film review. “I thought we played really well defensively and got some turnovers,” Grady added. “I’m really proud of our guys and also our coaches for the job they did preparing the guys as well.” What’s next for both Brunswick and Glynn is up in the air. BHS is scheduled to play at Bradwell Institute on Friday while GA is scheduled to host Evans on Friday at GC Stadium. The Georgia High School Association is considering extending the regular season by a week to help teams with making up games from this past week and any games from this week that might also need to be rescheduled because of circumstances facing schools across the Peach State after the storm.