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a punt. The Toombs offense capitalized again, driving 84 yards in eight plays. Senior quarterback TJ Stanley connected with senior wide receiver LaGonza Hayward for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Stanley went 4-for-4 on the drive, amassing 62 passing yards. Otero’s extra point extended the Bulldogs’ lead to 14-0.
In the second quarter, Dublin responded with a sustained drive, finding the end zone on a two-yard run and converting a two-point attempt to cut Toombs’ lead to 14-8 with 6:50 left in the half. However, that was as close as the Fighting Irish would get. Stanley and Hayward struck again late in the half with a five-yard touchdown connection, sending Toombs County into the locker room with a 21-8 advantage.
The second half saw the Bulldogs dominate on both sides of the ball. Stanley scored on a oneyard quarterback keeper midway through the third quarter to push the lead to 28-8. The Red Bullet defense continued to stifle Dublin’s offense, forcing another punt. Early in the fourth quarter, Stanley broke loose for a 60-yard run to move deep into Irish territory. Two plays later, he found senior wide receiver Mike Polke on a 39-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 35-8.
Dublin managed one final score, trimming the deficit to 35-15 with 7:43 left in the game. However, Toombs County sealed the victory on the next possession. Junior Justin Powell delivered three consecutive punishing runs, including a 26-yard touchdown that put the game out of reach at 42-15.
The Bulldogs’ offensive balance was on full display, with a powerful ground attack and an efficient passing game. Stanley’s leadership and contributions on the ground and through the air were pivotal, while the defense delivered a disciplined and aggressive performance.
Stanley was 10-of-12 passing for 152 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 78 yards on 11 carries. Hayward had four receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns and made five tackles. Zyrese Scott had three tackles for losses. The Road to Atlanta Toombs County (12-1) will now face Northeast Macon (12-2) in the GHSA State Championship on Tuesday, December 17, at 1:00 p.m. in the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Tickets are available now at GoFan.com.
Northeast made it to the Championship after defeating Fitzgerald last week, 46-14. For Northeast, Nick Woodford, a week after rushing for 374 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries against Fannin County, rushed for 350 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries and caught a 27-yard TD pass against Fitzgerald. Reginald Glover, the Macon quarterback, was 7-of-11 passing for 139 yards and rushed for 85 yards on 10 carries.
The Bulldogs have made history this season, and the community will no doubt rally to support their team as they compete for their first-ever state title as Toombs County High School.
Lagonza Hayward goes up to make a nice catch for the Bulldogs as they took on the Dublin Irish in the State Semifinals.Photo by TCHS
