THOMASVILLE – First it was senior Jay Randall. He was followed by sophomore Lavonte Cole. Sophomore Leeland Chapman followed not long afterward. Junior Ant Anderson even got in on the action. 

While only in a brief three quarter showing in their spring scrimmage against Dooly County, the Bulldogs displayed a balanced rushing attack that is deep, experienced and athletic. The quartet rushed for 186 yards and caught the eye of Thomasville Head Coach Jonathan DeLay.

“We’ve got Jay Randall, Lee Chapman, Lavonte Cole and Ant Anderson, they can all go. We’ve got (junior) E.J. Bean coming back from injury, so we’ve really got five that can play in a game right now,” DeLay said. “We’re definitely deep there.”

They each had their time to shine against the Bobcats defense. Randall snagged a short pass on the team’s third play, turned upfield and outran the Dooly County defense for 39 yards. He used his blazing speed to churn out 56 yards rushing and one touchdown. Cole rushed for 49 yards and one touchdown.

Chapman added 43 yards and a touchdown, while Anderson tallied 38 rushing yards.

What is exceptional about each of these running backs is their ability to stay balanced when hit by a defender. The Bulldogs racked up numerous yards after contact which will serve them well next season when the team plays tough defensive teams like Thomas County Central, Cairo, Bainbridge and Carver-Columbus.

“They do a really good job of being tough physically and staying on their feet; all of them do,” DeLay said. “That’s the thing, they rotate themselves, really. They use the rotation, and they just go. That’s why you see them running in and out, on and off the field. They can all play, and I trust every single one of them on any given play.”