DODGING THE DEFENSE: Trey Brenton narrowly misses a tackle as he takes the ball downfield during Friday night’s last regular region game.

THOMASVILLE – It only took two years for coach Justin Rogers to accomplish a feat at Thomas County Central no other coach ever had in the storied program’s history.

Central’s 31-16 victory over Northside-Warner Robins in the regular season finale at the Jackets Nest Friday night capped the Yellow Jackets’ second straight 10-0 season. It marked the first time in the team’s history that has ever happened. The accomplishment is not lost on Rogers.

“That’s pretty cool now,” Rogers said. “It’s a testament, too, to the kids that we have, coaches we have and the administration and the community. You’ve got all of the pieces to be a great program. I’m just excited to be here.”

Rogers is 22-1 in his brief tenure with the Yellow Jackets. He is also a perfect 10-0 in Region 1-6A games. His most recent region victory provided a positive boost for the Yellow Jackets heading into the state playoffs next week.

Trey Brenton rushed for 86 yards and caught five passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Jaylen Johnson passed for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a rushing score.

Central’s defense stymied Northside’s offense to just 3.7 yards per play. The Eagles managed just 146 total yards on 39 plays.

Rogers believes the historical significance of another undefeated regular season sparked his team against the Eagles, coming off an emotional win over Lee County the week before.

“I think having something to play for, something historic to play for really helped us,” Rogers said. “It gave us something to rally behind instead of it just being a game 10. I think that was really a good asset we were able to use.”

Since the Yellow Jackets are the region champions, they will host the first round of the state playoffs on Friday against St. Pius X. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.