Brooks Co. (0-0)

THOMASVILLE – Thomasville and Brooks County have history. It may not compare to the rivalry the Bulldogs have established with Thomas County Central and Cairo, but the former region competitors have built a fierce rivalry.

The next chapter occurs Friday night when Brooks County visits Veterans Memorial Stadium to play Thomasville in the season opener.

“Any time you play them, you better get ready for 48 minutes of a fight. That’s what it’s about. Thomas County Central, Cairo, those are rivals, but Brooks is a big game, too,” Thomasville coach Jonathan DeLay said. “It’ll be a big game, ton of people there. It’s a short ride down 84. I love playing that game.”

When the two teams tangle, it usually makes for a thrilling and physical contest. Who can forget the 2017 game when the Bulldogs rallied from a 20-0 deficit to win 23-20. Two years ago wasn’t bad either. Thomasville staved off a late Brooks County comeback to win 42-34.

DeLay has nothing but respect when discussing Brooks County head coach Maurice Freeman and how he’s built his program in Quitman.

“I can’t say enough about coach Maurice Freeman, what he means to that school but what he means to Georgia high school football in general. I have a lot of respect for him. Since I got the head coaching job, he was one of the first guys to call me,” DeLay said. “I can pick up the phone and know he’s going to answer any time I call, if I’ve got a question or anything. When you talk about his team, when you play Brooks County, the team that wins is the team that’s most physical and the team that takes care of the football.”

Brooks County won last year’s game 42-7. The teams have alternated wins since 2017. The game has added intrigue this year since former Thomasville coach Zach Grage now serves as Brooks County’s athletic director.