The Bryan County Redskins can put a disappointing start to the season behind them and get a fresh start this weekend.

After opening the season with three non-region losses, Bryan County (0-3) will play at Groves (0-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Region 2-AA opener for both teams.

“The most important games are yet to be played,” BCHS head coach Allen Cartwright said. “Although we certainly would have rather won all three of our (non-region) games, none of them have any bearing on us making the playoffs.”

The games from here on out will determine Region 2-AA’s playoff participants. Groves is the first of seven straight region opponents for the Redskins.

Groves was shut out Friday for the second time in three games this season, falling 21-0 at Windsor Forest. The Rebels are averaging just 6.3 points per game.

Bryan County, meanwhile, had its best offensive output of the season so far in Friday’s 35-21 loss at Southeast Bulloch. The Redskins scored three second-half touchdowns, but were unable to come all the way back after the Yellow Jackets took a 21-0 lead.

“I thought we played well in the second half,” Cartwright said. “We seem to be getting a little better each week offensively. Our quarterback is playing with more confidence and our offensive line is improving. Our special teams also seem to be improving each week.”

Bryan County’s Dominique Mock had a big night on both sides of the ball. Mock scored on two of his three carries, finishing with a team-high 82 yards rushing, and led the defense with 12 tackles, including nine solo stops.

Mock scored the Redskins’ first touchdown on a 13-yard run in the third quarter, making the score 21-7. After Jaylon Wells’ 3-yard TD run put Southeast Bulloch back up by 21 points, Mock answered just 24 seconds later with a 61-yard score.

Kimonti Murray ran for a 37-yard TD later in the fourth quarter for the Redskins. Murray also registered eight tackles, as did teammate James Jackson.

BCHS quarterback Gage Hagan completed 4 of 7 passes for 46 yards. Willie Lavant was the Redskins’ leading receiver with two catches for 25 yards.

Southeast Bulloch scored on its first play from scrimmage, a 64-yard run by Chase Walker, and rolled up 348 yards of offense. Bryan County finished with 288.

All but six of the Yellow Jackets’ yards came on the ground. Walker, Southeast Bulloch’s big fullback, led the way with 202 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries.

Friday’s game will be Bryan County’s third straight on the road, following trips to Claxton and Brooklet. The Redskins have not played at home since their Aug. 21 season opener against Metter.

“The away games have been fairly close in proximity, so I don’t think playing on the road has been a huge factor — although we do enjoy playing at home,” Cartwright said.