Stratford wins first GHSA matchup since 2021 with 28-12 victory over Wilkinson County

In a solid home performance, the Stratford Academy Eagles secured a 28-12 victory over the Wilkinson County Warriors, improving their season record to 4-0. 

While not a dominant win, Stratford showed resilience and poise, overcoming first-half struggles to pull away in the second half. Wilkinson County, which started the season strong at 2-0, dropped to 2-2 with he loss.

“We made some adjustments at halftime. We finally decided we wanted to play old-school football,” Stratford head coach Paul Carroll said after the game. “With it being a nasty night, and the ball dropping here and there, we should have been up, probably up 21-0, right there before the half.”

The Eagles continued their scoring ways of late, as they came into the contest averaging more than 43 points per game. Stratford had also won all six of its prior matchups with the Warriors, though they had not faced any GHSA opponents since 2021.

The game started with Wilkinson County receiving the opening kickoff, but the Eagle defense held strong and forced an early three-and-out. Starting their first drive at the Wilkinson 43-yard line, Stratford’s offense quickly found its rhythm. 

Quarterback Connor Fitzpatrick connected with wide receiver George Dunn for a 24-yard completion to set up a first-and-goal. Running back Chase Spencer then punched in the first of his two touchdowns to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead with 8:35 left in the first quarter.

The Warriors responded with two big plays, each over 20 yards, but couldn’t break through Stratford’s defense and turned the ball over on downs in Eagle territory. On their next possession, the Eagles advanced again with a 33-yard pass to wide receiver Jett Johnston, followed by another big play to George Dunn which was boosted by a roughing-the-passer penalty. 

With 21 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Fitzpatrick found Johnston in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

Wilkinson County managed to shift momentum when it recovered a Stratford fumble at the 1-yard line. The Warriors drove the ball 30 yards before scoring on a crucial 14-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. Despite missing the PAT, they brought the score to 14-6. 

Wilkinson’s defense then created another spark by forcing a Fitzpatrick fumble on a blitz and returning it for a touchdown, closing the gap to 14-12 after the Warriors failed to convert the ensuing two-point try.

The second half began with George Dunn’s kickoff return to midfield, providing a much-needed spark for the Eagles. Chase Spencer then took control, leading the team on a 6-play drive, capped by his second touchdown of the night — a hard-fought 8-yard run, restoring a 21-12 lead for Stratford. 

“We challenged him at halftime and told him he’s got to run the football and he’s got to play defense too,” Carroll said of Spencer. 

The head coach also praised Garner’s performance despite his uncharacteristic fumble. 

“Brooks Garner is going to give it every single night for us,” he said. 

On the following drive, Stratford’s defense forced another Wilkinson punt, and the Eagles kept the pressure on. A helmet-to-helmet penalty on Wilkinson after an incomplete pass set up the Eagles in good field position. Fitzpatrick capitalized, hitting Sal Phillips for a 34-yard touchdown pass with 4:11 left in the third quarter, giving Stratford a comfortable 28-12 lead.

From there, Stratford’s defense took charge, shutting down Wilkinson County’s offense for the remainder of the game.

Looking ahead to their Week 5 road matchup against Frederica, Carroll stressed the importance of continuing to improve. 

“Every single time we step on the field, we expect to win and it doesn’t matter who we play. We expect to win and we’ve got a big road test next week,” Caroll said.