King Bee Out At Southeast Bulloch
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Southeast Bulloch and the Bulloch County School system announced Monday that Jared Zito has been relieved of his duties as the Head Football Coach for Southeast Bulloch.
Zito finished his 5th season at the helm of the Jackets with an overall record of 31-24.
As of now, Zito will stay at Southeast Bulloch as a physical education teacher, but Defensive Coordinator Jason Anthony will serve as the Interim Head Coach to begin the off-season program.
Southeast Bulloch narrowly missed the GHSA State Playoffs in 2025 with a 5-5 record but made 2 appearances in the postseason in the 5 years under Zito.
In Zito’s first season in Brooklet, SEB finished 10-2 with the first playoff win for the program since 1973.
After 2 years of playing in the 4A Ranks, SEB returned to the 3A playoffs in 2024. The Jackets advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Stephenson to finish the season with a 10-3 mark.
Zito’s SEB tenure wraps up his 22nd year as a head coach where he holds a 112-123 overall record between time in both Georgia & Florida.
Now the process to find the next head coach fall into the very capable hands of SEB Principal Dr. Julie Mizell and Athletic Director Mark Oliver.
While this process will unquestionably be scouring the state and country to search for the best leader of the program. That said, there are a couple of names that are already on staff that I’m sure will get some looks too.
Jason Anthony has been the defensive coordinator for Southeast Bulloch for the past five seasons and is remarkably respected among players and supporters.
I have said for years that “Ant” is one of the most underappreciated coaches in the country.
Anthony has been recognized multiple times by Parker Resources as one of the Defensive Coordinators of the year. I can’t overstate the impact that Anthony has on the players. The level of respect and love from players, from other coaches, and supporters/parents around the program is that which every coach across the country strives for.
The other name currently on staff that is likely to get looks is Offensive Line coach Brandon Peterson. “Pete” has been at Southeast Bulloch for nearly 15 years (spanning four previous head coaches).
Much like was mentioned about Anthony, Peterson has unbelievable respect among the team. While Peterson hasn’t been a head football coach in his career, he currently serves as the head baseball coach for Southeast Bulloch.
While the title was only O-Line coach, Peterson was integral in the offensive gameplan and was the right-hand man for Zito in the offensive execution.
Southeast Bulloch has so much potential, especially with the growing area and new school construction along the horizon, so it will be interesting to see how the process of finding the new Head Jacket unfolds.
On a personal note, I do want to say “Thank You” to Coach Zito. I’ve had the honor of being the “Voice of the Jackets” broadcasting SEB Football on radio for all 5 years he was in Brooklet.
He was exceptional with us, letting us feel like and be fully involved with the program to be able to better cover the team. I really appreciate everything he did to welcome our crew in and help us do our jobs.
