Week three of Savannah-area high school football brought big wins, exciting finishes, and game-changing plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Teams made big plays on all sides of the ball, while fans showed strong school spirit under the Friday Night Lights.
Following the high-energy matchups from last week, this roundup continues with game recaps from local schools that submitted information, highlighting coach's quotes and big moments that shaped the final results. After reviewing these recaps, check out the Week 4 schedule for a look ahead at what’s next around the Savannah Area.
Each week, the 912 X-Point Pigskin Roundup brings together game statistics, coach's quotes, and highlights to keep fans updated. Dive into this week’s coverage below, moving from one thrilling game to the next.
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Benedictine blanks Burke County, 41–0
Cadets dominate on both lines
Benedictine’s defense held Burke County to 114 yards (66 yds rushing, 48 passing) total offense for the game and led 14–0 at halftime on Aug. 29 after a screen TD from Stephen Cannon to Bubba Frazier and a 55-yard Cannon-to-Frazier strike, then pulled away with three long runs in the second half.
Offense: Cannon (TD passes 55, 21; 28-yd TD run), Stanley Smart (86-yd TD), Cole Henderson (70-yd TD), Chris Stokes (5-yd TD), Bubba Frazier (2 TD Catches).
Defense: Kam Cody, Issac Scott, and Gavin Smith led the front vs. the run.
Special Teams: Parker Lewis 5–6 extra-points.
Turning Point (Head Coach Danny Britt): “Stephen Cannon’s 28 yard rushing touchdown to get the second half scoring started and extend the lead to 21-0 catapulted us into a more productive and physical second half.”
Quote (Head Coach Danny Britt): “Burke County has such a great program. We’ve had some memorable games with them in the past decade. They were able to make things difficult on our offense in the first half. Fortunately, our defense played really well upfront and allowed our offense to find their footing in the second half and pull away. We still need to fix some things and we definitely need to limit our penalties, but it was a good win against a good team on the road. We will use the next few weeks to heal up, tweak some things, and be ready to go for Westminster and a difficult region schedule.”
Next Up: Benedictine (1-2) has the next two weeks off and will be at Westminster on Friday, September 19.
Bethesda races past Hilton Head Christian Academy, 53–28
Cheever, Turner lead Blazers’ explosive night
Bethesda jumped ahead 34–14 by halftime on Aug. 29 and secured a 53–28 win, controlling the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense.
Offense: Jordan Cheever (22–191, 2 rush TD; 61-yd TD catch), Raleigh Wesley (3–103, 2 TD; 2–26, 2 rush TD), Jordan Turner (8/11, 226 yds, 4 TD; 6–56 rush).
Defense: Jeffrey Armstrong (2 sacks), Isaiah Jones (INT, 10 tackles), Isaiah Redmond (6 tackles, sack), Kamond Young (7 tackles, sack).
Special Teams: Hociel Garcia 3 PAT; Turner punted 56 yards to the 5.
Turning point (Head Coach Antwain Turner): “Jordan Cheever broke for a 61-yard touchdown reception after breaking five tackles.”
Quote (Head Coach Antwain Turner): “Our team played with a determination and a physicality that set the tone. Hilton Head Christian is a very good football team and gave us everything they had. I am very proud of how our guys attacked all night!”
Next Up: John Paul II - Friday, Sept.5 at Richard Wright Stadium in Hardeeville
Calvary outlasts Oceanside, 59–49
Huge return and late stop seal shootout
Calvary emerged with a 59–49 win in a back-and-forth contest on Aug. 29, highlighted by a 99-yard kick return touchdown from sophomore Ty Pinkney and a late defensive stand.
Offense: QB James Mobley (18–29, 336 yds, 2 TD; 8–55, TD), Marlon Knight (7–98, 2 TD), Jalen Hicks (6–96, TD; 1–1, 20-yd TD pass), Caden Jones (24–98, 3 TD).
Defense: Kenneth Baker (7 tackles, sack), Jeffery McCormick (2 sacks, FR), Scottie Walker (INT), Shawn Williams (INT), Jay Varner (Forced fumble), Davis Witherington (sack).
Special Teams: Grady Shiver was perfect on Points After Touchdown kicks (PAT) (8-8) and hit a 35-yard FG.
Quote (Head Coach Jason Cameron): “I love our guys! They play so hard for one another and NEVER stopped fighting all night.”
Next Up: Calvary Day (2-0, 1-0) at SE Bulloch (1-1, 1-0) Friday, Sept. 5.
Central Fellowship Christian rallies past St. Andrew’s, 32–26
Lancers erase 22–0 deficit with late surge
St. Andrew’s built a 22–0 first-quarter lead and was up 26–6 at halftime on Aug. 29, but Central Fellowship Christian shifted momentum with a third-quarter interception and rallied for a 32–26 victory.
SAS leaders: Amari Cook (9–155, 2 TD; 30-yd receiving TD), Pat Jackson (15–66, TD; 5/9, 113 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT), Darius Chapman (7–26; 2-61, 51-yd TD).
Defense: Joe Frazar (16 assists, 3 solo, TFL), Jack Kelley (6 assists, 2 TFL, sack), Josiah Bowers (INT, 23-yd return), Landen Buchmann (7 assists, 3 solo). Cook added a 45-yd KOR.
Turning point (Head Coach Wes Worthington): “The interception in the 3rd quarter as our offense was driving to score gave CFC life and they took full advantage by scoring in a few plays to pull within a score.”
Quote (Head Coach Wes Worthington): “We lost a heartbreaker tonight as we were up at halftime and let the game slip through our fingers in the second half. I’m extremely proud of our effort and valiant attempt to win the game late. Hats off to CFC for making a few more plays than we did down the stretch.”
Next Up: St. Andrew's (1-2) at Briarwood Academy (2-0) on Friday, Sept. 5.
Effingham edges New Hampstead, 23–20
Phoenix shows grit in narrow loss
Effingham County earned a 23–20 win on Aug. 29 after a defensive start gave way to a close contest. New Hamsptead’s Christian Kinlaw kept New Hampstead in the game with 130 rushing yards, 80 receiving, and two total touchdowns. Defensively for the Phoenix, Jalen Suber made five tackles and an interception.
New Hampstead recovered an onside kick and converted a two-point try, but a late fourth-and-2 went the other way.
Offense (Effingham, via Dennis Knight – Savannah Morning News): J’Mere Doe-Davis ran for 90 yards and a touchdown. JR McKenzie added an early score, while Kris Swinney had a rushing touchdown and threw for 44 yards. Trayvis Hunter caught four passes for 41 yards, and Noah Reese added a two-point conversion run.
Quote (Assistant Coach Noah Winstead/NHHS): “The guys played till the final whistle. We finally found some identity on offense while our defense continues to be strong. Got seven more opportunities in front of us and we just have start fast and finish strong which is easier said than done.”
Next Up: New Hampstead (1-2, 0-0) at Richmond Hill (2-0) Friday, September 5. Effingham (1-1) at Brunswick (1-1) Friday, September 5.
Jenkins overwhelms Groves, 65–6
Defense, special teams, and ground game dominate
Jenkins (1-1, 1-0) controlled every phase of play on Aug. 29, giving up just one first down and forcing four turnovers in a 65–6 win at Memorial Stadium. The Warriors added two punt return touchdowns and a safety to dominate the matchup.
Offense: Jaylon Elliot (2 TD runs), KeMari Wright (TD run), Jaylon Cooskey (TD run), Kemari Hall (TD catch), plus rushing from Ryan Scott and Tyler Smalls; QB Demetrius Holloway (2/4, TD).
Defense: Ronnie Taylor (2 sacks), Akeviyahn Haynes (26-yd pick-six), Noah Whitaker (4 tackles, sack, safety), and more.
Special teams - Dominique Johnson (3 returns -132 yards, TD), Torean Wilson (1-61, TD); kickers Joshua Woodley (5 Touchbacks) and Louis Fuchus (2 TB).
Quote (Jenkins Assistant Coach Chris Olgesby): “This season we are treating every game as a championship game, so we have to give maximum effort with minimum mistakes!”
Next Up: Jenkins (1-1,1-0) versus Liberty County (2-0, 1-0) at Memorial Stadium Friday, September 5. Groves (0-2, 0-1) is at Long County (2-0, 1-0) on Friday, Sept. 5.
Liberty County defeats Windsor Forest, 36–6
Panthers’ balance and Knights’ highlight play mark the night
Liberty County posted a 36–6 win on Aug. 29 behind quarterback Ja’Eir Roberts (178 passing yards, 40 rushing yards, 1 TD) and a ground attack led by Elijah Brown (19 carries, 120 yards, 2 TD) and Noel Best (6 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD). The passing game balanced the offense with Aaron Brown (5 receptions, 71 yards), AJ Garlin (2 receptions, 61 yards), and Montavius Johnson (2 receptions, 41 yards).
The Panthers' defense delivered five sacks, and Raymond Woods returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown.
Windsor Forest’s bright spot came in the second half when quarterback JR Rowland lofted a 10-yard fade to Jayden Thomas, who out-jumped the defender for a highlight-reel touchdown grab.
Quote (Liberty Head Coach Tony Glazer): “Kids played hard all night, as we were able to overcome 3 turn overs the first half. Defense played well all night with 5 sacks.”
Quote (Windsor Assistant coach Zane Rowland): “Our guys responded extremely well given the circumstances of the game.”
Next Up: Liberty County (2-0, 1-0) vs. Jenkins (1-1, 1-0) at Memorial Stadium, Friday, Sept. 5. Windsor Forest (1-1, 0-1) vs. Beach (0-1/0-1) at Savannah High School Stadium, Friday, Sept. 5.
Long County surges late past Johnson, 28–7
Missed chances swing momentum in the fourth quarter
Long County led 6–0 at halftime on Aug. 28 after recovering the opening kickoff fumble. Johnson tied it in the third when Shamari King scored from 19 yards and finished with 15 carries for 167 yards and a TD.
A dropped end-zone pass led to a missed 32-yard field goal, and Long County answered with an eight-play drive for a 14–7 lead, then added two late TDs after Johnson turnovers.
Defense: Dezrin Davis 6 tackles and a fumble recovery; Devrin Davis 6 tackles, 1 TFL.
Turning point (Johnson Head Coach Steven Smith): Dropped TD after tying score and a 3-and-out that set up Long County’s go-ahead drive.
Next Up: Johnson (0-2, 0-1) versus Islands (0-2, 0-1) at Islands Stadium Friday, September 5
Richmond Hill routs Everglades, 49–0
The entire roster contributes to the home win
Richmond Hill jumped out early with an offensive score and a defensive touchdown, rolling to a 49–0 win on Aug. 29 in a game where all 70 Wildcats saw action.
Offense: QB Gunner Mobley went 10-of-17 for 132 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT. On the ground, Amire Miller (4 carries, 48 yards, 2 TD), DJ Porter (4 carries, 31 yards), Braeden Parsons (3 carries, 21 yards, 1 TD), and Jaylen Smith (2 carries, 13 yards, 1 TD) powered the rushing attack. Receivers included Eli Grant (3 catches, 33 yards, 1 TD) and Porter (1 catch, 26 yards, 1 TD).
Defense: Layton Steigelman had 3 tackles and a 20-yard fumble recovery TD, while Tre Brown added 4 tackles and a sack.
Special Teams: Carson Cassidy was perfect (5/5 PAT), Cannon Kuryla added two PATs, and Porter chipped in with a 26-yard kickoff return.
Quote (Head Coach Matt LeZotte): “It was amazing to see the level of execution from top to bottom, ninth through 12th grade, executing perfectly our schematics. A true testament to our development of all of our teams within our program.”
Next Up: Richmond Hill (2-0/0-0) versus New Hampstead (1-2, 0-0) at Richmond Hill Friday, September 5.
Savannah Christian handles Mount Paran, 22–7
Raiders’ balance travels in road win
SCPS beat Mount Paran 22–7 on Aug. 29, totaling 405 yards (194 rushing, 211 passing) with just one turnover. Blaise Thomas went 7–10 for 211 yards and two touchdowns, Cam Yeldell had four catches for 119 yards and a touchdown, and Weston Hughes added a 70-yard touchdown.
Defense: John Gross (11 tackles, Pass Breakup), Athen Hudspeth (11 tackles), Ivyn Richardson (10 tackles).
Special Teams: Karson Leake consistently pinned the Eagles and handled kickoffs (40, 50, 59, 58).
Turning Point (Head Coach Baker Woodward): “I think our physicality shaped the game. We are beginning to get more physical.”
Quote (Head Coach Baker Woodward): “Great team win for us. We have 5 injuries on the offense and two on the defense. 2 of our injuries are season ending so I was very please to go four hours away and have guys step up that are not usually in starting positions.”
Next Up: SCPS (3-0, 0-0) at Oceanside Collegiate (0-2) Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on Friday, Sept. 5.
Savannah Country Day grinds past Porter-Gaud, 13–7
Hornets’ defense, Bean–Holland connection deliver
Savannah Country Day secured a 13–7 victory over Porter-Gaud on Aug. 29 in a physical contest. The Hornets' defense slowed an opponent who had averaged 470 rushing yards in its first two games.
Offense: Thomas Holland (22–101 rush; 13/20, 203 yds, 2 TD) repeatedly found Peyton Bean (9–141, 2 TD).
Defense: Hayes Beaver (12 tackles), Boone Wiesner (10 tackles), Nolan Watson (INT, PBU).
Special Teams: Cash Ramirez flipped the field on kick-offs and punts.
Turning point (Head Coach Joey Blackmore): “Our Defense was very physical early. QB Thomas Holland was able to find WR Peyton Bean on multiple explosive plays through the air which softened up the Defense. The Second Half we were able to run the ball with efficiency and become more balanced which is our goal.”
Quote (Head Coach Joey Blackmore): “Our Defense played great throughout the game allowing our offense to feel out Porter-Gaud's gameplan and the ability to make adjustments. Cash Ramirez was great with Kickoff and Punts consistently flipping the field. Thomas Holland found a comfortability passing the ball looking to Sophomore Peyton Bean vs a stacked box making it difficult to run the football in the first half.”
Next Up: SCD (1-2, 0-0) Bluffton (2-0) on Friday, Sept. 5.
South Effingham falls to Toombs County, 55–8
Special teams spark, but miscues prove costly
South Effingham trailed 20–0 at halftime on Aug. 29, then closed the gap with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown and a successful two-point try to make it 20–8 in the third quarter. The Mustangs lost momentum as Toombs County capitalized on mistakes to pull away 55–8.
Khyran White led the ground game. QB Liam Coburn had deep shots that drew pass-interference flags, limiting his box-score numbers. The defensive line produced 2–3 sacks and several TFLs. Danny Murtha blocked and recovered a punt for a TD.
Quote (Head Coach Loren Purvis): “Our guys fought hard against a defending state champion. They got punched in the mouth and then we punched right back and I was proud of that. We are getting better and it’s only a matter of time before we find that first win.”
Next Up: South Effingham (0-2, 0-0) has a bye week, then hosts Lakeside on Friday, Sept. 12.
Other Final Score:
Southeast Bulloch 41, Islands 7
Week 4 Savannah Area High School football Schedule:
(Note: All games kick off at 7:30 p.m. unless noted)
Friday, September 5 (7:30 p.m. starts unless noted): New Hampstead at Richmond Hill, Glynn Academy at Bradwell*, Effingham County at Brunswick*, Beach at Windsor Forest* (SHS), Calvary Day at SE Bulloch*, Groves at Long County*, Johnson at Islands* (IS), Liberty County at Jenkins* (MS), Savannah Christian at Oceanside Collegiate, Savannah Country Day at Bluffton, Savannah High at Bryan County*, Bethesda at John Paul II, St. Andrew's at Briarwood
Note: * denotes Region games. (Savannah High Stadium, Islands Stadium, and Memorial Stadium are indicated in parentheses.)
Stadium abbreviations: DP – Daffin Park; GS – Groves Stadium; IS – Islands Stadium; MS – Memorial Stadium; SHS – Savannah High Stadium; PS – Pooler Stadium
Photo: Courtesy lensbyshaunce_
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