Twenty-eight high school football players and coaches from the Savannah area earned offensive and defensive Players of the Year, Coach of the Year, and All-State honors in their respective classifications and organizations.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA), the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA), and the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) organizations' regional coaches select special awards and all-region teams for high school football. These selections include postseason awards for player of the year, offensive and defensive player of the year, all-state honors, and coach of the year.
SPECIAL HONORS
GHSA Class AAAAAAA Region 1 7A
Offensive Player of the Year: WR Nick Bliss, Richmond Hill, Sr.
GHSA Class AAAAAA Region 1-6A
Player of the Year: RB/LB AJ Butts, Effingham County, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Nate Hayes, Effingham County, Sr.
Coach of the Year: John Ford, Effingham County
GHSA Class AAAAA Region 1 5A
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Christopher Garrett, Bradwell, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB Lorenzo Cowan, Jenkins, Sr.
GHSA Class AAAA - Region 3-4A
Co-Offensive Players of the Year:
QB Rashawn Truell, New Hampstead, Jr.
QB Luke Kromenhoek, Benedictine, Sr.
Co-Defensive Player of the Year: LB Wilkes Albert, Benedictine, Sr.
Athlete of the Year: RB/LB Bryce Baker, Benedictine, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Kyle Hockman, New Hampstead
Class AAA Region 3 3A
Player of the Year: QB Jake Merklinger, Calvary Day, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Barton Mixon, Savannah Country Day, Jr.
Defensive Player of the Year: DL Elijah Griffin, Savannah Christian, Jr.
Athlete of the Year: LB/RB David Bucey, Savannah Christian, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Mark Stroud, Calvary Day
Class A Division I Region 3A Division I
Player of the Year: RB/LB Austin Clemons, Bryan County, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: RB Jacari Carney, Bryan County, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB Tanner Ennis, Bryan County, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Cherard Freeman, Bryan County
GIAA District 1/AAAA
All-state: RB: Richaard Williams, St. Andrew's.
GIAA A Region 2 Region
All-state: QB: Tyler Kendle, Memorial Day, Sr., OL: Tyler Snipes, Memorial Day, Sr.
SCISA 2A
Player of the Year: Triston Randall, Bethesda, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: Kamerion Lanigan Bethesda, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Antwain Turner
ALL-REGION HONORS
GHSA Class AAAAAAA Region 1 7A
Offensive Player of the Year: WR Nick Bliss, Richmond Hill, Sr.
First Team Offense:
OL: Ho'o Naki, Richmond Hill, Jr.
First Team Defense:
CB: Brandon McDonald, Richmond Hill, Jr.
Second Team Offense:
RB: Josh Ulrich Troupe, Richmond Hill, Jr.
OL: Brody Miller, Richmond Hill, Jr.
Second Team Defense:
DL: Tad Christman, Richmond Hill, Jr.
ILB: Lee Johnson, Richmond Hill, Jr.
OLB: Aiden Grant, Richmond Hill, Jr.
CB: Caleb Easterling, Richmond Hill, Jr.
Honorable Mention:
QB: Kirk Scott, Richmond Hill.
OL: Camron Jackson, Richmond Hill; Thomas Zimbalatti, Richmond Hill; Ashtin Fisher, Richmond Hill.
GHSA Class AAAAAA Region 1-6A
Player of the Year: RB/LB AJ Butts, Effingham County, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Nate Hayes, Effingham County, Sr.
Coach of the Year: John Ford, Effingham County
First Team Offense:
OL: Brady Meglan, Effingham County, Sr.
OL: Ashton Anderson, South Effingham, Sr.
First Team Defense:
DL: Joe Polite, Effingham County, Jr.
ILB: Bryson Horton, Effingham County, Jr.
ILB: Jeremiah Washington, South Effingham, Sr.
OLB/SS: Jameaz Cope-Effingham County, Sr.
DB: Gary Cooper, Effingham County, Sr.
DB: Dominic Martell, South Effingham, Sr.
Second Team Offense:
OL: Shane Alvin, South Effingham, Sr.
OL: Josh Ford, Effingham County, Jr.
RB: Jayden Evans, Effingham County, Sr.
RB: Gannon White, South Effingham, Sr.
WR: Q. King, Effingham County, Jr.
WR: Ryan Wells, Effingham County, Jr.
WR: Aubrey Heath, South Effingham, Sr.
Second Team Defense:
DL: Christian Dillon, Effingham County, Sr.
DL: Jaiden Washburn, South Effingham, Jr.
ILB: Chase Whittle, South Effingham, Sr.
OLB/SS: Jayden Marzette, Effingham County, Jr.
DB: Damion Gordon, Effingham County, Jr.
P: Tyler Quick, South Effingham, Sr.
Honorable Mention:
QB: Kaden DeGenaro, South Effingham.
RB: DaMyon McFarlin, South Effingham; Kadin Ward, South Effingham.
HB/TE: Zack Webb, Effingham County; WR: Zack Gant, Effingham County; Lamar Roberts, Effingham County.
OL: Trace Wright, Effingham County; Berry Randolph, Effingham County; Tau Quarterman, Effingham County; Peyton Kirby, South Effingham.
DL: Kosygin Huff, Evans.
DB: Jmere Doe-Davis, Effingham County; DJ Bartley, Effingham County; Javarri Williams, Effingham County.
GHSA Class AAAAA Region 1 5A
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Christopher Garrett, Bradwell, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB Lorenzo Cowan, Jenkins, Sr.
1st Team Offense:
WR: Tyron Jones, Bradwell, Jr.
WR: Bryant Thomas, Bradwell, Sr.
OL: Elyjah Thurmon, Bradwell, Sr.
OL: Antonio Wathour, Bradwell, Sr.
OL: Cameron Thompson, Jenkins, So.
OL: Deshon Green, Jenkins, Jr.
ATH: Jeremiah James, Jenkins, Sr.
1st Team Defense:
LB: Davion Banks, Bradwell, Jr.
LB: Brandon Baxter, Jenkins, Jr.
LB: Sylvester Harris, Jenkins, Sr.
DB: Dayvion Tillman, Bradwell, Jr.
DB: Todd Rhodes, Jenkins, Sr.
DB: Khayden Jones, Jenkins, Jr.
ATH: Marquis Bush, Jenkins, Jr.
Return Specialist: Dominique Johnson, Jenkins, So.
Honorable Mention:
RB: Wade Cobb, Bradwell, Jr.; Jayuan Albert, Jenkins, Jr.; Ryan Scott, Jenkins, So.; Joe Polite, Jenkins, Sr.
HB/TE: Kemari Hall, Jenkins, So.
OL: Noah Quarles, Bradwell, Sr.; Joseph Morris, Bradwell, Jr.; Ja'saiyah Boatright, Jenkins, So. ; Johnny Sheffield, Jenkins, Sr.; Emmanuel Sanders, Jenkins, Jr.
DL: Issac Smith, Jenkins, Jr.; Aujshawn Izzard, Jenkins, So.
DB: Billy Johnson, Jenkins, Sr.; Jashawn Davis, Jenkins, Sr.; Brian Swinton, Jenkins, So.
K: Jonah Saylor, Jenkins, So.
GHSA Class AAAA - Region 3-4A
Co-Offensive Players of the Year:
QB Rashawn Truell, New Hampstead, Jr.
QB Luke Kromenhoek, Benedictine, Sr.
Co-Defensive Player of the Year:
LB Wilkes Albert, Benedictine, Sr.
Athlete of the Year:
RB/LB Bryce Baker, Benedictine, Sr.
Coach of the Year:
Kyle Hockman, New Hampstead
First Team: Benedictine
OL: Jacobe Ward, Jr.
RB: Nasier Samuel, Sr.
W.R.: Chris Frazier, So.
DL: Jeremiah Thomas, Sr.
LB: Third Scroggins, Jr.
DB: Micah Williams, So.
First Team: New Hampstead
WR: Jaylen Hampton, Sr.
OL: Zach Pearson, Sr.
DE: Aaziah Scott, Sr.
LB: Kameron Blake-Mazes, Jr.
WR/C: Malach Lonnon, Sr.
First Team: Islands
LB: Isaac Harris, Jr.
Second Team: Benedictine
WR: Ladon Bryant, Sr.
OL: Talen Waddell, Sr.
OL: Ralph Scroggins, Jr.
DL: Areyion Guyton, Jr.
DL: Kam Cody, So.
LB: Larson Little, So.
Second Team: New Hampstead
DL: Kyron Anderson, Sr.
WR/Ret: Kamari Maxwell, Jr.
OLB: Jordan Sonnabend, Sr.
Cen: Alex Kohles, Sr.
DL: Shaun Hamilton, Jr.
Second Team: Islands
WR: JayDen Sutton, Jr.
Honorable Mention: Benedictine
RB: Rasean Matthews, Sr.; OL: Cole Walker, Sr.; DB: Antonio Hansen Mann, Sr.; DB: Marque Williams, Jr.; K: Connor Ferguson, Jr.
RB: Ashley Edwards, Sr.; OL: Lawrence Rivers, Jr.; DB: Houston Jackson, Sr.; DB: Zach Maxwell, Jr.
Honorable Mention: Islands
WR/DB: Carson Kurdys, Jr.; DL: Elijah Patton, Jr.; DB: Carter Ruesch, Sr.; DL: Daniel Ferguson, Sr.; RB: Quentin Reed, Jr.; RB: Dominick Jackson, Sr.; DB: Hayden Burroughs, Sr.; WR: Dillon Bradley, So; DB: Brandon Wells, Sr.; TE: Clay Williams, Jr.; QB: Chet Bachman, So.; OL/LB: JaQuan Jones, Jr.; OL: Eason Chen, So.
Honorable Mention: New Hampstead
OL: Noah Sowell, Sr.; OL: William Reedy, Sr.; OL: Jeremiah Hart, Jr.; DB: Khamari Smart, So.; TE: Nathanael Horton Jr., Sr.; DB: Jawara Green, Jr.; PK: Jamaal Brown, Jr.
Class AAA Region 3 3A
Player of the Year: QB Jake Merklinger, Calvary Day, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: QB Barton Mixon, Savannah Country Day, Jr.
Defensive Player of the Year: DL Elijah Griffin, Savannah Christian, Jr.
Athlete of the Year: LB/RB David Bucey, Savannah Christian, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Mark Stroud, Calvary Day
First Team Offense:
QB: Carlos Singleton, Liberty County, Sr.
RB: Zo Smalls, Savannah Christian, Jr.
WR: Caden Arnold, Calvary Day, Sr.
WR: Keith James, Savannah Country Day, Sr.
WR: Thomas Blackshear, Calvary Day, Sr.
WR: Jeramiah Payne, Liberty County, Sr.
ATH: Kenry Wall, Savannah Christian, Jr.
TE: Mike Smith, Calvary Day, Sr.
OL: John Offer, Calvary Day, Sr.
OL: Andrew Nicholson, Savannah Country Day, Jr.
OL: Jayceon Little, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
OL: Tyson Gross, Savannah Christian, Sr.
OL: Sam Hensley, Calvary Day, Jr.
K: Grady Shiver, Calvary Day, So.
First Team Defense:
DL: Rooster Bing, Savannah Country Day, Sr.
DL: Nashun Mitchell, Johnson (Savannah), Sr.
DL: Buddy Mathis, Calvary Day, Jr.
DL: Quentin Morris, Calvary Day, Sr.
DL: LaDamian Guyton, Savannah Christian, Fr.
LB: Tyler Scott, Savannah Country Day, Jr.
LB: Jaden Miles, Savannah Christian, Jr.
LB: Brody Dawson, Calvary Day, Jr.
LB: Cutter Powell, Calvary Day, Jr.
LB: Jashawn Lovett, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
DB: Trevor Strowbridge, Calvary Day, Sr.
DB: Daimir Hicks, Calvary Day, So.
DB: Chandler Reid, Beach, Jr.
DB: Shareefe Morgan, Beach, Jr.
ATH: Jamari McIvory, Savannah Christian, Sr.
P: Athon Herrin, Savannah Country Day, Sr.
Second Team Offense:
QB: Blaise Thomas, Savannah Christian, So.
RB: Hyers Holland, Savannah Country Day, Jr.
RB: Jordan Tillman, Calvary Day, Sr.
WR: Doopah Coleman, Calvary Day, Jr.
WR: Josh Washington, Savannah Country Day, So.
WR: Ron Golden, Liberty County, Sr.
ATH: Brooks Kleinpeter, Savannah Country Day
TE: Logan Brooking, Savannah Christian, Jr.
OL: Lyric Johnson, Groves, So.
OL: John Swindell, Calvary Day, So.
OL: Noah Lewis, Savannah Christian, Sr.
OL: Hezekiah Manning, Groves, Jr.
OL: Moses Echols, Calvary Day, Jr.
OL: JT Howell, Savannah Christian, So.
OL: Jordan Dillon, Savannah Christian, Fr.
K: Cash Ramirez, Savannah Country Day, So.
Second Team Defense:
DL: RayRay Jackson, Savannah Country Day, Sr.
DL: Dakari Smith, Beach, So.
DL: Jordan Davis, Calvary Day, Sr.
DL: Isaiah Redmond, Savannah Christian, So.
DL: Micah Calhoun, Groves, Jr.
DL: Anthony Goggins, Groves, Sr.
LB: Desmond Brown, Liberty County, Sr.
LB: Kejaun Lindsay, Beach, So.
LB: Isaiah Scott, Johnson, Savannah High, Jr.
LB: Hayes Beaver, Savannah Country Day, So.
LB: Reid Penrose, Savannah Christian, So.
DB: Brexton Bell, Calvary Day, Fr.
DB: Emerson Lewis, Calvary Day, Fr.
DB: Athen Hudspeth, Savannah Christian, So.
DB: Ryan Golden, Liberty County, Jr.
DB: Joshua Maxwell, Johnson (Savannah), Jr.
ATH: Carson Cook, Savannah Country Day, Sr.
P: Brynin Collins, Johnson (Savannah), So.
Honorable Mention:
QB: Trenton Tukes, Groves.
RB: Ladante Bright, Beach; Chase Lucas, Calvary.
WR: Malachi Gardiner, Groves; Makel Brown, Groves.
TE: Boone Wiesner, Savannah Country Day; Brooks Phillips, Calvary Day.
OL: John Avino, Savannah Country Day; Jamon Pittman, Liberty County; Emmanuel Korankye, Beach; Luke Gunn, Savannah Christian.
DL: Audric Whitfield, Liberty County; Ricardo Bright, Beach; Jeremiah Bey, Beach; Jay Varner, Calvary; Isaiah Miller, Long County; Javarrius Smith, Johnson; Avion Dillard, Groves; Jawan Tate, Groves.
LB: Sam Bueno, Savannah Country Day.
DB: Andrew Wynn, Savannah Country Day; Gabe McKinney, Savannah Country Day; Julian Gerena, Liberty County; Amare Drew, Calvary; Noah Stone, Savannah Christian; Charlie Yannett, Savannah Christian; Derreon Johnson, Johnson (Savannah); Jadon Pugh, Johnson (Savannah).
ATH: Jaden Hurd, Liberty County; Treshawn Robinson, Johnson (Savannah); Brian Robinson, Johnson (Savannah).
K: Trey Aiello, Liberty County; Wilmer Ruiz, Beach; Ethan Byrd, Savannah Christian; Kaden Cheatham, Savannah Christian.
Class AA - Region 3-2A
Second-Team Offense:
OL: Markee Eason, Windsor Forest, Jr.
Second-Team Defense:
LB: Zach Patterson, Windsor Forest, Sr.
DB: Jason Jackson, Windsor Forest, Jr.
Honorable Mention:
QB: Anthony Williams, Windsor Forest.
RB: Cam Woods, Windsor Forest.
WR: Dorion Bowling-Tynes, Windsor Forest; Calvin Garcia, Windsor Forest.
OL: Dominque Aikens, Windsor Forest; Trokon Johnson, Windsor Forest; Jeremiah Williamson, Windsor Forest.
DL: Jamier Axon, Windsor Forest; Kendal Carter, Windsor Forest; Courtney Patrick, Windsor Forest.
LB: Arik Brown, Windsor Forest.
DB: Andrew Mitchell, Windsor Forest; Jaiden Thomas, Windsor Forest.
Class A Division I Region 3A Division I
Player of the Year: RB/LB Austin Clemons, Bryan County, Sr.
Offensive Player of the Year: RB Jacari Carney, Bryan County, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: LB Tanner Ennis, Bryan County, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Cherard Freeman, Bryan County
Offense:
QB: Sean Kelly Hill, Bryan County, Sr.
RB: Stephen Fox Jr., Savannah, Jr.
RB: Erin Green, Bryan County, Sr.
RB/UTIL: Carson Nunn, Bryan County, Sr.
TE: Trevor Lanier, Bryan County, Jr.
TE: Kristopher Martin, Bryan County, Sr.
OL: Allen Williams, Bryan County, Jr.
OL: John Good, Bryan County, Sr.
OL: Byron Lewis, Bryan County, Sr.
Defense:
DL: Carlin Covington, Bryan County, Sr.
DL: Mathew Huff, Bryan County, Jr.
DL: Christopher Winnfree, Bryan County, Jr.
DL: Luke Holcombe, Bryan County, Sr.
DL: Corey Roberson, Savannah, So.
LB: Stephon Fox, Savannah, Jr.
DB: Gebravion Collins, Bryan County, So.
DB: Elijah Mincey, Bryan County, Jr.
GIAA District 1/AAAA:
First-team Offense/Defense
RB: Richaard Williams, St. Andrew's, Sr.
LB: Joe Frazar, St. Andrew's, So.
OL/DL: Tripp Jackson, St. Andrew's, Sr.
OL: Matt Licata, St. Andrew's, Sr.
ATH: Zayden Edwards, St. Andrew's, Jr.
K: Charles Strain, St. Andrews, So.
All-State: RB: Richaard Williams, St. Andrew's.
GIAA A Region 2 All-Region
First-team Offense/Defense
QB: Tyler Kindle, Memorial Day School, Sr.
RB: Assir Best, Memorial Day School, Jr.
WR: Julian Zamora, Memorial Day School, Sr.
WR: Justus Robinson, Memorial Day School, Sr.
OL: Joe Barnes, Memorial Day School, Sr.
OL: Nathan Parker, Memorial Day School, Sr.
DL: Tyler Snipes, Memorial Day School, Sr.
All State: QB: Tyler Kendle, Memorial Day, Sr.; OL: Tyler Snipes, Memorial Day, Sr.
SCISA 2A
Player of the Year: Triston Randall, Bethesda, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: Kamerion Lanigan Bethesda, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Antwain Turner
First Team:
RB: Noah Jenkins, Bethesda, Sr.
WR: Thomas Peters, Bethesda, Sr.
WR: Caleb Dillon Bethesda, Sr.
DL: Michael Henley, Bethesda, Sr.
DL: Keshaun Wright, Bethesda, So.
DE/LB: Kamerion Lanigan Bethesda, Sr.
DE/LB: Isaiah Reynolds, Bethesda, Sr.
DL: Arlando Chaney Bethesda, So.
DL: Jadyn Grant Bethesda, So.
DB: Raleigh Wesley, Bethesda, So.
DB: Riley Alecock, Bethesda, Sr.
KEY: Abbreviations for Offense Position
• RB: Running Back; HB; Halfback, OL: Offensive Lineman; TE: Tight End; QB: Quarterback; WR: Wide Receiver; K: Field Goal Kicker; ATH; Athlete.
Abbreviations for Defense Position
• DB: Defensive Back; DE: Defensive End; DL: Defensive Lineman; LB: Linebacker; ILB: Inside Linebacker; OLB: Outside Linebacker; S: Safety: P: Punter.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bryan County Middle High School social media page
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Optim Orthopedics supports Prep Sports and the following schools: Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institute, Calvary Day School, Liberty County High School, Richmond Hill High School, Savannah Country Day, South Effingham High School, and St. Vincent's athletics. Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institue, and Liberty County's team doctor is Dr. David Sedory. Dr. David Palmer is the team doctor for Calvary Day School, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill. Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent's team doctor is Dr. Thomas Alexander. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game.
