The only deterrent for Calvary and the Cavaliers’ faithful Friday night at the Specialty Sports Complex was a rash of sub-50-degree weather that chilled everyone around 63rd Street.
Fortunately for them, it never slowed the Cavaliers’ effort on both sides of the ball in a 48-7 methodical mauling of Mount Paran Christian in a GHSA second-round playoff game.
With the victory, Calvary Day (10-1), winner of nine straight after a 16-15 loss to Oceanside Collegiate Academy, will host a quarterfinal playoff game against two-time defending state champion Prince Avenue Christian (8-3) next Friday night.
It was a night when the Cavaliers began to take control of the game literally on the game’s opening play. Edward "Doopah" Coleman took the opening kickoff on his own 28 and raced down to the Mount Paran six-yard line before he was knocked out of bounds.
Two plays later, Thomas Blackshear ran around the left end of the first of seven Calvary scores, their first two occurring within the game’s first five minutes.
On Calvary’s next possession, quarterback James Mobley IV threw the first of his four first-half touchdown passes, this one a 24-yard strike to Lavon Owens II for a 13-0 advantage with 7:47 left in the opening quarter.
Mount Paran Christian had trouble moving the ball in the first half, as Calvary’s front of Moses Echols, Jay Varner, and Walter Mathis Jr. helped them win the line of scrimmage all night.
Calvary sealed the game in the opening half with three more scores behind Mobley, who connected with Blackshear on a perfectly timed 19-yard pass, and he later threw a 35-dart to Coleman on a slant and hit Marlon Knight with a 42-yarder to close out a 34-7 halftime cushion.
With the Cavaliers in control at halftime, Mobley and the majority of the starters sat in the second half.
Caden Jones and backup quarterback Davis Witherington scored rushing touchdowns for the Cavaliers after halftime to close out the scoring.
Mobley, a first-year sophomore starter who finished with an efficient nine-of-11 passing for 183 yards, was happy with the victory, but he believes there are more ahead. He also has made his share of adjustments throughout the season. For the season, Mobley has completed 125 of 161 attempts for 2,231 yards and 32 touchdowns.
“We haven’t played our best ball yet,” said Mobley. “We just need to keep working to get better. I feel great, and we got the weekend off. We can rest and get ready for next week. I have a strong offense and defense behind me, and it has made it easier for me this year.
“It doesn’t matter who we play. We just have to keep executing.”
Head coach Mark Stroud, who is in his last season at the helm, has been impressed with the development of his young quarterback.
“James played well and made some good throws,” stressed Stroud. “He has really matured throughout the season, and has been a difference maker for us. We knew his potential, and he has been reaching it this season. He has the ability to be better.”
Along with Mobley, Stroud is confident his team can reach another level with a tall task facing them next week.
“They came to play, and they were physical,” added Stroud. “But our defense buckled down when it had to, and I’m proud of our guys’ effort.
“We have played good lately, but I think we can get better. I don’t think we have played as good as we can. Prince is a very good team, and we have to be ready for them.”
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CALVARY DAY 48, MOUNT PARAN 7 |
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| MOUNT PARAN | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| CALVARY DAY SCHOOL | 13 | 21 | 7 | 7 | 48 |
| First Quarter | |||||
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CDS-Thomas Blackshear 5-yard run (Blake Williams Kick) |
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CDS - Lavon Owens 22-yard pass from James Mobley (Kick no good) |
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| Second Quarter | |||||
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CDS - Blackshear 18-yard pass from Mobley (Williams kick) |
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MP - Gavin Steelw 2-yard run (Austin Smith kick) |
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CDS - Doopah Coleman 35-yard pass pass from Mobley (Williams kick) |
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CDS - Marlon Knight 41-yard pass from Mobley (Williams kick) |
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| Third Quarter | |||||
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CDS - Caden Jones 2-yard run (Williams kick) |
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| Fourth Quarter | |||||
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CDS - Davis Witherington 42-yard run (Williams kick) |
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| Records - CDS 10-1, MP 8-5 | |||||
FINAL SCORES
GHSA 2nd Round Playoffs
Friday Nov. 22, 2024
Class 4A
Benedictine 34, Ola 14
Class 3A
Stephenson 41, Jenkins 7
Private A-3A
Calvary 48, Mt. Paran 7
Savannah Christian 31, Savannah Country Day 3
Photo Credit: PREP SPORTS REPORT
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Optim Orthopedics generously sponsors Prep Sports Report football coverage!
Optim Orthopedics is a familiar face on Savannah's prep sports scene, extending their support from the gridiron to the court. Their dedication to local athletes goes beyond logos, offering crucial medical support to nine powerhouse high schools:
- Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
- Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
- Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
- Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic surgery, Optim Orthopedics proudly sponsors the Prep Sports Report. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game!
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