Start fast and finish strong.
For the past few seasons, it has been the mantra for the Bethesda football team. This season, the Blazers (11-0) have certainly followed it verbatim.
Their latest example was their 32-14 home victory over Greenwood Christian (9-3) Friday night, in which they jumped out to a 24-0 first-quarter lead. It was also a continuation of their offensive onslaught this season, as they have outscored their opponents, 502-101.
Bethesda Academy senior Ralo Wesley (3) turns upfield after a catch, one of several big-play moments that fueled the Blazers’ fast 24–0 start in their 32–14 semifinal win. Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
The victory catapulted the Blazers (11-0) into the SCISA Class 2A championship game against Pee Dee Academy (8-3) at South Carolina State University Saturday at noon. It will be a rematch of last year’s title tilt in which Pee Dee routed Bethesda, 52-14.
Bethesda will also be back in the final for the third consecutive year, as they won the state title in 2023.
Blazers’ head coach Antwain Turner credited his players’ focus and grit for their success.
“We watch a lot of film, and we create the possibilities on the field for them,” explained Turner. “We want them to know and see how things break down. We want to get put early and put the other team in a bind.
‘It’s a real testament to our players. They have bought into what we have shown them, and they really work hard in practice every week.”
Bethesda Academy lineman Steven Mitchell (63) wraps up a Greenwood Christian ball carrier for a defensive stop during Friday’s SCISA Class 2A semifinal win. Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
Senior linebacker Isaiah Jones, who had a busy night with 11 tackles (three for loss), a blocked punt, a fumble recovery , and a safety, has watched his teammates meticulously and methodically prepare each week.
Bethesda, which dominated Greenwood defensively with four turnovers, also received strong showings from senior lineman Isiah Redmond, who had a team-high 13 tackles and a sack, and junior cornerback Braylin Martin, who had two interceptions and two tackles. Kamond Young also had an interception and seven stops.
Senior lineman Isaiah Redmond (55) signals after a defensive stop. Redmond led the Blazers with 13 tackles and a sack against Greenwood Christian. Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
“The way we have been able to get out fast and take control of games really speaks to the team’s preparation and confidence,” beamed Jones. “We come in focused, we execute the game plan, and we trust each other to play with pace right from the start.
For the past few months, Jones and his teammates have envisioned their trip to the championship game.
“During the summer, there definitely was a sense that this group had the potential to reach the championship game,” added Jones. “You could see early how competitive we were, and how we quickly built team chemistry.”
Bethesda cornerback Braylen Martin (1) sprints into the open field. Martin had two interceptions in the semifinal, helping a defense that forced four turnovers. Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
Offensively, the Blazers were led by sophomore quarterback Jordan Turner, who completed six of 12 passes and two scores - one a 38-yard scoring strike to Luke Larson - and also rushed for 38 yards. Jeffrey Armstrong led the Blazers with 127 yards on 10 carries. Leading rusher Jordan Cheever is expected to return to the lineup Saturday.
Bethesda Academy wide receiver Luke Larson (17) sprints toward the end zone on a 38-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Turner during Friday’s SCISA Class 2A semifinal win. Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
Turner, who called the signals for his first full season, had a good feeling about the overall season.
“I did sense that this team would be in the championship game,” noted Turner. “We put in a lot of hard work during the offseason and even extra hard work. We were disappointed last year after losing the championship game, but we came back more focused and hungry.”
Turner believes he has benefited from a year under his belt.
“I feel very confident,” boasted Turner. “We have been watching a lot of film, and it has helped me read coverages and pre-snap and post-snap reads.”
His father has watched him blossom into an efficient and effective playmaker.
“Jordan has worked extremely hard this offseason to improve his game,” emphasized the elder Turner. “He’s very comfortable with his offensive line, and he consistently makes his reads, which helps him maintain a strong internal clock for when the ball needs to come out of his hands.
Bethesda quarterback Jordan Turner (2) eyeing Greenwood defender. Turner said the team’s offseason work and chemistry helped them return to the championship game. Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
“I am very proud of Jordan and the work he has put in with his receivers to help us get to where we are today.”
The Blazers’ offensive line and receiving corps have played an integral role throughout the season.
Left tackle junior Ian Platts (5-11, 225), left guard senior Arlando Chaney (6-0, 350), center senior Jadyn Grant 5-11, 340), right guard junior Steve Mitchell (6-1, 270), and right tackle senior Keni James (5-10, 245) have served as a steady and secure anchor.
“They are the key to our success is how we can run block and pass block,”stressed Turner. “We have a veteran line led by Arlando, and they have consistently executed. They put their time in the weight room, and it has paid off.”
Senior wide receiver Ralo Wesley, who had two catches for 26 yards with a touchdown and returned a kickoff for a touchdown, saw a similar picture. However, he has seen a difference from the previous two title paths.
Bethesda defender Anthony Cook (20) helps finish off a tackle as the Blazers’ defense controlled the game early and set the tone with four turnovers.
Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
“During the summer, we definitely felt like this group had the pieces to make a championship run,” noted Wesley. “The team showed early that we could start fast and take control of games. That became our identity.
“What makes this team different from the other two is the chemistry and consistency everyone brought in since day one.”
The Blazers did extract some revenge when they manhandled Pee Dee, 49-0, in a regular-season game Oct. 24.
Bethesda defensive back Ka’Mond Young (12) breaks through a tackle after a turnover. Young added an interception and seven tackles in the semifinal victory. Courtesy RDP Productions/Kyunnie Shuman.
Turner expects to see maybe a new wrinkle or two from the Golden Eagles, but it ultimately comes down to what his team does.
“When it is at this point of the season, it is about focusing on what you can do well, and not necessarily totally on your opponent,” said Turner. “We know each other well.
“We have reached our preseason goals of winning a region title, hosting two playoff games, and reaching the state championship. Our last one was winning a state championship, and the team added one of going undefeated this season.
“We have a chance to get our last two goals Saturday if we play our game.”
That will involve starting fast and finishing strong.
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BETHESDA ACADEMY 32, GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN 14 |
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| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total | ||
| GWC | 0 | 8 | 0 | 6 | 14 | |
| BA | 24 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 32 | |
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First Quarter |
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BA—Luke Larson 38 pass from Jordan Turner (2 xpt. conversion good) |
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BA—Turner 1 yard run (2 xpt. conversion good) |
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BA—Ralo Wesley 8 yard pass from Turner (2 xpt. conversion good) |
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Second Quarter |
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GWC— Bryson Dixon 18 yard pass from Leland Reed (2 xpt. conversion good) |
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Third Quarter |
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NO SCORING |
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Fourth Quarter |
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BA— Safety - Isiah Jones blocked punt out of back od endzone |
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BA— Wesley 70 yard kickoff return (2 xpt conversion failed) |
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GWC— Rushing touchdown - scorer not reported (2 xpt conversion failed) |
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Records—Greenwood 9-3,Bethesda 11-0 |
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Playoff schedule and final scores below
This Week’s Playoff Schedule
Friday, Nov. 21
• GHSA Class 4A: Cass at Benedictine
• GHSA Class 3A: Peach County at Jenkins
• GHSA Class A–3A Private: Kings Ridge at Calvary Day
• GHSA Class A–3A Private: Christian Heritage at Savannah Christian
NOTE: Game times and the site for the Jenkins second-round matchup are still to be announced
Saturday, Nov. 22
• SCISA Class 2A Championship: Pee Dee Academy vs. Bethesda Academy, at South Carolina State (Orangeburg, S.C.), Noon
Playoff Final Scores
SCISA Class 2A Semifinals
Bethesda Academy 32, Greenwood Christian 14
GHSA Class 6A
Buford 45, Richmond Hill 0
GHSA Class 5A
Clarke Central 34, Effingham County 33
GHSA Class 4A
Benedictine 42, East Forsyth 7
GHSA Class 3A
Jenkins 50, Whitewater 45
Cairo 36, Liberty County 7
West Laurens 45, Beach 6
GHSA Class A–3A Private
Mt. Vernon 23, Savannah Country Day 13
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Photo Credit: Courtesy RDP Production - Kyunnie Shuman
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