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The Savannah area teams, Calvary and New Hampstead, fell short of victory in the Georgia High School Association Class 1-4 state playoffs. The New Hampstead High School Flag Football Team (19-1) advanced to the semi-finals, where they faced two-time GHSA Class 1-4A Southeast Bulloch High School (21-0) and came up short 20-14. The Phoenix defeated Harris County in the Elite Eight round 13-0 to advance to the state semi-finals against Southeast Bulloch.
Southeast Bulloch held a 20-0 lead going into the fourth quarter. Although the Phoenix cut the lead to 20-14 late in the game, they were out of timeouts as the Yellowjackets ran out the clock. Although the Phoenix didn't win, their head coach, Trey Lanier, reflected on their impressive season.
"19-1, Area Champs, Final Four Appearance - Incredible Season! Last night's loss in the final four was one of the most painful feelings I have felt as a coach. But if I could do it all over again, I would, just to be a part of this group once more. This was one of the absolute fun rides of my 17-year coaching career. The standard and expectations these girls set for New Hampstead girls' flag football teams to come will be forever appreciated. Coaching a competitive, intelligent, and skilled team was so much fun! Being their head coach was an honor and a privilege I will never take for granted." - Trey Lanier, New Hampstead Head Coach
Southeast Bulloch has maintained a perfect record in football over the past three years, remaining unbeaten in every game they have played. According to Maxpreps.com, the team has been on a winning streak of 61 games. Interestingly, New Hampstead scored 14 points against Southeast Bulloch, the highest points allowed by Southeast Bulloch in the entire season.
Calvary Day School lost to North Oconee High School 6-2, ending their season in the Elite Eight round. The only score was by North Oconee in the first half. Calvary recorded a safety on the game's final play but missed several scoring opportunities to capture the game. Head Coach Nick Grassi was proud of his team for exceeding his expectations this season.
"These girls were incredibly special this year. Each one of them surpassed my expectations by far. We had every opportunity to reach our ultimate goal, and while we fell short, they fought hard until the very last second last night," stated Grassi. "It's tough to come so close and miss out, but these girls emerged from this experience stronger and better than they were before. I couldn't be more proud of our seniors and the dedication they showed over the past four years. They've paved the way for the success of future generations of players."
North Oconee advanced to the state championship game after beating Columbus High School 13-6.
GHSA Division 1 - Class 1-4 Flag Football - State Playoffs
FINAL SCORES
Southeast Bulloch Bracket Results
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Southeast Bulloch Bracket Elite Eight and Semi-final Scores
Game #1 Elite Eight - Southeast Bulloch 20, Therrell 0
Game #2 Elite Eight - New Hampstead 13, Harris County 0
Game #3 Semi-finals - Southeast Bulloch 20, New Hampstead 14
North Oconee Bracket Results
Thursday, December 7, 2023
North Oconee Bracket Elite Eight and Semi-final Scores
Game #1 Elite Eight - North Oconee 6, Calvary Day School 2
Game #2 Elite Eight - Columbus 25, Pace Academy 19
Game #3 Semi-finals - North Oconee 13, Columbus 6
Southeast Bulloch, the two-time defending state champion, will play against North Oconee High School in the GHSA Class 1-4 Championship on December 11, 2023, at 2 PM at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
Photo Credit: Dennis Knight SMN & Coach Grassi 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.
