The wait is over. Football is back.
Prep Sports Report kicks off its 2026 team-by-team football breakdown with three Savannah-area programs playing in the independent-school ranks: Bethesda Academy, Savannah Country Day and St. Andrew’s.
Two of them don’t have to wait any longer.
Bethesda Academy, a member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), opens Friday, Aug. 14, on the road against Frederica Academy. The Blazers enter 2026 coming off a perfect 12-0 season and a SCISA state championship.
Savannah Country Day also gets started Friday night, traveling to Strong Rock Christian for its season opener. The Hornets make the move to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) this season.
St. Andrew’s, which competes in the same GIAA division as Country Day, has one more week to wait. The Lions open Aug. 21 at home against Hilton Head Prep.
So here we go. Bethesda and Country Day get the first Friday night, with St. Andrew’s waiting in the wings.
Here’s a closer look at all three as Prep Sports Report kicks off its 2026 local football team breakdown.
Optim Orthopedics presents Prep Sports Report football coverage.
BETHESDA ACADEMY
Mascot: Blazers
Location: Savannah
Head coach: Antwain Turner
Record at school/years: 115-106 (11-man record)/21st season
Overall coaching record/years: 128-116 (including eight-man football in 2004-05)/22 years
2025 overall/region records: 12-0/4-0 SCISA Region 1-2A
Key returning players: QB Jordan Turner, LB Ka'Mond Young, RB Jeffrey Armstrong, LB Isaiah Jones, CB Mell Flowers, OL Ian Platts, OL Steve Mitchell, FS Adrian Cook
Key losses: WR Raleigh Wesley, OL Arlando Chaney, RB Jordan Cheever, OL Jadyn Grant, DE Keshaun Wright, SS Luke Larson, WR Malachi Morris, DT Troy Williams, LB Nick Jackson
Key new players: Athlete Shawn Williams, WR Dezrin Davis, DE Troy Graham, LB/RB Devrin Davis, Ramir Richardson, WR Mitchell Scott, DE Al-Kush Iunmutef, Jaidyn Jones
Coach’s quote: “I believe our team harmony will be the difference between wins and losses this season. We have some new guys that we have to get acclimated to what we do offensively. When everyone is connected, communicates effectively and works toward the same goal, we can play with greater confidence, trust and consistency. That unity both on and off the field can make a significant impact in close games and challenging situations.” – Bethesda coach Antwain Turner.
2026 Schedule
Aug. 14 — at Frederica Academy
Aug. 21 — Northwood Academy
Aug. 28 — at Savannah Christian (PS)
Sept. 11 — Trinity Collegiate
Sept. 25 — Savannah Country Day
Oct. 2 — at Camden Military
Oct. 9 — Hilton Head Christian *
Oct. 23 — at Hilton Head Prep *
Oct. 30 — First Baptist *
*SCISA Region 2-3A
SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
Mascot: Hornets
Location: Savannah
Head coach: Joey Blackmore
Record at school/years: 4-7/second season
Overall coaching record/years: 4-7/one
2025 overall/region records: 4-7/1-3 Region 3-A D1
Key returning players: FS/SS Liam Murphy, TE/DE Wells Headley, FB/LB William Rhodes, QB Devin Trawick, RB/LB Thomas Holland, LB Turner Chase, OL/DL Finn Smith
Key losses: LB Hayes Beaver, OL/DL JT Hill, TE/LB Boone Wiesner, RB/DE Najee Young, K/CB Cash Ramirez
Key emerging players: WR/CB Amir Atkinson, WR/CB Jalen Jordan, OL/DL S'Zavier House, OL/DL Tripp Milling, OL/DL Mathieu Garrett, TE/DE Avery West
Coach’s quote: “We are very excited about the leadership this senior group has shown this summer leading into the fall. Can't wait!” – SCDS coach Joey Blackmore.
2026 Schedule
Aug. 14 — at Strong Rock Christian
Aug. 21 — at Bluffton
Aug. 28 — Pinewood Prep
Sept. 4 — Athens Academy
Sept. 11 — at Porter-Gaud
Sept. 18— Savannah Christian
Sept. 25 — at Bethesda Academy
Oct. 9 — at Bulloch Academy
Oct. 16 — Frederica Academy
Oct. 30 — St. Andrew's
*GIAA game
ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL
Mascot: Lions
Location: Wilmington Island
Head coach: Wes Worthington
Record at school/years: 5-14/third season
Overall coaching record/years: 5-14/two
2025 overall/region records: 3-7/0-3 GIAA 4A/3A District 2
Key returning players: QB/DB Pat Jackson, jr.; OL/DL Jack Kelley, sr.; OL/DL Thomas Kirk, sr.; Darius Chapman, jr., WB/LB/P
Key losses: OL/DL Landen Buchmann, OL/LB; OL/LB Joe Frazar, WB/DB Amari Cook
Key new players: FB/LB Wilder Pratt, sr., OL/DL Zo Sanchez, sr., OL/DL Kaidyn McRae, sr.
Coach’s quote: “Relentless effort, speed, and execution will be the difference as we head into Year 3 of our program. I'm excited for the returning players who know our culture and want to build a championship-level program that can be the pride of the Islands and St. Andrew's School community.” – SAS coach Wes Worthington.
2026 Schedule
Aug. 21 — Hilton Head Prep, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 — at First Baptist
Sept. 4 — Academic Magnet, 7 p.m.
Sept. 10, Thursday — Hardeeville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25 — Augusta Prep, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 — Piedmont Academy, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 — at Frederica Academy
Oct. 16 — Bulloch Academy, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 — at Savannah Country Day
*GISA game
Photos courtesy lensbyshaunce_ on Instgram
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To share scores, story ideas, or corrections, email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com or text 912.507.9158.
Optim Orthopedics presents Prep Sports Report’s 2026 high school football coverage.
Optim Orthopedics wants you in the game.
Keeping Savannah-area athletes healthy and ready for gameday all season long.
Team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
