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Check out these Savannah football players making national and local news; three standout athletes made news on the football field, each representing Savannah. From record-setting kicks to national TV moments, these players make the CPORT proud.
Eric Phoenix, a former Windsor Forest quarterback, is now at South Carolina State and is leading the Bulldogs to an exceptional season. Winston Wright Jr., a Memorial Day graduate, has become a key player for East Carolina, shining in front of a national TV audience. Then, on the high school gridiron, Benedictine Military School's Connor Ferguson continues to impress with his foot and leg, earning him top honors as Kohl's National Player of the Week. Kohl's is one of the leading kicker, punter, and long-snapper national kicking showcase companies. Meet the Savannah athletes who are capturing attention below!
ERIC PHOENIX
Windsor Forest High School '19 • Football
South Carolina State University
Quarterback
Eric, a 2019 Windsor Forest High School graduate, is making a name for himself at South Carolina State. Recently named HBCU BoxRowNational Player of the Week for October 28, he led the Bulldogs to a 69-35 victory over Delaware State. Phoenix completed 18 of 21 passes for 341 yards, throwing four touchdown passes and another on the ground with 30 rushing yards.
The following week, Eric earned the National Player of the Week for FCS college football games in Week 10, which was on ESPN. Phoenix led the Bulldogs again in a MEAC first-place showdown vs. North Carolina Central, winning 24-21. Phoenix led South Carolina State to victory over No. 19 North Carolina Central, putting South Carolina State in first place in the MEAC. Eric completed 26 out of 36 passes for 321 yards and threw two touchdown passes while also rushing 13 times for 60 yards, which included an 11-yard touchdown run.
WINSTON WRIGHT JR.
Memorial Day School '19 • Football
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
Wide Receiver
Winston, a standout from Memorial Day School, captured the national spotlight in East Carolina's recent 49-14 victory over Florida Atlantic, televised on ESPN2 on November 7. Wright caught three passes for 80 yards, including two touchdowns in the first quarter, solidifying his presence as a key player for the Pirates this season.
CONNOR FERGUSON
Benedictine Military School '25 • Football
Kicker/Punter
Connor, a Benedictine Military School senior, set a new school record with a 52-yard field goal and showcased his skills as a versatile kicker and punter. In Week 11, he went 3-for-3 on field goals (52, 38, and 35 yards), maintained a 46-yard punt average on two punts, and was nearly flawless on kickoffs with 7 out of 8 resulting in touchbacks. Adding to his stats, Ferguson was perfect on extra points, going 5-for-5. His standout performance earned him the Kohl's National Player of the Week honors for his kicking and punting performance.
Photo Credit: South Carolina State, East Carolina University Athletic Departments, Benedictine Military School Social Media Pages
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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!
