We’re through the first two weeks of the 2020 high school football season and there are no shortage of storylines for local teams despite a condensed schedule in the area.
Savannah’s perennial private powers and nearby public schools have given football fans plenty of excitement while the Savannah Chatham County Public School System readies for its adjusted season (SCCPSS schools will only play each other) beginning in October.
Before Week 3 unfolds under Friday night lights (Sept. 18), PSR will get you ready for the key contests scheduled for later this week.
Here’s an in-depth early look at the biggest matchups headlining the HSFB slate this week.
WAYNE COUNTY at RICHMOND HILL
The 2020 home opener in Richmond Hill matches the Wildcats against a worthy south Georgia foe in Wayne County.
RHHS (1-1) won at Camden in Week 1 before falling in Waycross last week to a highly regarded Ware County Gator team (No. 5, Class 5A). The Wildcats are ranked No. 7 in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Class 6A poll for this week.
In the loss at Ware, Ashaud Roberson led the RHHS efforts with 126 rushing yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Senior defensive end Nathan Vickers tallied three sacks to lead the defense. Tyler Coleman threw for over 220 yards and two scores under center for coach Matt LeZotte’s squad.
A Class 5A school, Wayne (1-1) downed Hart County 29-13 in Week 1 before losing on the road at Pierce County (14-0) last week.
BENEDICTINE at BRUNSWICK
The Cadets have met lofty preseason expectations through their first two games. An electric offense has been on full display in the 2-0 start for BC, and head coach Danny Britt’s team will enter the matchup with Brunswick as the No. 3 ranked team in the state in the Week 3 AJC Class 4A poll (released Sun., Sept. 13).
In wins over Burke County (9/4) and Effingham County (9/11), Benedictine has scored a total of 107 points (53.5ppg). Senior receiver (and Duke commit) Trent Broadnax caught three touchdowns last week and has eight catches for 139 yards on the year.
Brunswick (1-1) lost at Pierce County in its season opener and, to make matters worse, the Pirates lost their All-Region running back Chuckobe Hill to a knee injury in the game.
Hill missed last week’s BHS win over MCA as Khamori Simmons carried the bulk of the runs in his stead — if Hill misses the BC game this week, it’ll likely be Simmons as the featured back.
BHS is coached by Sean Pender and has big-time players in quarterback KJ Lee (12-13 passing, 211 yards, two touchdowns last week) and wide receiver Tyrease Jones (six catches, 83 yards, one touchdown).
After opening at Memorial Stadium, BC won’t return to play at home again until October 30.
VALWOOD at SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
Savannah Christian’s best players haven’t disappointed under head coach Baker Woodward. Now, an unblemished start (2-0) will be tested for Woodward and company. SCPS will play host to Valwood in 1-of-2 local contests matching GHSA and GISA teams this week.
Senior quarterback Spencer Robicheaux has looked polished and potent in the aerial attack as the four-year starter has thrown four touchdowns and no interceptions while rushing for another score.
In his third season, Woodward has an impressive record of 21-6 through his first 27 games as the head coach.
On defense, SCPS continues to get excellent play from safety Bradley Anderson and linebacker Peyton Cromwell. The Raiders are ranked No. 6 in the AJC’s Class A Private poll and are fresh off forcing three turnovers in last week’s 26-7 victory over Screven County.
Out of Valdosta, Valwood (1-1) lost handily last week to fellow GISA member Frederica Academy, 36-13.
FA plays at Calvary this week.
FREDERICA ACADEMY at CALVARY DAY
For a second straight week, Calvary Day is hosting a GISA opponent coming off a huge season-opening win.
Calvary (2-0) got big performances from freshman QB Jake Merklinger and senior running back Greg Daniel in last week’s lopsided win over Bulloch Academy and the Cavs might need more of the same this week versus Frederica Academy (St. Simons Island).
FA (1-0) throttled a talented Valwood Academy team, 36-13, last week to earn an upset of sorts in the Knights’ first game of 2020. BA (1-1) knocked off No. 10 SCDS in its opener a week before losing to Calvary.
Merklinger ran for two scores and threw for two others in the 48-7 win. Daniel rushed for 121 yards — Calvary racked up 288 — and the Cavs defense held Bulloch to just 61 yards of total offense.
Coached by Brandon Derrick, the Knights are led by running backs Kyle Perez (three rushing TDs last week) and Jordan Triplett (two) as well as senior quarterback Thomas Veal.
BETHESDA at ST. JOHN’S CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Bethesda (1-1) will try and SJCA (2-0) its first loss of the season behind sizzling senior star QB Antjuan McKay.
McKay accounted for 405 yards in the Week 1 Bethesda loss. He then rushed for 248 yards and three touchdowns last week on just nine carries.
Follow Travis Jaudon on Twitter @JaudonSports and contact him at travisLjaudon@gmail.com.