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For Bethesda Academy, it was a night to double-dip. And it was a night of family in several ways.

A crowd of an announced nearly 500 people finally got the long-awaited unveiling of their new turf field with two sets of temporary bleachers behind their gymnasium, a culmination of a project the broke ground in June. 

School officials estimated a late October or early November opening showcase, hoping their football team could christen it in the thick of the postseason. They got their wish in grand style, as the Blazers blazed past Orangeburg Prep in the state quarterfinal playoff game.

The Blazers (8-3), the defending state champions in the bracket, will either host Hilton Head Prep next Friday or travel to Calhoun County for a semifinal matchup.

Bethesda literally took control of the game’s first play when Orangeburg fumbled on an attempted flea-flicker, and Jeremiah Armstrong recovered on Prep 35. 

Five plays later, Raleigh Wesley dashed around the right end 11 yards for an eventual 8-0 advantage on a two-point conversion. Jaylen Holmes ended Orangeburg’s next drive with the first of his two interceptions before the half.

Two possessions later, Assir Best, who ran for a game-high 157 yards, scored on a 65-yard burst and added a one-yard dive late in the quarter that helped the Blazers to a commanding 36-0 halftime lead.

Orangeburg (5-6) couldn’t get on track in the opening half, committing four turnovers in two quarters. 

It was another dominant performance for the Blazers, who routed St. John Christian, 40-15, in the final regular season game last week at Daffin Park.

According to Blazers’ head coach Antwain Turner, a fast start was in the script.

“We want to start fast and finish strong,” said Turner. “I thought we did because we had the fumble and took it in with the two-point conversion. We put some pressure on them to do some stuff quick.”

One drawback for the Blazers was their 11 first-half penalties – six holding penalties. However, they weren’t flagged in the second half. Still, Turner took an overall approach.
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“We have to clean up the penalties,” added Turner. “But with the playoffs, our main goal is to get the ‘W.’ I’m proud of our guys for doing that tonight.”

Along with the win, Turner took in the ambiance of his new field. “We’re very excited, and it has been a long time coming,” he stressed. “We have had a lot of committed people through the years who have played ball here, and we talked to all of our teams. They are the building blocks for us to establish this field and build a track. This is project one. We have to get bleachers, a press box, locker rooms, and a weight room. 

“It’s not a finished product, but as coaches, it gives us a better alignment. It feels like the season just started.” 

It also was special for Turner to have his sons, freshman Jordan and sophomore Jadon, on the new field with him. Jordan, who stepped in for injured starting quarterback Luke Larson, has developed weekly, and has been an integral part of the team’s success.

On the night, Jordan tossed a pair of touchdown strikes to Wesley, a 39-yarder and a 17-yarder, and threw for 179 yards.

“Jordan has come on strong, really learning to pick it up,” said his father. “He has improved each week. He has a football IQ and has been playing football for quite some time.

“I am just very proud because he is not looking like a freshman, but he is looking like a varsity player. He has good reads and has his mistakes. But he is learning from his mistakes. It’s a special time and a special place to have both my sons on the new field. To have my sons be part of this just brings family all together.”

His son also relished the memorable night with his family.

“This felt great,” said Jordan. “I have trust in him (father) to get the job done. We have a great relationship. We have a great home turf field."

“We can reach another level to be more dominant and be better. I knew I had a lot of my shoulders when our quarterback was injured, and I didn’t want to let my teammates down. I get more confident each game, and I am glad that I have lineman who support me.”

Best cherished his night and the atmosphere.

“This was amazing being out there,” beamed Best. “This is the best field in Savannah. We are just grateful to be here, and we have worked our tails off every week."  The senior back is also confident his team can hit another level.

“We’re better than we are right now,” added Best. “We scored 36 points, but we can score 70. We have to keep going.”

Best also sees plenty of promise with his freshman quarterback.

 

BETHESDA ACADEMY 36, ORANGEBURG PREP 0
	1	2	3	4	F
ORANGEBURG PREP	0	0	0	0	0
BETHESDA ACADEMY	21	15	0	0	36
First Quarter
B – Raleigh Wesley 11 run (Jeffrey Armstrong run)
B- Assir Best 65 run (Best run)
B – Wesley 39 pass from Jordan Turner (Armstrong run)
Second Quarter
B – Best 1 run (run failed)
B –Wesley 17 pass from Turner (run failed)
Records—Bethesda Academy 8-3; ORANGEBURG PREP 5-6

 

WEEK 13 

Final Scores

Nov. 8

GHSA

Brunswick 43, Bradwell 6 *

Greenbrier 56, South Effingham 0 * 

New Hampstead 48, Ware County 41 * 

Beach 13, Islands 0 * 

Calvary Day 41, Long County 7 * 

SE Bulloch 43, Groves 14 *

Jenkins 64, Windsor Forest 16*  

Liberty County 15, Johnson 7*  

Portal 20, Savannah High 6*

 

SCISA 1st Round

Bethesda 36, Orangeburg Prep 0 

NOTE: * Region games

 

Photo Credit:  Courtesy RDP Productions - Kyunnie Shuman

 

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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

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