For the second straight week, high school football in the Savannah area ran into its toughest opponent — Mother Nature. Again, heavy rain, lightning, and storms rolled through the Coastal Empire Friday evening, forcing cancellations, suspended games, and late starts across the schedule.
The weather left fans waiting and teams scrambling to reschedule games. The longest delay occurred at Memorial Stadium, where the highly anticipated game between Benedictine and nationally ranked Burford High School didn’t kick off until after 9 p.m. Players warmed up, cooled down, and waited again while lightning forced everyone off the field. Coaches had to keep their teams focused in the locker rooms, while the bands, cheerleaders, and fans did their best to find shelter from the intense weather conditions.
Elsewhere, some games never made it to kickoff at all. A handful of teams had their contests cancelled or rescheduled for new dates, while others were halted during the game as officials cleared the fields. It was a night filled with frustration, yet also resilience, as teams adjusted to the unpredictable conditions.
Friday nights under the lights are special, but once again Mother Nature blitzed the week two schedule. The hope for all teams now is for clearer skies ahead to the 2025 season, so football can return to its normal starting times and the focus just shifts back to the action on the field. Here are the results from under the Thursday and Friday night lights.
Savannah Christian Freshman Lightening — Wesley Dinkins (33) runs past a New Hampstead defender during a high school football game Friday night in Pooler Stadium (Courtesy SCPS Athletic Department)
WEEK 2 FINAL SCORES
Thursday, August 21 – Final Scores
St. Andrew’s 28, Hilton Head Prep 14
UPDATED ST. ANDREW'S GAME RECAP
Athens Academy 28, Savannah Country Day 0
Friday, August 22
Cancellations / Suspensions
Westover (1-0) at Bradwell (0-1) — Cancelled
Thomas Heyward (0-0) at Bethesda Academy (0-0) — Cancelled, moved to 10/17
Glynn Academy (1-0) at Richmond Hill (0-0) — Moved to Sat., Aug. 22, Noon
Beach 7, Savannah High 0 — Suspended in 1st quarter
Final Scores
Houston County 56, Effingham County 42
Savannah Christian 28, New Hampstead 12
West Laurens 49, Groves 0
Windsor Forest 19, Brantley County 6
Aquinas 38, Bryan County 7
Buford 42, Benedictine 14
Photo: Savannah Christian Preparatory School Athletic Department
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From Friday night lights to the roar of the gym, Optim Orthopedics is all-in for Savannah’s high school athletes. More than sponsors, they’re trusted partners—keeping players healthy, strong, and ready to compete for nine top programs:
- 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 the Southeast’s leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic care, Optim Orthopedics proudly fuels Prep Sports Report’s football and basketball coverage. When the game’s on the line, they make sure you’re ready for the next play.
