As the GHSA state playoffs move onto the quarterfinals and heat up, three of Savannah's top teams take the spotlight with matchups that promise intense action and showcase some of Georgia's finest talent. Here's what to watch for tonight:
Class 4A: Benedictine at Blessed Trinity (7:30 PM)
Dubbed by Coach Danny Britt in interviews as "The Catholic School Super Bowl," in interviews, Benedictine (7-4) travels to Blessed Trinity (10-1) in a clash between programs that have combined for five state championships in the last seven years. While Blessed Trinity has won all four previous matchups between these two teams, this is their first postseason meeting.
Benedictine's defense, led by Miami commit Herbert "Third" Scroggins, is coming off a dominant performance in their 34-14 win over Ola. Scroggins leads the state with 21 sacks and tallied 16 tackles last week. The defense had other standouts: Isaiah Jones, with 14 tackles; Kam Cody and Micah Williams, each making 10 tackles.
On offense, junior Bubba Frazier showed out with 159 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Stanley Smart Jr. gained 65 rushing yards on 15 carries and scored one touchdown.
Blessed Trinity boasts a stout defense, allowing just 11.6 points per game. Five-star sophomore D.J. Jacobs, a 6-foot-5 edge rusher, headlines the unit. Offensively, Ahmontae Pitts leads the Titans with over 1,000 rushing yards this season.
Class 3A: North Cobb Christian at Savannah Christian (7:00 PM, Pooler Stadium)
Undefeated Savannah Christian (10-0), ranked No. 1 in Class 3A, looks to continue its stellar season against North Cobb Christian (10-1). The Raiders' defense, anchored by Georgia commit Elijah Griffin, has been nearly impenetrable, allowing just 7.6 points per game. Griffin, the top-ranked defensive lineman in the nation, has 27 tackles for loss this season. The Raiders’ front four is a force, made up of sophomore La’Damion Guyton, junior Isiah Redmond, and senior Logan Brooking. Alongside Griffin, this defensive front has been a nightmare for opposing teams all season, racking up more than 52 tackles for loss and over 22 sacks.
Offensively, senior running back Zo Smalls leads Savannah Christian with 1,279 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Jaden Miles and Kenry Wall stepped up last week. Miles had 95 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions on defense. Wall racked up 77 rushing yards on 14 carries and 70 receiving yards on 4 catches, including one touchdown reception in the 31-3 win over cross-town rival Savannah Country Day.
North Cobb Christian brings a high-powered passing attack led by sophomore quarterback Teddy Jarrard, who has thrown 2,320 yards and 28 touchdowns this season. Tonight's game will be the first-ever meeting between these two programs.
Class A-3A Private: Prince Avenue Christian at Calvary Day (7:30 PM)
Calvary Day (10-1) faces a powerhouse in Prince Avenue Christian (8-3), a program with three state titles in the past four seasons. This game marks the Cavaliers' tenth quarterfinal appearance in 12 years and could be the final game for legendary head coach Mark Stroud, who announced his retirement earlier this month.
Sophomore quarterback James Mobley IV has been sensational for Calvary Day, completing 77% of his passes for 2,285 yards and 32 touchdowns. Georgia commit Thomas Blackshear and senior Doopah Coleman lead the receiving corps, combining for over 1,600 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Prince Avenue counters with a high-powered offense, utilizing a two-quarterback system with Jake Bobo (son of Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo) and Ben Musser, who have surpassed 1,000 passing yards this season. Running back Andrew Beard leads the Wolverines with 1,507 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns.
Tonight's games feature elite talent and high stakes, setting the stage for memorable performances. Benedictine, Savannah Christian, and Calvary Day each face tough challenges but have the talent to advance. It is going to be a fun and exciting night, and what promises to be an exciting evening of playoff football.
NOTE: Statistics provided are from the Georgia High School Football Daily, Dennis Knight of the Savannah Morning News, and MaxPreps.com.
FOLLOW the Prep Sports Report on Twitter @PrepSav and Instagram savannahsportsreport. If you have any scores, information, or story ideas to share, please email kdemasi@prepsportsreport.com.
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!
