Who's back, who's not? It's GAME WEEK! The yearly high school football capsules from The Prep Sports Report have been finalized. They contain school details, the coach's perspective, and the latest individual school schedules (including date, day, opponent, location, and start time) for the 21 high school football teams in the Savannah Area.
The Georgia High School Association approved new reclassifications and region alignments this Year. All teams are participating in the latest classifications of this two-year commitment, and some Savannah area football teams are familiar with their new regions and opponents, while some are not. The local Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) regions and the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA) stayed the same. This Year, the capsules will again be presented as a three-part series.
PART 1 – A.E. Beach High School (3-3A), Robert W. Groves High School (3-3A), Islands High School (3-3A), H.V. Jenkins High School (3-3A), Sol C. Johnson High School (3-3A), Liberty County High School (3-3A), Windsor Forest High School (3-3A)
PART 2 – GHSA Class 4A - Benedictine Military School (3-4A), New Hampstead High School (3-4A), Bryan County High School (A-D2-Region-3), Savannah High School (A-D2-Region 3), Memorial Day School (GIAA 8-Man Region 2), St. Andrew's School (GIAA AAAA/AAA District 2), Bethesda Academy (SCISA Class AA)
GHSA Class 4A
School: Benedictine Military School
Mascot: Cadets
Location: Savannah
Head coach: Danny Britt
Record at school/years: 146-29/14
Overall coaching record/years: 178-51/19
2023 overall/region records: 13-1/5-0 Region 3-4A; won region lost in GHSA state semi-finals
Key returning players: QB Stephen Cannon, RB Bubba Frazier, RB Stanley Smart, OL Jacobe Ward, LB Carlton Hall, DL Kam Cody, LB Larson Little, DB Zach Maxwell, DL Third Scroggins, DB Micah Williams, K/P Connor Ferguson
Key losses: QB Luke Kromenhoek, RB Na'seir Samuel, OL Cole Walker, WR La'don Bryant, RB/LB Bryce Baker, LB Wilkes Albert, DL Jeremiah Thomas
Coach's quote: "I feel like we can be a really good football team. You know, if we improve on the struggles that we have—because we will have struggles—but if we can continue to improve weekly, we can be a very good football team." - Head Coach Danny Britt
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 17 at Rabun Gap- Nacoochee (GSU) 6 p.m.
Aug. 23 at Buford
Aug. 30 vs. Burke County (SM)
Sept. 14 at Archbishop Moeller
Sept. 20 vs. Westminster (SM)
Sept. 27 at Ware County*
Oct. 4 at Warner Robins*
Oct. 11 vs. New Hampstead (SM)*
Oct. 18 at Wayne County*
Oct. 25 vs. Perry (SM)*
*Region game
School: New Hampstead High School
Mascot: Phoenix
Location: Bloomingdale
Head coach: Kyle Hockman
Record at school/years: 28-23/6
Overall coaching record/years: 167-85/23
2023 overall/region records: 6-5/3-2 GHSA Class 4A second round
Key returning players: QB Rashawn Truell, DL Shaun Hamilton, MLB/RB Kamren Blake Mazes, WR/RB/FS Kamari Maxwell, RB/CB Kamari Smart, WR/CB Jawara Green, WR/SS Jaden Caldwell, RB Jamari Bonaparte, FB Titus Honaker, C/G Malachi Chestnut, G/C Jeremiah Hart
Key losses: WR/CB Jaylen Hampton, WR/CB Malachi Lonnon, DL Aaziah Scott, DT Kyron Anderson, OLB Jordan Sonnabend, T/G Zach Pearson, TE/OLB Nate Pearson
Defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Rick Honaker's quote: "In seasons past, if we had an injury, we were looking at a 2 (second-string player), really going with a 3, a guy that we had to kind of finagle what we were doing that week to make sure they were successful. This Year, we have a lot more depth behind guys that are true starters."
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 at Savannah Christian (Pooler Stadium)
Aug. 30 at Effingham County
Sept. 6 Richmond Hill (PS)
Sept. 13 at Pierce County
Sept. 27 at Perry*
Oct. 4 Ware County*
Oct. 11 at Benedictine* (Memorial Stadium)
Oct. 18 Warner Robins*
Oct. 25 Wayne County*
*Region game
GHSA Class A D2 Region 3
School: Bryan County
Mascot: Redskins
Location: Pembroke
Head coach: Cherard Freeman
Record at school/years: 21-21/5
Overall coaching record/years: 47-78/13
2023 overall/region records: 12-2/4-0 GHSA Class A semifinals
Key returning players: OL Allen Williams, DL Matthew Huff, OL Esavian Rivera, DL Trevor Lanier, QB/DB Ger'bravion Collins, OLB Christopher Winfree, OL Zane Rentaria, DB Elijah Mincey, RB Gaige Javis
Key losses: RB/LB Austin Clemons, RB/LB Tanner Ennis, QB/DB Sean Kelly Hill, RB Jacari Carney, RB/DB Carson Nunn, DL Carlin Covington, OL Byron Jett Lewis, TE Kris Martin
Coach's quote: "We've got to develop some depth. (I am) very excited about this Year. We need some of our seniors to step up. We lost several leaders from last Year. This Year, we are hoping to continue to be physical and improve every week. We are trying to make the playoffs for the third straight Year and, for the first time in school history, have three winning seasons in a row." - Head Coach Cherard Freeman.
2024 Schedule
Sept. 16 Johnson
Sept. 23 at Aquinas
Sept.6 at Savannah High*
Sept. 13 Portal
Sept. 20 at Emanuel County Institute*
Sept. 27 Claxton*
Oct. 4 at Screven County*
Oct. 11 McIntosh County Academy*
Oct. 18 at Jenkins County*
Nov. 1 Metter
*Region game
School: Savannah High School
Mascot: Blue Jackets
Location: Savannah
Head coach: Anthony Tolliver
Record at school/years: 0-10/2
Overall coaching record/years: 0-10/2
2023 overall/region records: 0-10, 0-4 Region 3-A D1, moved to D2
Key returning players: TB/WR/LB Stephen Fox Jr., WR/CB William Scruggs Jr., QB Andrew Lewis Jr., WR/LB Makeen Mervin, WR Amaireon Robinson, WR/CB Alijah Williams, RB/OLB Frank Frazier, RB/MLB Jamari Walker, RB/OLB James Kelley, OG/DT Quentin Brown, DE Karmaine Ladson, OL/DT Kamrin Ladson
Key loss: DL Darrell Scott
Coach's quote: "We're going to be creative offensively. I think that's going to help out (with new offensive coordinator) Coach (Andrew) Lewis. … We were (playing) 7-on-7 and he opens up with five on one side. As a defensive coordinator, that's a timeout. I think that's going to be great for us. Defensively, we're going to play a base 3-4 and we're going to come at you." – Savannah High Coach Anthony Tolliver.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 16 at Frederica Academy
Aug. 23 Beach
Sept. 6 Bryan County*
Sept. 13 at Metter*
Sept. 27 at Portal*
Oct. 4 at Emanuel County Institute*
Oct. 11 Claxton*
Oct. 18 at Screven County*
Oct. 25 McIntosh County Academy*
Nov. 1 at Jenkins County*
*Region game
GIAA
School: Memorial Day School
Mascot: Matadors
Location: Savannah
Head coach: Zane Rowland
Record at school/years: 0-0/first
Overall coaching record/years: 0-0/first
2023 overall/region records: 5-7/1-1 GIAA 2-A; moved to GIAA 8-Man Region 2 for 2024-25 seasons
Key returning players: WR/TB/CB/LB/S/K/P Marshall Saradinski, QB/multiple positions Jr Rowland
Key losses: WR/FS Julien Zamora, QB Tyler Kindle, RB/WR/OLB Assir Best, OL/DL Tyler Snipes
Coach's quote: "I think continued buy-in iwillbe the most significant determining factor in winning and losing. Our athletic director (Andrea Bagnall) gives us her full support, as does former AD (Mark) Sussman. The guys we have in the program that stuck it out, they're certainly bought in. Just need that buy-in from the rest of the school and community, and I think we can really build something special here. Looking forward to a great season!" Memorial Coach Zane Rowland
2024 Schedule
Aug. 16 at Citizens Christian Academy
Aug. 23 Georgia Christian* (Port Wentworth)
Aug. 30 at Grace Christian Academy
Sept. 6 Westwood* (PW)
Sept. 13 at Sherwood Christian*
Sept. 20 Fullington Academy*, 7 p.m. (PW)
Oct. 4 at Crisp Academy*, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 Vidalia Heritage Academy (PW)
Oct. 25 at David Emanuel Academy*
*Region game
(PW) Pot Wentworth Stadium
School: St. Andrew's School
Mascot: Lions
Location: Savannah
Head coach: Wes Worthington
Record at school/years: NA/1st Year
Overall coaching record/years: 0-0
2023 overall/region records: 5-6/0-3 AAA District 2; 4th in region
Key returning players: Amari Cook (QB), Landen Buchmann (Strong Safety), Charles Strain (Wingback/Star safety), Jack Kelley (OL/DL), Thomas Kirk (OL/DL), and Joe Frazar (LB)
Key losses: Cullen Conner, Rakari Harrison, Richaard Williams, Zayden Edwards, Jaylen Sheppard, Matt Licata, Tripp Jackson, Hayward Pollard
2023 outlook: "We are a young, but talented football team. We expect our players to improve each week and see if we can't sneak into the playoffs. We're excited about our offense, that is modeled after the GA Tech offense under Paul Johnson. We're excited about our defense that will attack to stop the run and be able to defend the pass as well. Go Lions!!" – S. ANdrew'sn coach Wes Worthington.
SCISA
School: Bethesda Academy
Mascot: Blazers
Location: Savannah
Head coach: Antwain Turner
Record at school/years: 94-102/19
Overall coaching record/years: 94-102/19
2023 overall/region records: 13-0/3-0, SCISA Class 2A state champions
Key returning players: WR/CB Raleigh Wesley, DT Arlando Chaney, RB/LB Jordan Cheever, G/DE Isaiah Reynolds, QB/FS Luke Larson. WR Jadon Turner, G/DE Keshaun Wright, DT Jadyn Grant, FB/LB Nicholas Jackson
Key losses: QB Triston Randall, LB Kameron Lanigan, RB Noah Jenkins, OL/DL Michael Henley, WR Thomas Peters, WR Caleb Dillon, CB Riley Alecock
Coach's quote: "We must be able to develop resilience with this team and pay close attention to details. How we respond to our adversity can determine our measure of success." - Bethesda coach Antwan Turner.
2024 Schedule
Aug. 23 at Thomas Hayward Academy
Aug. 30 at Hilton Head Christian
Sept. 6 John Paul II (DP), 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 Hilton Head Prep* (Daffin Park)
Sept. 20 at Patrick Henry (DP)
Sept. 27 at Christian Academy*
Oct. 4 Beaufort Academy (DP)
Oct. 11 Dillon Christian* (DP)
Oct. 25 at Pee Dee Academy*
Nov. 1 – St. John's Academy* (DP)
*Region game
(DP) Daffin Park
PHOTO CREDIT: Georgia High School Helmet Project, Benedictine Military School, and school websites
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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!
