Savannah Christian, defying underdog status, takes on powerhouse Cedar Grove for the GHSA Class 3A state title.
Cinderella Story in the Making?
The 2023 Savannah Christian Raiders, overlooked throughout the season, have defied expectations to reach the GHSA Class 3A state football championship. They'll face the formidable Cedar Grove Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, December 13, at 1 PM.
Raiders Riding a Hot Streak
Despite being overshadowed by Calvary Day and Benedictine, top-ranked powerhouses in their respective classes, SCPS has quietly put together a dominant run. They boast a nine-game winning streak, including three victories over top-10 teams in the past three weeks. While a controversial "fifth down" play in their opening-round win against Peach County might raise eyebrows, the Raiders have proven they belong with clutch performances throughout the playoffs.
Numbers Game: A Tale of Two Teams
Savannah Christian Raiders:
- Record: 12-2
- Head Coach: Baker Woodward
- Composite 3A Ranking: 5
- Points Scored: 600 (41.9 per game)
- Points Allowed: 245 (17.5)
Cedar Grove Saints:
- Record: 9-5
- Head Coach: John Adams
- Composite 3A Ranking: 2
- Points Scored: 492 (35.1 per game)
- Points Allowed: 385 (27.5)
Saints Soar with Dynamic Duo
Cedar Grove boasts a lethal one-two punch in quarterback EJ Colson and running back Bo Walker. Both have rushed for over 1,000 yards and were instrumental in the Saints' upset win over Calvary Day. Their potent read-option attack will be critical to Cedar Grove's success in Atlanta.
Raiders Rely on Rushing Attack and A Young Gun
Savannah Christian counters with a dynamic rushing duo of their own: Zo Smalls (1,808 yards, 30 touchdowns) and Kenry Wall (1,036 yards, 15 touchdowns). Blaise Thomas, the sophomore quarterback, has impressed everyone with his exceptional performance on the field despite the numerous talented rushing options. So far, he has thrown for 1,897 yards and 14 touchdowns. The receiving corps is equally impressive, led by David Bucey, who has recorded 769 yards and 6 touchdowns; Logan Brooking, who has recorded 506 yards and 3 touchdowns; and Wall, who has 19 catches for 500 yards with 5 touchdowns. The team's all-purpose yardage is led by Wall, with 1,991 yards.
Defensive Showdown: Can Raiders' Edge Rushers Disrupt Saints' Rhythm?
The Raiders boast a fearsome defensive front, led by junior Elijah Griffin and freshman Ladamion Guyton, two of the best edge rushers in the state. They'll be tasked with disrupting the rhythm of Colson and the Saints' read-option attack. Jaden Miles leads the team in tackles, while Griffin and Guyton have combined for 27.5 sacks.
Senior David Bucey, junior Logan Brooking, and sophomore Reid Penrose have been vital players in the defensive lineup due to their impressive performance. Bucey ranks second in the team's list of top tacklers, with 111 tackles to his credit, out of which 68 were solo tackles and 17 were made for a loss. Penrose has made a total of 100 tackles, including 57 solo tackles and 3 tackles made for a loss. Brooking has made a total of 60 tackles, out of which 11.5 were made for a loss. Moreover, Logan has recorded 6 sacks out of these 11.5 tackles, which is the third-best performance on the team.
In the current season, the Raiders' defensive backfield has intercepted the ball 19 times. Senior defensive back Jamari McIvory leads the team with 7 interceptions, including one that resulted in a touchdown.
Can SCPS Complete the Cinderella Story?
The stage is set for a thrilling championship clash. Can the underdog Raiders overcome the odds and capture their first state title since 2011? Or will the experienced Cedar Grove Saints add another championship trophy to their impressive collection? Tune in on Wednesday to find out!
Additional Notes:
***If you can't make the game at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game will be televised on Georgia Public Broadcasting and streamed online at www.gpb.org/sports at 1 PM.
***Savannah Christian is playing in the championship game for the first time since 2011.
***Cedar Grove has won four state championships since 2016.
***The Saints defeated Calvary Day in a shootout in the semifinals, 49-42.
***SCPS has not played a close game (outside of the Peach County game) since losing to Calvary Day, 42-21 on September 15.
***Maxwell Projections predicts Cedar Grove a 31-7 winner over the Raiders.
Please keep the following information in mind: On Friday, December 8, 2023, the Georgia High School Football Daily newsletter provide a detailed breakdown.
PHOTO CREDIT: RDP Productions-Kyunie Shuman
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Optim Orthopedics supports Prep Sports and the following schools: Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institute, Calvary Day School, Liberty County High School, Richmond Hill High School, Savannah Country Day, South Effingham High School, and St. Vincent's athletics. Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institue, and Liberty County's team doctor is Dr. David Sedory. Dr. David Palmer is the team doctor for Calvary Day School, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill. Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent's team doctor is Dr. Thomas Alexander. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game.
