Week 2 of high school football in the Coastal Empire had it all — big wins, tough losses, and even weather delays. This week’s 912 Xtra Point Pigskin Roundup is posting on Wednesday instead of Monday after Richmond Hill’s stadium debut was pushed back twice by storms before the Wildcats finally kicked off on Monday night. Week 3 below kicks off Thursday when Long County faces Johnson at Savannah High Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
912 XPoint Week 2 Pigskin Roundup
Thursday August. 21
St. Andrew’s 28, Hilton Head Prep 14
The Lions earned their first win of the season in a weather-shortened game at Hilton Head. Quarterback Pat Jackson scored twice, including a 37-yard run and a touchdown pass to JoJo Bowers. Amari Cook added 105 rushing yards and a 55-yard touchdown.
The SAS defense, led by Jack Kelley, Thomas Kirk, and Landen Buchmann, kept the Dolphins in check before lightning ended the game at halftime.
Coach Wes Worthington: “I’m extremely proud of our TEAM for staying together in the offseason and believing in our process and system.”
Next Up: St. Andrew’s (1-1) hosts Central Fellowship Christian (0-2) on Aug. 29. At Daffin Park 7 p.m.
Athens Academy 28, Savannah Country Day 0
The Hornets were shut out at home despite efforts from quarterback Thomas Holland, who rushed for 73 yards and threw for 58, and Hayes Beaver, who added 55 rushing yards. Athens scored late in the first half to take control.
Next Up: Savannah Country Day (0-2) hosts Porter-Gaud (2-0) on Aug. 29.
Houston County 56, Effingham County 42
In a shootout, Effingham County couldn’t keep pace with Houston County’s high-powered offense. Quarterback Tucker Perkins threw a touchdown and ran for another before leaving with injury. Backup Kris Swinney threw a touchdown pass and added three rushing scores. Zeke Brown hauled in a 70-yard touchdown reception for the Rebels.
Coach John Ford: “Our young men played hard against one of the best teams in 5A. It will make us better.”
Next Up: Effingham County (0-1) visits New Hampstead (1-1)
Savannah Christian 28, New Hampstead 12
The Raiders improved to 2-0 behind quarterback Blaise Thomas, who accounted for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman Wesley Dinkins rushed for 160 yards and his first varsity touchdown, while Weston Hughes added a 90-yard touchdown catch. On defense, Ivyn Richardson recorded 11 tackles.
New Hampstead was led by Christian Kinlaw, who had 130 rushing yards, and David Kirkland, who returned an interception for a touchdown.
SCPS Coach Baker Woodward: “It was a much more complete game. Other kids stepped up and made plays.”
New Hampstead Coach Kyle Hockman: “Lots of bright spots, but we must start faster.”
Next Up: Savannah Christian (2-0) visits Mt. Paran (2-0); New Hampstead (1-1) hosts Effingham County (0-1).
Windsor Forest 19, Brantley County 6
Sophomore quarterback JR Rowland made a big debut, throwing for 313 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. He connected with Kamari Duncan and Dayvon Griffith for touchdowns. The Knights’ defense, led by Jashawn Green with 11 tackles, controlled the game after Brantley’s early score.
Coach Zane Rowland: “A gritty performance in the rain. We got the win and now it’s back to work.”
Next Up: Windsor Forest (1-0) travels to faces Liberty County (1-0).
Buford 42, Benedictine 14
Nationally ranked Buford pulled away in a storm-delayed matchup at Memorial Stadium. Benedictine tied the game at 7-7 when quarterback Stephen Cannon threw a touchdown pass to Bubba Frazier, but Buford answered with 35 straight points. Cannon later scored on a rushing touchdown.
Stan Smart led the rushing attack with 76 yards on 16 carries. Cannon finished 8 of 14 for 72 yards with one touchdown pass, and added 38 rushing yards.
On defense, LaDamion Guyton had 13 tackles and two tackles for loss, while Cam Cody added nine tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Jayden Houston also tallied 11 tackles with two tackles for loss.
Coach Danny Britt: “Buford beat us up soundly. We’ll get healthy and bounce back.”
Next Up: Benedictine (0-2) is on the road to Burke County (2-0).
Richmond Hill 21, Glynn Academy 0
Richmond Hill’s long-awaited stadium debut ended in a dominant defensive performance, as the Wildcats shut out Glynn Academy 21-0 on Monday night.
Quarterback Gunner Mobley, making his first varsity start, showed poise by completing 12 of 19 passes for 140 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown strike to Eli Grant (2 catches 73 yards, TD) on the opening drive. DJ Porter added a 7-yard rushing score, and defensive tackle Tre Brown lined up in the “Dog” package and powered in from a yard out just before halftime.
The Wildcat defense stole the show, holding Glynn’s run-heavy attack to just 29 total rushing yards. Walter Pugh had an interception and a fumble recovery, Cannon Kuryla recovered a fumble, and Brown anchored the defensive front with seven tackles and two tackles for loss.
Coach Matt LeZotte: “I think we were relentless. We were focused. Even at halftime, we didn’t have to change much. You could tell we were rusty on offense, but when we get that clicking, it’s going to be special. Anytime you turn turnovers into points, you’ll take it — and we did that tonight.”
LeZotte praised his defense up front, saying, “Our defensive front has a chance to be pretty good this year. We just need to get our big boys in a little better shape and ready to go, and we’ll be just fine.”
Tre Brown, who plays both ways, earned a special role in the Wildcat package. LeZotte sated to the media, “It’s our Dog personnel because Tre’s a dog. He’s a really good football player for us, very skilled all around. We want to reward him by getting the ball in his hands.”
Next Up: Richmond Hill (1-0) hosts Everglades (Fla.) on Friday.
Other Finals:
Aquinas 38, Bryan County 7 – Bryan County (1-1) has a bye and hosts Savannah High on Sept. 5.
West Laurens 49, Groves 0 – Groves (0-1) faces Jenkins (0-1) on Aug. 29.
Beach 7, Savannah High 0 (Suspended) – Game called in first quarter and the game will not be made up. Beach (0-1) has a bye and will play Windsor Forest on Sept. 5
WEEK 3 SCHEDULE
NOTE: Kickoff 7:30 p.m. unless posted
Aug. 28, Thursday
Long County at Johnson * (SHS)
Aug. 29
Everglades (FL) at Richmond Hill
Effingham County at New Hampstead (PS)
South Effingham at Toombs County
Benedictine at Burke County
Oceanside Collegiate at Calvary Day
Jenkins at Groves * (MS)
SE Bulloch at Islands * (IS)
Windsor Forest at Liberty County *
Savannah Christian at Mt. Paran
Porter Gaud at Savannah Country Day
Hilton Head Christian at Bethesda
Central Fellowship at St. Andrew's (DP), 7 p.m
Stadium Key
DP — Daffin Park
GS — Groves Stadium
IS — Islands Stadium
MS — Memorial Stadium
SHS — Savannah High Stadium
PS — Pooler Stadium
Photo: Courtesy proshot_media_
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