Getting a bye in the opening round of the state playoffs isn’t always a good thing.
Such was the case for Savannah Christian, which hadn’t played since they suffered a 52-24 loss to Toombs County Oct. 31.
At least it was for the first half.
After Savannah Christian shook off some rustiness in the opening half, the Red Raiders erupted for 21 points in the second half to roll to a 35-23 victory over Christian Heritage in GHSA A-3A Private playoff game at Pooler Stadium.
The victory advanced the Red Raiders (7-4) into the quarterfinal round next Friday when they will travel to Fellowship Christian.
Raiders’ quarterback Blaise Thomas and running back Athen Hudspeth certainly were the difference makers, as the duo accounted for all five of Savannah Christian’s scores.
The Raiders’ defense also was the difference in the second half , as they stymied and harassed Christian Heritage quarterback Charlie Baxter into throwing four interceptions after Baxter led the Lions to a 17-14 advantage at halftime, accentuated by a 48-yard go-ahead, field goal in the final seconds.
Christian Heritage (7-4) also had a bye and nearly three weeks off, but the Lions looked sharp in the early going.
With his team down 14-0 early in the second quarter, Thomas hit Cam Yeldell on a 36-yard scoring strike, and he later scored on a one-yard sneak to tie the game.
Thomas put the Red Raiders ahead to stay when he dipped and danced his way through the Christian Heritage defense on an eight-yard scamper for a 21-17 advantage on their opening drive of the second half.
After halftime, Thomas’ scampering and Hudspeth second-effort bursts helped seal the game for the Red Raiders. Hudspeth, who also had eight tackles, picked off Baxter twice.
Thomas, who ran for 74 of his 96 yards in the second half, figured it was just a matter of time.
“We came off a little slow, and our defense held us in the game,” noted Thomas. “We were able to pursue in our run and pass game, and our blocking opened things up. We found our rhythm and had momentum.”
Thomas also likes his team’s chemistry.
“I think we’re playing together and well as a team. We’re looking to see where it can take us.”
Hudspeth, who never had two interceptions in a game, scored on runs of nine and 36 yards in the fourth quarter and had 97 yards rushing overall. He saw a similar picture as his quarterback’s view.
“We had three weeks off and it was a long break,” offered Hudspeth. “We knew we had to get the rust off. We knew they would come back out in the second half, and we had to play our best game. We knew what we were capable of doing.
“We have been in that type of situation before, and everyone picked each other up. During halftime, we realized we all had to do our jobs and stop blaming each other.
“We feel we are peaking at the right time.”
Red Raiders’ head coach Baker Woodward pressed his team to respond after they appeared to be on the ropes. Along with Hudspeth, Woodward also credited John Gross, who had seven tackles, an interception, and a sack.
“Our offense was on the sidelines for the majority of the first half,” stressed Woodward. “We just knew we had been taking some punches from them, and they had a great game plan. Everything was on their side in the first half.
“We came out in the second half and finished the game. That was one of our goals. Our defensive line played great, and our seniors played great. Blaise Thomas had a heckava game. It’s good to get a win.”
Woodward was pleased that his team grinded out the victory from start to finish. He knows they’ll have to keep that pace against Fellowship Christian, who beat them, 52-21, during the regular season.
“We’r excited that we’re playing four quarters,” added Woodward. “I’m sure the team that we’re going to play next week hasn’t played four quarters very much. They’re a good team, and they blew us out here.
“We’re looking forward to playing them there. We’re in shape, and we’re ready.”
Christian Heritage 7 10 0 6 - 23
Savannah Christian 0 14 7 14 - 35
First Quarter
CH - Charlie Baxter 2 run (Luis Salinas kick)
Second Quarter
CA- Sawyer Corn 7 pass from Baxter (Salinas kick)
SC - Cam Yeldell 36 pass from Blaise Thomas (Karson Leake kick)
SC - Thomas 1 run (Leake kick)
CH - Salinas 48 FG
Third Quarter
SC - Thomas 8 run (Locke kick)
Fourth Quarter
SC - Athen Hudspeth 9 run (Locke kick)
SC - Hudspeth 36 run (Locke kick)
CH - Benji Michmerhuizen 39 pass from Baxter (pass failed)
Photo Credit: Courtesy Proshot_media
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