A lot of Savannah teams played in lopsided games on opening weekend of the high school football season, but the area’s top squads proved that the preseason hype for them was warranted. This week, there are several interesting non-region games to monitor, and we’ll take a look at the matchups here.
BENEDICTINE (1-0) at COLUMBUS-MIAMI (0-0)
The Cadets head south for a 7 p.m. game at Tropical Park Stadium in Miami in the second game of a home-and-home with the Explorers. Columbus is the largest private school in the state of Florida. Last year at Memorial Stadium, the Explorers knocked off Benedictine 42-27 early in the season, before BC went on to win 13 of its next 14 games en route to a state title.
Before last week’s stoppage late in the second quarter versus Jenkins, Class 4A No. 1 Benedictine was rolling through the Warriors and the Cadets won easily, 45-0. Luke Kromenhoek threw for four touchdowns – two to Zaquan Bryan – and 175 yards on nine-of-15 passing.
The Explorers have yet to play a game in 2022, but they finished at 9-4 last season under head coach Dave Dunn. Columbus graduated seven of its top eight receivers and starting quarterback from 2021. Alberto Mendoza is the likely quarterback for Dunn’s team this season. His older brother Fernando graduated last year and is now playing on the next level at Yale. Other returning producers from last year’s team include running back Tremonte Underwood (99 carries, 485 yards, three touchdowns) and defensive lineman Daylen Russell (57 tackles, 14 tackles for loss).
Benedictine is scheduled to play two games in the state of Florida this season, as Danny Britt’s team is also headed to Jacksonville in late September for a game at The Bolles School.
RICHMOND HILL (1-0) at WARE COUNTY (0-0)
The Wildcats shutout rival Effingham County last week, 14-0 while the Gators were forced to postpone their first game with Appling County due to weather concerns.
Ware graduated four-year starting quarterback Thomas Castellanos but they are still highly regarded as they enter this week ranked No. 6 in Class 5A by Georgia High School Football Daily.
The Gators (9-2 last season) have a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball, most notably in defensive linemen Erius Morris and Demetrius Baldwin as well as linebackers Trey Hargrove and Jemario Barkley. Senior wide receiver Jarvis Hayes (28 catches, 617 yards, 10 touchdowns in 2021) is a potential all-state selection while the offensive line anchored by Cameron Gonsalves, Zach Watson and Sharvon Pierre is one of the best O-lines in all of south Georgia.
Richmond Hill won its opener thanks in large part to its defensive effort, but senior quarterback Ty Goldrick was efficient in managing the game (9-14, 73 yards passing) while fellow seniors Zion Gillard and Ravon Grant each had a second-half rushing score to aid the offense.
SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN (1-0) at ISLANDS (0-1)
Coming off two completely different performances in week zero, Savannah Christian and Islands will meet for the first time ever in a regular season game Friday night at Islands Stadium.
SCPS won over Hilton Head Christian, 54-7 last week at Pooler Stadium. Zo Smalls returned the season’s opening kickoff for a touchdown and the sophomore added two more rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown for a total of four scores in the blowout victory. He rushed for 125 yards and the two scores on just six carries. Fellow sophomore Kenry Wall rushed for a touchdown and 71 yards on only four carries.
The Raiders are now 35-14 under head coach Baker Woodward, who took over the program in 2018.
Islands lost 49-6 to Class 3A No. 5 Calvary Day at home last week, and now the Sharks will try to fare better versus Calvary’s biggest rival this week.
PINEWOOD CHRISTIAN (1-0) at SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY (1-0)
One of the only games this week matching up a pair of 1-0 teams, this is the first time that SCDS has ever played Pinewood Christian in a regular season game.
Country Day shutout Windsor Forest, 31-0 last week at Saunders Field. Senior running back Michael Grandy rushed for three touchdowns and 152 yards on 28 carries against the Knights. Sophomore quarterback Barton Mixon threw for 108 yards on an efficient six-of-eight passing in his first career start at quarterback for head coach John Mohring’s team. Freshman Josh Washington had a 37-yard touchdown run and freshman kicker Cash Ramirez had a 29-yard field goal and was 4-4 on extra point attempts.
From Bellville, Pinewood is coming off a 60-34 victory over Robert Toombs Academy last week. The Patriots were led by Kaedan Arnold’s two touchdown catches and a rushing touchdown from Wesley Tippins and Avery Beasley.
BETHESDA ACADEMY (1-0) at JOHN PAUL II (0-0)
The Blazers head to Ridgeland, South Carolina this week after winning the season’s opening game against Hilton Head Prep, 8-7. According to MaxPreps, Bethesda has won both of the previous two meetings with JPII since 2010.
The Golden Warriors finished the 2021 season at 4-6 overall.
Complete Week 1 Schedule
AUG. 26
IN TOWN
(Local teams home)
Bluffton at Jenkins (Pooler Stadium)
Savannah Christian at Islands (Islands)
New Hampstead at Windsor Forest (Memorial)
Brantley County at Groves (Garden City Stadium)
Pinewood Christian at Savannah Country Day
Treutlen at Bryan County
Richmond Academy at Savannah High (Savannah High)
OUT of TOWN
(Local teams on the road)
Richmond Hill at Ware County
Effingham County at Burke County
Liberty County at Bradwell
Benedictine at Columbus (Miami, FL)
Beach at Vidalia
St. Andrew's at Valwood
Memorial Day at Fullington Academy
Bethesda at John Paul II
FOLLOW Travis Jaudon on Twitter/Instagram @JaudonSports. Email him at travisLjaudon@gmail.com.
Optim Orthopedics supports Benedictine Military School, Calvary Day School, Richmond Hill High School, Savannah Country Day, South Effingham High School, and St. Vincent's athletics. Benedictine Military School's team doctor is Dr. David Sedory. The team doctor for Calvary Day School, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill is Dr. David Palmer. Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent's team doctor is Dr. Thomas Alexander. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game!
