Vote for Savannah Morning News' Athlete of the Week in Open Poll

Football Season Kicks Off with Exciting Games and Memorable Performances

The high school football season is officially underway, and fans in the Greater Savannah area witnessed some thrilling matchups this week. Despite weather-related delays that impacted several games, the action on the field was nothing short of spectacular. From last-second field goals to standout individual performances, there was plenty to celebrate as the fall sports season continues to gain momentum.

Key Highlights from Friday Night Games

Benedictine faced a tough challenge on the road against Colquitt County, where the game came down to the final moments. The Packers managed to pull off a dramatic victory with a last-second field goal, sealing their win in an intense showdown. Meanwhile, Savannah Christian also secured a victory away from home, thanks to a stellar performance by senior quarterback Blaise Thomas. His efforts helped the team come out on top in a closely contested match.

Calvary Day made a strong statement in the Erk Russell Classic at Georgia Southern, where they defeated Beach in a competitive game. The Cavaliers were led by junior quarterback James Mobley IV, who threw three touchdown passes in the first half, showcasing his talent early in the season. Head coach Jason Cameron, making his debut, appears to be off to a promising start.

Standout Performers on the Field

Several athletes delivered impressive performances across both boys and girls sports, highlighting the competitiveness of the season. In football, Blaise Thomas stood out with 187 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, while also completing 7 of 11 passes for 91 yards and three touchdowns. His leadership played a key role in Savannah Christian’s win.

Elijah Brown of Liberty County also had a remarkable game, rushing for 215 yards and a score in a win over cross-town rival Bradwell. Demetrius Holloway Jr. of Jenkins put up 320 passing yards and two touchdowns, despite his team’s loss to Lowndes. On the other side, James Mobley IV of Calvary Day continued his strong start with three touchdown passes in the first half of the game against Beach.

In volleyball, Clara Vorel of South Effingham had a dominant performance, contributing 14 kills, a block, and an ace in a crucial match. She has already committed to Towson University, signaling her potential as a future standout. Brownette Olson and Myla Shippy of Habersham School also impressed with their stats, leading their teams to a 9-3 start.

Other Notable Performances

Other athletes who made an impact this week include:
Stanley Smart Jr. of Benedictine, who recorded over 100 all-purpose yards and scored a touchdown in a close loss to Colquitt County.
Gessilyn Clark of Richmond Hill, who threw a complete game shutout against Effingham County.
LaVon Owens II of Calvary Day, who caught a touchdown pass in the win over Beach.
Christian Kinlaw of New Hampstead, who rushed for 120 yards, including two scoring runs.
Shamari King* of Johnson, who had a 78-yard touchdown run in a tough loss to Bryan County.

Voting for the Athlete of the Week

Readers have the opportunity to vote for the Savannah Morning News Athlete of the Week in an open poll. The poll is currently live and will remain open until Sunday, August 24, at 11 a.m. This week’s candidates include standout performers from various sports, giving fans a chance to recognize the best of the best.

Whether it's a game-winning touchdown, a dominant defensive play, or a record-breaking performance, this week’s athletes have proven why they deserve recognition. As the season progresses, more exciting moments are sure to unfold on and off the field.