Bulldogs to host star-studded cast in Savannah Christian

Morgan County (10-1) will face its toughest test on Friday at home against Savannah Christian (9-2).

The Raiders are one of the most talented teams in Class AAA, with several Division I prospects on their roster, including five-star Elijah Griffin, the nation’s No. 1 overall player in the class of 2025.

Savannah Christian’s roster also features four-star tight end Logan Brooking (Clemson) and three-star linebacker David Bucey (South Carolina). They have multiple talented underclassmen as well.

“(Savannah Christian) has got more stars than we do, but you’ve got to play (the game) on the field,” Morgan County head coach Clint Jenkins said. “We know they’re a good team with good players. It’s going to be a big challenge, but again, you get to settle it on the field.”

The No. 2 seed Raiders are coming off a thrilling 48-46 win over No. 3 seed Peach County. On the other hand, No. 1 seed Morgan County overcame early mistakes to knock off No. 4 seed Monroe.

Savannah Christian finished second in its region behind Savannah Country Day. In the Class AAA rankings, the Raiders are currently ranked No. 5 while the Bulldogs are a spot behind at No. 6.

The biggest in-game matchup on Friday will be when Savannah Christian’s offense is on the field.

Savannah Christian brings in a balanced attack on offense, which averages 39.27 points per game. The Bulldogs have one of the top-scoring defenses in Class AAA, only giving up 8.5 points per contest, so the Raiders will have the highest-scoring offense that they have faced this year.

Savannah Christian quarterback Blaise Thomas has passed for 1,612 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The sophomore is also mobile, rushing for 139 yards and four scores in 11 games.

However, the Raiders have a solid ground game as well and are led by Zo Smalls. The junior running back has rushed for 1,294 yards on 170 attempts (7.6 yards per carry) and a team-high 22 scores.

Junior Kenry Wall is also very elusive. The junior has rushed for 691 yards on 55 attempts (12.6 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. Wall also has hauled in 18 passes for 462 yards and five scores.

Bucey and Brooking are Thomas’ favorite targets. Bucey has caught a team-high 38 receptions for 557 yards and six touchdowns. Brooking has added 471 yards on 27 catches for two scores as well.

Morgan County’s defense has only given up 20 points or more one time this season. The key to success in Friday’s game is limiting the Raiders’ explosive plays and forcing Thomas to make mistakes.

Defensively, Morgan County has done a good job of those two things this year. The Bulldogs have also forced 18 turnovers this season, with a majority being interceptions by a veteran secondary.

Offensively, Morgan County is averaging 37.4 points per game, while Savannah Christian is giving up 12.9. The Bulldogs have a stout running game, led by 1,000-yard rusher and senior Jay Dorsey.

It’s likely quarterback Talan Fuller won’t play, so sophomore Davis Strickland, who has rotated in with Fuller all season, will take the snaps. He and Dorsey will be behind an all-sophomore offensive line, which will be tasked with blocking Griffin and talented freshman LaDamion Guyton.

So if Morgan County can limit explosive plays, create turnovers, and control both lines of scrimmage, the Bulldogs have a shot at advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1990.

Either way, Jenkins wants his players to focus on themselves and not on how many star-studded players the other team has. The Bulldogs have faired well when just focusing on the task in front of them.

“Again, it’s more going to be about us,” Jenkins said. “We need to execute and do the things we can (control). We also need to try and minimize the things (Savannah Christian) does well, but they are a really good football team and have played some tough teams. So, it will be a good test for us.”