After Slow Start, Bethesda Academy Rallies For 44-14 Win Over First Baptist

By Jeff Moeller

Special Contributor 

Savannah--Bethesda Academy’s first-half performance against First Baptist Friday night (Oct.,30) left a sense of uneasiness among the Blazers’ faithful.

Blazers’ junior quarterback Jordan Turner had thrown two first-half interceptions, one that halted a potential scoring drive, and another that led to a First Baptist score. 

Bethesda found themselves with a 14-7 lead at halftime, but the thought of a region championship, and possibly two home state playoff games on their home turf didn’t feel totally secure. 

However, head coach Antwain Turner knew his clubs had a lot left in them. 

The Blazers proved their coach correct, as they took the second-half kickoff and marched down field on a seven–play, 52-yard drive that was the first of 37 unanswered points in a 44-14 rout. 

It gave the Blazers the SCISA a Class AAA regional championship and secured two home playoff state games. Turner believed his club again would demonstrate the type of perseverance that took them to a state title last season and has carried them to four straight wins and an overall 7-1 record. 

"The game of football is about resilience," beamed Turner. "You're not going to have your best every night ― you're going to make a bad read, or a bad play, it's part of the game. But the resilience and who you are character wise is how you respond, how do you come back. 

           “We had some unfortunate turnovers that set us back in the first half, but we need that to be tested ― because it's playoff football coming up when it's win or go home.”

       The younger Turner, who completed nine of 11 passes for 135 yards with three touchdown passes while running for 113 yards with a score, figured his team would rebound after their shaky start. 

“It was a rough start,” said Turner. “I didn’t read my reads well in the beginning. But I kept testing my reads, my linemen, and our plan, and we came back.

“We had a good talk in the locker room, and we came out strong. I think it took a lot of them when we scored to start the second half. We stayed fresh with a lot of guys, and they looked gassed. Our mindset was coming out 0-0 after halftime, and we were ready.

“After this game, we know we have to start better. We just want to get one percent better every day.”

Turner credited his line for their continued progress.

“They have grown a lot since week one,” added Turner. “They have hit the weight room and really have gotten better as a unit.”

Senior tackle Ian Platts was an offensive line that opened huge holes primarily for junior running back Jeffery Armstrong, who ran for 106 of his 135 yards with a touchdown after halftime. 

Platt also sees his team on the rise.

“That gave us the momentum,” said Platt about the Blazer’s opening, second -half drive. “We did what we needed to do. We all believe in each other, and we get the job done. 

“I believe we can reach another level by eliminating mistakes and keeping our focus. We know we have the chemistry to be a championship-caliber team. 

“I feel if we can take the next step, we’ll be there for the championship.”

            The elder Turner realized their running game behind Armstrong would be a key.

             “We talked to our guys and told them that we have to score, drive the ball down, and be who we are,” added Turner. “We were able to get that going. 

       “They were giving us the middle and overplayed our pass. We were running up the middle a lot. We had to open up our running game in the second half.

             Like his teammates, Armstrong was well aware of the second half. He also wanted to play his role in the second half, notably with the play of his line in front of him. 

“In the locker room, we knew we had to take control of the game,” said Armstrong. “The first carry after halftime felt great, and we all knew we took over the tempo of the game.

“I love my lineman, and we all had a great talk before and after the game. They always have great communication and open things up for me.”

Bethesda also had a solid performance on the other side of the ball as they swarmed First Baptist’s lead back Derrick Porter all night, limiting the 1,000-yard plus rusher to just 22 yards. The Hurricanes, who were averaging 33 points per game, had just nine yards rushing in the opening half and 84 total yards.

Isaiah Jones and Sammy Childs III recorded interceptions, and Devrin Davis, and Calvin Russell registered sacks.

The Blazers (7-1) will host Trinity Collegiate (3-5), who recently edged Spartanburg Christian Academy, 49-45, Friday night at 7;30 p.m. in the opening-round of the state playoffs.

          The quarterback believes his team will have another deep postseason.

“We haven’t peaked and reached another level yet,” stressed Turner. “We have a lot of room to grow. 

Armstrong anticipates a similar outcome. 

“We still haven't hit our peak, but we’ll get there,” quipped Armstrong.” We play our hearts out every game.”