Bethesda Overcomes Early Obstacles to Reach Title Game Again

  By David Shelton

Senior Writer

High School Sports Report

Savannah, Ga. – The 2024 season was not without a few bumps in the road but the Bethesda Academy football team navigated the early rough waters and find themselves in the SCISA Class AA state championship game for the second straight season.

The Blazers are the defending state champions but lost some very key personnel from the title team. Head coach Antwain Turner knew coming into the season that his team would need some time to grow and develop. Wins and losses early on were not as important as building the right chemistry that would benefit them later in the season.

“Chemistry and harmony within the team is so important and we needed time to establish those things,” Turner said. “The guys we lost off last year’s team were not only good players but they also were the leaders. We had to find out who was going to fill those shoes. It doesn’t happen easily.”

The Blazers opened the 2024 season with losses to Thomas Heyward and Hilton Head Christian, two solid, winning programs. Thomas Heyward is playing in the Class A title game.

Despite the early losses, Turner saw great potential in this year’s team.

“I saw the buy-in and how this team was going to work and compete,” he said. “I saw they were selfless and they were all about putting the team first. I knew we had a chance but we still had work to do.”

Starting quarterback Luke Larson suffered a season-ending injury in week two of the season, forcing Turner to move his son, freshman Jordan Turner, to quarterback. Turner has steadily grew into the position as a player and a leader.

“We hated to lose Luke because he was the guy we were building around, but Jordan was our backup and he prepared every day as if he was the starter,” Turner said.

Turner has passed for 1,363 yards and 11 touchdowns this season but the Blazers focus offensively on running the football behind a veteran offensive line. Senior Assir Best, the quick explosive back has topped 1,000 yards with 17 touchdowns and averages 10.1 yards per carry. Junior Jordan Cheever, the bruiser in the backfield, has rushed for nearly 700 yards.

“They’re a good one-two punch. Different kinds of backs but both very effective,” Turner said.

Favorite targets in the passing game include Malachi Morris, Jadon Turner, Raleigh Wesley and Christian Vaughn. Wesley has 38 catches for 711 yards while Vaughn has 24 catches for 435 yards.

Forming the offensive line are center Steve Mitchell, guards Isaiah Reynolds and Keshaun Wright, and tackles Ian Platts and Jadyn Grant.

“For us to be successful, we have to win in the trenches and those guys up front have been consistent all season,” Turner said. “Our play up front has been the key to the success we have had on both sides.”

A lot of the same personnel from offense play key roles defensively as well. Grant, Reynolds and Wright are starters up front, along with Arlando Chaney. Reynolds has 94 tackles and 10 sacks this season.

Cheever (59 tackles) is a starting linebacker, along with Nicholas Jackson (50 tackles) and Jeffrey Armstrong.

“We knew we were good up front but we lost all three linebackers from last year,” Turner said. “These new guys had a lot to learn and they made mistakes early, but they got better each week. Their improvement made us a more complete defense.”

Best (four interceptions) and Wesley (three interceptions) are the starting corners, while Joshua Johnson and Jaylen Holmes (six interceptions) are the safeties. The Blazers have 20 interceptions as a team.

Bethesda lost just one more game after the 0-2 start, that to Pee Dee Academy, 25-22, a month ago. As fate would have it, the Blazers get a chance to redeem themselves as they face an undefeated Pee Dee team in the championship game.

“They are a good football team, well-coached and talented,” Turner said. “The first game was tight and we had our chances. We have nothing but respect for their team but we are excited about the opportunity to play for a state championship. If we can limit their big plays, win the turnover battle, and take advantage of our opportunities, we have a chance.”