Baker Woodward is entering his ninth season as head coach of Savannah Christian football, a program that has posted a 74‑25 record under his guidance and reached the playoffs in every year of his tenure. The Raiders’ recent run to the Class 3A state finals in 2023 underscored the stability and ambition that have defined Woodward’s era.
This season the team will compete in a reshaped region that reunites them with cross‑town rival Calvary Day and introduces new foes such as Bryan County and Screven County. Woodward has expressed excitement about the fresh competitive landscape, noting that the region’s depth will test the Raiders in ways that could sharpen their playoff aspirations.
A Revamped Roster
The roster boasts a blend of proven veterans and promising newcomers. Senior receiver Cam Yeldell returns after a breakout season that saw him collect 26 catches for 705 yards and six touchdowns, while also drawing 16 college offers from programs including South Carolina, Maryland, Cincinnati, USF and Georgia State. Senior linemen Will Bucey and Cain Tomlin are back after knee injuries, ready to anchor both sides of the line.
At quarterback, junior lefty Caden Godbee steps into the starting role after Blaise Thomas graduated. Godbee will inherit the responsibility of guiding the offense, relying on his arm strength and poise under pressure. The backfield will feature sophomore running back Wesley Dinkins, who amassed 756 yards and three touchdowns last year, and Landon Tyson, who contributed 256 rushing yards while averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
Defensively, the Raiders retain key leaders such as Ivyn Richardson, whose 99 tackles last season highlighted his role as a senior linebacker, and the defensive line duo of RJ Daniels and Jalen Wright. The secondary will see Yeldell, Bucey and Tomlin rotate with sophomore Jameer Jackson, adding depth and versatility to the pass defense.
Coaching staff changes include the hiring of former Benedictine standout Sean Fogarty as offensive line coach, bringing a fresh perspective to the trenches. The combination of experienced coaches and returning talent suggests a continuity of the disciplined, hard‑nosed style that has characterized Savannah Christian football.
The team also faces roster turnover, having lost two pivotal players to transfers, most notably Jordan Dillon, who committed to Georgia Tech. While these departures create gaps, they also open opportunities for younger players to step up and for the staff to experiment with new schemes.
Overall, the Raiders enter the season with a clear vision: to leverage their proven track record, integrate new talent, and thrive in a more competitive region. The blend of seasoned leaders and emerging contributors positions Savannah Christian as a formidable contender for another deep playoff run.