The 2026 football season marks a pivotal moment for two Savannah‑area programs. Savannah Country Day, formerly a staple of the Georgia High School Association, has announced its move to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association, while St. Andrew's prepares to christen its freshly installed turf field with a highly anticipated season opener.
Returning stars and new responsibilities
Savannah Country Day will lean on senior Thomas Holland, who returns as a running back and linebacker after a standout 2025 campaign that yielded 1,084 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Holland’s versatility was on display last year when he stepped in at quarterback during an injury crisis, a role he now leaves behind to focus on his primary positions.
St. Andrew's counters with its own experienced playmakers. Quarterback Pat Jackson, who threw for 700 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 496 rushing yards and five scores in 2025, returns to lead the offense. Junior running back Darius Chapman, who averaged 6.1 yards per carry and contributed a touchdown reception, also returns to bolster the backfield.
Coaching shifts and roster adjustments
Joey Blackmore, a former North Dakota State safety, begins his second year at the helm of Savannah Country Day’s coaching staff. Blackmore’s defensive background should help anchor a unit that lost its top receiver, Peyton Bean, to a transfer, but gains depth from prospects Amir Atkinson, Jalen Jordan and Eli Bailey.
Defensively, Wells Headley, a second‑team All‑Region 3A Division I end, will spearhead the line alongside juniors Avery West and S’Zavier House. Linebacker William Rhodes has already logged a team‑high 10 tackles and an interception in the preseason loss to Strong Rock Christian, positioning him as a key anchor.
Early schedule and looming challenges
The Hornets open the season at home against Hilton Head Prep on August 21, 2026, on their brand‑new turf. The matchup will serve as a litmus test for both teams as they navigate a schedule that includes contests against Savannah Christian on September 18 and a road trip to Bethda Academy on September 25. A rematch with Hilton Head Prep looms on October 30, offering an early test of the new league dynamics.
Both programs emphasize teamwork and leadership. Senior voices such as Addison Solomon and Thomas Kirk have taken on prominent roles on offense and defense, fostering a culture that coaches hope will translate into resilience amid inevitable early‑season growing pains and potential injuries.