Savannah Christian is playing its trademark brand of defensive football and the Raiders lead visiting Prince Avenue Christian 7-3 at halftime.
The Raiders started things out with an impressive drive after taking the opening kickoff. Jack Bush picked up eight yards to set up a short-yardage situation. On 4th and 2 at their own 43-yard line, coach Donald Chumley called a timeout to discuss the situation. The Raiders lined up like they were going for it, and quarterback Brandon Thomas managed to draw the PAC line offside for a critical first down.
Junior fullback Nick Bateman had a big time run, bowling over a would-be tackler in the secondary for a pickup of 14 yards. Later in the drive, Wade Benton got a key block and swept around the right end for a 25-yard gain to the Wolverine 2-yard line. Two plays later, Bateman barged in from a yard out for a score, and Logan Tovar’s extra point made it 7-0 Savannah Christian.
SCPS got some great defense in the first half as John Jackson came up with a fine open field tackle.
PAC drive into Raider territory in the second quarter and went for it on 4th and 5 on the Raider 27-yard line. But Ahmad Johnson made a spectacular stop — knocking Zantravious Shields back fro a 5-yard loss.
PAC scored with 2:19 left in the half when kicker Tyler Foster nailed a low liner that cleared the cross bar for a 40-yard field goal.
Bateman rushed for 36 yards on 9 carries for SCPS and the Raider held Shields, the standout junior, to 25 yards on 9 carries.
PAC will receive the second half kickoff.