Once a year, two private schools in Savannah square off for fame and bragging rights. They have met every year since 1979, with the exception of 2000 and 2001. But the next meeting, on Friday, September 22, will mark just the fifth time Calvary Day and Savannah Christian have come into the game as ranked schools. In fact, it just might be the most important game in the rivalry’s storied history.
The Savannah Christian Raiders hold the all-time series record with 26 wins to the Cavaliers’ 18. However, the past two meetings were won by Calvary Day, including a six-point victory at home last season.
This year’s matchup features the most talent in rivalry history by far. There’s the nation’s second-best player in the Class of 2025, defensive lineman Elijah Griffin, who has already racked up 4.5 sacks and 4 TFLs in the Raiders’ first four games. And don’t forget about four-star tight end Logan Brooking and Three-star linebacker David Bucey, who also plays receiver. Then, of course, there’s Zo Smalls, the reliable back who rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season. Even freshman LaDamian Guyton is receiving attention from Georgia after posting nearly 10 TFLs so far.
But Calvary Day has its own load of talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Tennessee commit Jake Merklinger can target four Division 1 targets on each dropback: three-star receivers Thomas Blackshear and Edward Coleman, four-star tight end Michael Smith, and rising star Caden Arnold. Blackshear transferred from Benedictine, where he had more than 600 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Walter Mathis has already forced 8 tackles for loss as a 3-star junior. For 3A schools, the talent on these two rosters has quickly thrust this matchup into a statewide spotlight.
So far, the Cavaliers are off to an ideal start to 2023. The defending quarterfinalists are averaging nearly 53 points per game and have yet to allow more than 10 points in a single game. However, those absurd statistics are tagged with the asterisk of a weak schedule: Calvary Day’s four opponents have a combined record of 3-14.
Savannah Christian, on the other hand, faced off against 6A power Marist last week. The usually explosive Raider offense was held to just 7 points, and Marist’s 3 touchdowns proved enough to secure a victory.
Savannah Christian has relied more on its pass defense as the offense adapts to a revamped system, which directly contrasts with Calvary Day’s skilled, balanced offensive attack. Both squads are nearly identical in defensive production, but talent tends to favor the Raiders. The pressure of playoff implications adds to the building hype, as Friday’s matchup will likely decide the region champion and top seed holder.
It’s a clash of styles, talent, and history. Will Savannah Christian avenge last season’s loss, or will Calvary Day secure the road win and secure its third straight win in the rivalry? This blockbuster showdown will provide the answer.
