Week 4 of the high school football season in the Greater Savannah area featured an abbreviated slate of games as a number of local teams had byes, but there were some memorable games and performances that filled the void under the lights Friday night.
Richmond Hill had a miracle finish to beat host Ware County as Eli Grant closed things out with a 96-yard blocked field goal return for a touchdown
in a walk off win.New Hampstead got its first win of the season behind a big-time performance by sophomore quarterback Antonio Benton.
In cross country, Francie Tedder of Savannah Arts won her third event in three races as she helped lead the Panthers to their third team title at the Southern Georgia XC Championship.
This is a chance for readers to weigh
in and select the Savannah Morning News High School Athlete of the Week in an open poll with no restrictions on the voting. The poll will close on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m.
Here are this week's candidates.
Francie Tedder, Savannah Arts
The senior won her third race in three events as she ran a time of 19:58.30 on the 3.1 mile course to take the individual race at the Southern Georgia XC Championship, helping lead the Panthers to the team title.
Eli Grant, Richmond Hill
The senior had a walk off touchdown on a 95-yard yard blocked field goal return as the Wildcats shocked host Ware County at "The Swamp." Grant also had two receptions for 30 yards and a score and made an interception with eight tackles on defense.
Gaby Kenard, The Habersham School
The junior won the e Jackets' Catch 'Em Challenge with a time of 20:41.30 as she set a course record on the 3.1 mile course.
De'Vion Smalls-Clark, Richmond Hill
The junior defensive back had 10 tackles in the win at Ware County.
Jayvion Williams, Beach
The senior threw three touchdown passes and ran for another in the Bulldogs loss to Long County.
Antonio Benton, New Hampstead
The sophomore quarterback was 19 of 29 passing for 363 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Harris County.
Kelvin Banks Jr., Bradwell Institute
The junior won the Southern Georgia XC Championship with a time of 17:32.90 on the 3.1 mile course.
Malik Pabiri, The Habersham School
The senior finished third in the Jackets' Catch 'Em Challenge with a time of 18:51.50.
Layne Watkins, New Hampstead
The junior had six catches for 158 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win over Harris County.
McKay Bennett, Savannah Arts
The junior was second at the Southern Georgia XC Championship with a time of 21:36.00 on the 3.1 mile course.
Thomas Holland, Savannah Country Day
The senior rushed for 134 yards and a score in a loss to Porter-Gaud.
Derek Feske, Richmond Hill
The junior finished second in the OrthoWest Invitational with a time of 17:16.66 on the 3.1 mile course.
Ca'Den Jones, Calvary Day
The senior rushed for 102 yards on 17 carries in the Cavs loss to Ambassador Christian.
Chloe Miller, Richmond Hill
The junior finished second at the OrthoWest Invitational with a time of 20:11.72 on the 3.1 mile course.
Ivyn Richardson, Savannah Christian
The senior had 17 tackles in a loss to Fellowship Christian.
Darius Chapman, St. Andrew's
The junior had two receptions for 37 yards and two scores in a loss to Hardeeville. He also had three tackles and a pass defended.
Aiden Frazier, Savannah Christian
The senior had 17 tackles in the loss to Fellowship Christian.
Walter Yang, Savannah Arts
The senior was second at the Southern Georgia XC Championship with a time of 18:08.90 on the 3.1 mile course.
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Vote for the Savannah Morning News High School Athlete of the Week
