Coach Baker Woodward enters his second year at the helm for the Savannah Christian Raiders. Last season, the former Benedictine Offensive Coordinator led the Raiders into the State Semi-Finals where they were defeated by eventual state champion ELCA. We asked Coach Woodward what his biggest challenge was coming into the 2019 season.
Woodward said, “Our biggest challenge is creating depth. We lost a valuable senior class last year that included 5 offensive starters and 7 defensive starters and one of our key players to IMG.”
While the Raiders will be looking to create depth. We asked Coach Woodward who might be poised to step up for a break out season.
“Probably George Futch at wide receiver and Bradley Anderson at Free Safety. These two players are excellent skilled players that will be major contributors this season,” Woodward said.
But what about the other returners for Savannah Christian?
“Marquell Brown and Spencer Robicheaux are both returning starters that were huge contributors last year at the running back and quarterback position,” Woodward said. “Three of our offensive lineman are coming back as well with Colby Quinney, Walker McDonald, and Justin McInnis.”
Brown led the Raiders in rushing with 921 yards and 11-TDs, while Robicheaux passed for 1,737 yards and 15-TDs. Robicheaux garnered an All-Region selection last season. Meanwhile linemen Quinney and McDonald were also All-Region selections and will be a key component of the Savannah Christian Offense.
And defense, the Raiders will be looking to replace seven starters as Coach Woodward mentioned.
“Nate Moon who was the defensive player of the year for Savannah Quarterback club and he will return at Safety this year. Chase Beard and Blake Brown will return at Linebacker and Defensive back. Dawson Benton will return to the Defensive line. Colby Quinney will look to go both ways this year and he will be a presence on the Defensive line.,” Woodward said.
Moon led the team in tackles a season ago, and along with his Savannah Quarterback club honors, he was an All-Region selection as well. Beard tallied 52 solo tackles a year ago, while Blake Brown and Benton combined for 104 total tackles.
We asked Coach Woodward if there were any games circled on the schedule.
“I believe they all have to be circled,” He said.
“However, our two rivalry games are Calvary and Savannah Country Day School. The Calvary game is a huge rivalry and a game that has been going on for a long time.”
How will Savannah Christian define success in 2019?
Woodward responded, “By accomplishing the Team Mission. Our mission this season is to BE DIFFERENT! It comes from Romans 12:2 Do not conform to pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will. If we do this, then we will be successful. Winning will be a by-product of doing things the right way. We have focused on being different and setting ourselves apart from this world. When we play we hope that people see Christ in our team and we stand out by how hard we play.”
