The First Presbyterian Christian Academy Highlanders spent much of the last month traveling throughout Georgia for four games.
Last Friday, when they finally had a home game, they came up just short against Bethlehem Christian Academy in a non-conference game, losing 39-36 in the final minutes.
Since scheduling conflicts exist throughout Savannah, the Highlanders will travel to Garden City Stadium on Saturday for a Region 4-AA contest against Memorial Day, which is also the Matadors’ homecoming game.
Memorial Day has been a traditional power in the Georgia Independent School Association for a number of years and is the defending Class AA state champion.
The Matadors graduated some of the speed and power from last year’s team, but they still have firepower left. However, this season did not start out well, as Memorial Day lost its first three games to Valwood, Pinewood Christian Academy and rival Bethesda.
The Matadors come in Saturday’s game riding a two-game winning streak and a 3-4 overall record, including 1-0 in Region AA. Memorial Day defeated Toombs Christian Academy 42-21 in its lone region game this season.
While the Matadors struggled early, Memorial Day has still been able to put up points. Running back Irvin Riley leads the region with 583 rushing yards, 201 receiving yards and 68 points. However, FPCA’s Jamison Golson is second with 321 rushing yards, and Dylan Stewart next with 298 yards.
Highlander Josh Armour is second to Riley in receiving yards with 190 and second behind the Matadors’ Brian Miller in total tackles with 34. Memorial Day defensive back Winston Wright is the region leader with four interceptions, while FPCA’s Jimmy Ouyang has three picks and Stewart has two.
Where Memorial Day has a decided advantage over the Highlanders is in rushing yards per game.
The Matadors average almost double the amount of rushing yards per game, pounding out 261 to the Highlanders’ 122.
Memorial Day averages 353 yards of total offense a game and also scores about a touchdown a quarter.
Kickoff on Saturday is 7:30 p.m.