5 things to watch in Benedictine’s football opener against Columbus of Miami – Savannah Morning News

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Benedictine is set to open its football season Friday as the Cadets host Christopher Columbus of Miami in the Riddell Catholic School Classic, with an early kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Here are five things to look at going into the big game.

1. Battle of private school titans

Benedictine moved up to GHSA Class 4A last season and went 9-3, advancing to the state semifinals where the Cadets lost to state runner-up Jefferson 42-35. Danny Britt enters his 11th season leading the Cadets and having posted a 106-24 record, including six region championships and a pair of Class 2A state championships.

Columbus, coached by Dave Dunn, is the largest private school in Florida by enrollment. The Explorers won the 2019 Class 8A Florida state championship competing in the state’s highest-enrollment classification.

2. Star quarterbacks in the spotlight

It’s the final high school year for Benedictine signal caller Holden Geriner. The four-star prospect was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the country before committing to Auburn in February. He threw for 2,770 yards, completing 68% of his passes for 25 touchdowns with just three interceptions last year.

Columbus is led by Fernando Mendoza, a 6-foot-4, 212-pound senior who has committed to play at Yale.

3. Za’Quan Bryan ready to take next step

Keep an eye on No. 1 for Benedictine, junior Za’Quan Bryan. He had 45 catches for 710 yards and five scores last year, while running for 292 yards and a touchdown. He should play an even bigger role in the Cadets offense with the graduation of star receiver Trent Broadnax, now at Duke. Bryan also will start at cornerback.

Columbus senior Ken Moore Jr. (Utah State) could see time covering Bryan.

More: Preseason Top 20 high school football players in the Savannah area

4. Justin Thomas set for another stellar season

Benedictine senior Justin Thomas did it all for the Cadets last season with 651 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns to go along with 35 catches for 693 yards and seven scores to earn Savannah Morning News Offensive Player of the Year honors. He also is a standout cornerback (five picks last year). Look for Thomas, who has committed to play baseball at UGA, to excel in all three phases of the game once again.

5. Army/Navy connection

Benedictine senior Holden Sapp is the leader of the Cadets defense at linebacker. He had 102 tackles and 14 sacks last year and on Sunday night announced his commitment to play at Army next season.

More: Benedictine standout linebacker Holden Sapp explains why Army is his perfect fit

Columbus has a star running back in Denim Edwards. The 5-7, 190-pounder has committed to play at Navy, so he and Sapp could become familiar foes in the future.

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN