By Justin Jarrett | LowcoSports@gmail.com
Dave Adams knew the learning curve would be steep this preseason for his Hilton Head Prep football team. The Dolphins lost nine seniors off last year’s squad, and in SCISA football, that usually equates to replacing players at 18 positions.
That has been the focus during the first week of preparation for the upcoming campaign, as the Dolphins have looked to prepare returners for bigger roles and find spots where newcomers to the program can make their biggest contributions.
The good news for the Dolphins is they return sophomore quarterback Stone McDonald, who is a capable runner and passer who can carry the offense, but he’s the only returning starter on that side of the ball, and an inexperienced offensive line will need to come along quickly to keep McDonald upright. Adams likes the line’s size, though, and is hopeful that will be a strength.
On defense, the Dolphins have good team speed and return starting linemen Logan Blair and Ben Pellicci and linebacker Tate Wilkinson. The secondary is green, so defending the pass could be a concern, at least early in the season.
HILTON HEAD PREP DOLPHINS FOOTBALL
Coach: Dave Adams
Record at HHP: 3-5 (2nd season)
2016 record: 3-5 (2-2 region)
Returning starters: 1 offense, 3 defense
Offensive scheme: Double Wing
Defensive scheme: 50 Front
Top returners: QB Stone McDonald, DE Logan Blair
Breakout candidates: RB Hunter Hopman, RB/LB Tate Wilkinson, OL/LB Luke Garrett
Outlook: On paper, this looks a lot like a rebuilding year for the Dolphins, but they should find themselves in a lot of close games, and if they can get a few early wins to build the younger players’ confidence, it could build into a solid season.
SCHEDULE
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8/18 | vs. Orangeburg Prep | 5 p.m. |
| 8/25 | vs. Thomas Heyward | 5 p.m. |
| 9/8 | at John Paul II | 7:30 p.m. |
| 9/15 | at Palmetto Christian | 7:30 p.m. |
| 9/22 | vs. First Baptist* | 5 p.m. |
| 9/29 | at Bethesda Academy* | 7:30 p.m. |
| 10/6 | vs. St. Andrews* | 4 p.m. |
| 10/13 | vs. Colleton Prep | 4 p.m. |
| 10/20 | at Northwood* | 7:30 p.m. |
| 10/27 | at Hilton Head Christian* | 7 p.m. |
*region opponent