Another Friday night is almost upon us with big region matchups throughout the Lowcountry.
Here’s a look at the full slate:
St. Andrew’s (6-0, 1-0) at Hilton Head Prep (1-5, 0-2), 4 p.m.
This one was going to be an uphill battle for the Dolphins regardless, and now they’re without star quarterback Stone McDonald (broken hand). The Lions look like a legitimate SCISA Class 2A state championship contender, having outscored their first six opponents 269-6. With any luck, Prep will get through this one without any more significant injuries.
Prediction: St. Andrew’s 60, Hilton Head Prep 0
Bluffton (4-2, 1-0) at Battery Creek (2-4, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
The Dolphins went into region play with some momentum, having won two straight games, but they were met with a front-loaded region schedule. After a 42-8 loss at Wade Hampton last week, Battery Creek faces another stern test with the Bobcats coming to town. Bluffton has won two straight and is playing much better defense to compliment a potent offense.
Prediction: Bluffton 37, Battery Creek 14
Hilton Head Island (3-2, 0-1) at Cane Bay (5-1, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Seahawks nearly knocked off defending Region 8-4A champion Berkeley last week, and now they have to face another of the favorites to contend for the region crown. The Cobras have won five straight since losing their opener to Ashley Ridge, but they barely eked out a 24-17 win at Colleton County last week. Cane Bay is banged up in the backfield but seems to find another capable athlete to plug in every week.
Prediction: Cane Bay 21, Hilton Head High 20
Beaufort High (5-0, 1-0) at Colleton County (2-4, 0-1, 7:30 p.m.
The Eagles are trying to go to 6-0 for the first time since 2008. The Cougars have played a tough schedule but have been competitive, including a 24-17 loss to Cane Bay last week. Colleton County quarterback Craig Grant is a big-time athlete, but the Eagles’ powerful ground game will be too much for the Cougars.
Prediction: Beaufort High 30, Colleton County 21
North Charleston (3-2, 0-1) at Whale Branch (1-4, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The most battle-tested team in Class 2A faces another tough challenge when the Warriors host North Charleston for Homecoming. Whale Branch took a leg up in the Region 6-2A title race with an overtime win at Woodland last week, but the Cougars probably are the biggest threat despite a 17-12 loss to Academic Magnet on Friday. Quarterback Yancey Washington is a true dual-threat, but the Warriors’ defense looked up to the task a week ago.
Prediction: Whale Branch 23, North Charleston 13
Ridgeland-Hardeeville (3-2, 0-0) at May River (1-5, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
May River won 13-12 last year, and both teams are much improved. The Sharks had another close call last week, leading Bluffton at halftime before fading in a 24-14 loss. Now we’ll see how they handle the unfamiliar role of being expected to win. The Jaguars have plenty of offensive weapons, but their defense has struggled in consecutive losses.
Prediction: May River 27, Ridgeland-Hardeeville 12
John Paul II (4-3) at Myrtle Beach Christian Academy (3-3), 7:30 p.m.
The Golden Warriors snapped their two-game skid with an impressive 36-14 win at Carolina Academy last week, and they play the second of three straight non-conference road games tonight. Two of the Saints’ three wins have been in one-point games, and they lost to the same Carolina Academy team JP2 clobbered last week. Zack Doe will put up big numbers again, and JP2 will pick up its fifth win.
Prediction: John Paul II 37, Myrtle Beach Christian Academy 28
Thomas Heyward (4-2) at Williamsburg Academy (0-7), 7:30 p.m.
Williamsburg is winless but has been competitive against some solid competition, including an overtime loss to a good Dorchester Academy team. Nonetheless, this should be nothing but a speed bump for the Rebels, who have rolled past their past three opponents in convincing fashion. Running back JR Patterson has emerged as a dominant force for Thomas Heyward.
Prediction: Thomas Heyward 41, Williamsburg Academy
Andrew Jackson (4-0) at Beaufort Academy (3-3), 7:30 p.m.
The Eagles had their three-game winning streak derailed last week when they lost three starters to injuries early in a 53-14 loss at Faith Christian. None of that trio will be 100 percent tonight, and star running back De’Shaun Epps will be a gametime decision but is unlikely to play. If Epps can’t go, the Eagles will have a tough night against a strong Andrew Jackson squad.
Prediction: Andrew Jackson 48, Beaufort Academy 22