Hilton Head Christian Academy will probably run a few offensive plays more than once this season, but to hear the Eagles’ star players tell it, they wouldn’t have to.
Quarterback Hayden Shinn and receivers Daniel Harrington, JP Peduzzi, and Floyd Hargrove are downright giddy when they talk about playing in the Eagles’ pass-happy offense and it’s ever-expanding playbook.
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“We’re going to be expanding the playbook a lot more, and we’ve got some new guys who are adapting to our type of play,” Shinn said. “We’re gonna throw the ball. That’s what we like to do.”
The Eagles were putting up big offensive numbers last season until Shinn suffered a season-ending injury, but the quarterback is healthy and has a bevy of weapons at his disposal. Harrington was a second-team All-Lowco selection last season, while Peduzzi was an honorable mention pick. HHCA is also expecting breakout seasons from Jace Blackshear and Cameron Strickland.
“We’re going to be able to spread the ball out a lot this year and have everybody making plays,” Harrington said. “People can’t key off anybody on our offense this year.”
HHCA EAGLES FOOTBALL (click for team page)
Coach: Ron Peduzzi
Record at HHCA: 12-7 (3rd season)
2018 record: 7-3 overall, 3-1 region (Lost in first round of SCISA 2A playoffs)
Returning starters: 6 offense, 6 defense
Offensive scheme: Spread
Defensive scheme: 3-5
Top returners: SB/LB Daniel Harrington, QB Hayden Shinn, WR/LB JP Peduzzi, WR/DB Floyd Hargrove, RB/DB Jace Blackshear, WR/DB Cameron Strickland, NG Kent Camp, LB Jackson Lanier
Notable losses: LB Ben Viljac, OL/DL Keegan Monahan, RB/LB Max Lowrey, OL/DL Dargan Cherry, WR/DB Brennen Studenc
PLAYER TO WATCH
Floyd Hargrove, WR/DB: Hargrove is a shifty runner who is dangerous in the open field and can turn short passes into big plays. If defenses gear up to stop Daniel Harrington and JP Peduzzi, Hargrove could become a favorite check-down option for Shinn.
BURNING QUESTION
Can the offensive line keep Shinn upright and healthy?
The Eagles’ season was effectively derailed when Shinn was lost to a season-ending injury last year, fundamentally altering the offensive gameplan. Shinn works quickly and doesn’t need a ton of time in the pocket to make his reads, but the offensive line can’t afford to let him take too many big hits.
REGION AND BEYOND
The Eagles appeared to be in control of the region race last year before Shinn’s injury changed the landscape. The consensus among region coaches seems to be that HHCA will be the team to beat again this year, but there are a couple capable challengers. If all goes as planned, though, this is a team that expects to go deep into the playoffs.
SCHEDULE
8/23 — at Thomas Heyward
8/31 (Sat.) — vs. Memorial Day
9/6 — at The King’s Academy
9/13 — vs. Bethesda Academy
9/20 — at St. Andrew’s
9/27 — at Dorchester Academy
10/4 — vs. Northwood Academy*
10/11 — at Orangeburg Prep*
10/18 — vs. Colleton Prep
10/25 — at John Paul II*
11/1 — vs. Hilton Head Prep*
*region opponent
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