After an undefeated state championship season, Thomas Heyward knows it will have the proverbial target on its back in 2019. Finally, a fair fight, the Rebels say.
“Everybody’s got a target on their back with us,” senior lineman Dalton Hayes said. “We don’t really think of ourselves as special. Every week is a new opponent, and we’re going out there and trying to destroy somebody.”
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They left plenty of destruction in their wake last season, outscoring their 13 opponents 604-175 en route to the SCISA 1A state title. Although they graduated 14 seniors off that team, the cupboard is far from bare.
All but one of the offensive linemen who paved the way for a prolific running game are back, along with dynamic running back JR Patterson. Peyton Bennett takes over at quarterback for Jake Masters.
The Rebels have five starters back on defense, but the secondary will be inexperienced and face tough early-season matchups against pass-happy Hilton Head Christian Academy (Aug. 23) and Hilton Head Prep (Sept. 13). Both are non-region games, though, so the Rebels are prepared to endure some early-season bumps on the road back to the state championship.
“The goal’s still the same,” coach Nic Shuford said. “Now we know how great it feels to get there, so we’re determined to make sure we get there again.”
THOMAS HEYWARD REBELS FOOTBALL (click for team page)
Coach: Nic Shuford
Record at THA: 67-38 (11th season)
2018 record: 13-0 overall, 4-0 region (SCISA 1A state champions)
Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense
Offensive scheme: Multiple
Defensive scheme: 4-2-5
Top returners: OL/DL Bruzza Pusha, OL/DL Therion Cannon, OL/DL Dalton Hayes, RB/CB JR Patterson, OL/DL John Hewlett
Notable losses: RB/LB River Pender, OL/DL Timber Hexamer, WR/DB Trey Pusha, WR/DB Joe Gibson, LB Bryce Tillotson, OL/DL Evan Brazil, QB/DB Jake Masters, TE/LB Chipper Hammond
PLAYER TO WATCH
JR Patterson, RB: After a sensational freshman season, Patterson was slowed by injuries and had more help carrying the load last season, as he fell just short of a 1,000-yard rushing season. If he stays healthy, look for him to return to a workhorse role and put up huge numbers on the ground.
BURNING QUESTION
Who will make the stops?
Although they have five starters back on defense, the Rebels graduated their top three tacklers and seven of the top nine, including linebacker Bryce Tillotson’s outrageous 165 stops (95 solo). Josh Gobel and Bruzza Pusha were the most productive tacklers among the returners, but they will need a few others to step up and become defensive leaders.
REGION AND BEYOND
The Rebels are the clear favorite to run through their region again and will be expected to make a deep run in the playoffs. Plenty of things can get in the way, especially key injuries, but Thomas Heyward has the talent to claim a second consecutive state title.
SCHEDULE
8/23 — vs. Hilton Head Christian Academy
8/30 — at John Paul II
9/6 — vs. Colleton Prep*
9/13 — at Hilton Head Prep
9/20 — vs. Pee Dee Academy
9/27 — at Northwood Academy
10/4 — vs. Charleston Collegiate
10/11 — at Spartanburg Christian
10/18 — at Bethesda Academy*
10/25 — vs. Dorchester Academy*
*region opponent
Photo courtesy Thomas Heyward Academy
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