In the final season on their island campus, the Hilton Head Christian Academy Eagles scaled the top of the SCISA 2A mountain and closed the curtain on a storied field. Now, Jace Blackshear, Jackson Lanier, and the Junkyard Dogs will look to do it again in their new Bluffton home.
After coming up just short in overtime against Trinity Collegiate in 2019, Ron Peduzzi’s squad left no doubt last season, completing an unbeaten 12-0 season and bringing home the program’s first state championship since 2012. But the quest to repeat will be an even tougher challenge.
As they embark to new surroundings as next-door neighbors to Bluffton High School, the Eagles will return just half of their unstoppable two-headed monster at quarterback. Versatile offense playmaking superstar JP Peduzzi is gone, leaving the keys of the Eagle attack to Blackshear. But the senior standout is more than capable of getting it done by himself. A phenomenal two-way threat under center with blazing speed, Blackshear will have a new backfield mate in former Ridgeland-Hardeeville standout Joseph Robinson and a young group of wide receivers who will look to follow in the shadows of the departing Peduzzi and the reliable Cameron Strickland. Riley Shinn proved he could be a go-to target last year, and Isaiah Anderson’s natural athletic ability at 6-4 will be a massive advantage all season long. But the offensive line will be a looming question mark heading into the opening game, which could make it tougher for Blackshear and company to consistently move the ball.
Ron Peduzzi has always put his defense first, and the Junkyard Dogs delivered a dominant performance in the postseason. It all starts with the Bulldog, senior linebacker Jackson Lanier. The heart and soul of the HHCA roster should be in line for a massive role in 2021 as he looks to lead and spark an inexperienced defensive unit after losing fellow linebacker Troy Chisolm. With seven of the expected defensive starters either freshmen or sophomores, it will be up to Lanier to help the up-and-coming talent jell quickly and emulate the Bulldog’s never-quit intensity.
They’ll certainly be in the conversation to go back-to-back, but the lack of experience on the defensive side and the line will make the task a little tougher. If Blackshear continues his dynamite play at quarterback and the young defensive corps steps up, the Eagles will once again be a nightmare for anyone who crosses their path.
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES FOOTBALL
Coach: Ron Peduzzi
Record at HHCA: 35-11 (5th season)
2020 record: 12-0, 5-0 (SCISA 2A State Champions)
Top returners: QB Jace Blackshear, OL Warner Hahn, LB Jackson Lanier, WR Riley Shinn, WR Isaiah Anderson, OL Torin Kennedy
Notable losses: QB/WR JP Peduzzi, WR Cameron Strickland, OL JP Wilder, DL Kent Camp, DL Liam Sirgo, LB Troy Chisolm, OL/DL Guy Annunziata, OL/DL William Newton
Breakout candidates: WR Wells Sharp, DL Connor White, LB Trace Taylor, LB Keene Reese, RB Joseph Robinson
BURNING QUESTION
Can the Eagles get the job done in the trenches?
The defensive line may have been the greatest strength of the Junkyard Dogs last year, but the losses of senior veterans Kent Camp, Liam Sirgo, William Newton, and Guy Annunziata will be a major difference this time around. Without a reliable tandem to stop the run game, the forefront of SCISA football, Hilton Head Christian will look to some fresh faces to provide a new spark. Several key components of the offensive line will also need to be replaced, but they do return senior guard Warner Hahn alongside senior Torin Kennedy and junior Brady Bagenstose.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jace Blackshear, QB
The state champion quarterback put together a ridiculous season in 2020 as part of the Eagles’ one-two punch alongside JP Peduzzi. Blackshear was a walking cheat code out on the field, using his electric mobility and explosiveness on all sides of the ball en route to a mind-boggling 55 total touchdowns as a rusher, passer, and receiver. Not only was Blackshear unbeatable on the ground, but he pulled off a few incredible catches on offense and defense, including a one-handed grab close to the end zone and a majestic 96-yard pick-six in the semifinals against Pee Dee. With JP no longer on the roster, Blackshear could rely on more of his run game and option attack while building chemistry with the younger backs and receivers.
Jackson Lanier, LB
There’s nobody on the team that represents the heart, intensity, and hunger of the Junkyard Dogs more than the Bulldog himself: Jackson Lanier. The captain of HHCA’s defense delivered another dominant campaign last season with 105 tackles, two sacks, and played a part in six key turnovers throughout the season. This year, the Eagles will rely on Lanier more than ever to lead the charge of a defensive unit with a significant loss of experience. He’ll look to bring a veteran presence to a new-look group and use his unending motor to shut down his SCISA foes. And after that miracle touchdown in the state championship game, don’t be surprised to see him as a versatile offensive piece as well as a running back or even a slot receiver.
REGION AND BEYOND
The defending state champions should remain the class of Region 1-2A this year, but several Lowco squads are surely up for the challenge of giving them a fight. Orangeburg Prep has been far from an easy test the last few years, and Beaufort Academy could be an intriguing contest late in the season as Mark Clifford continues to improve his program in just its second year of 11-man football. The opposite region could provide some strong competition, as Pee Dee junior quarterback Hudson Spivey should only improve on his monster 2020 campaign. We could very well see a rematch of two Eagle squads deep in November.
SCHEDULE
8/20 — at The King’s Academy
8/27 — at Dorchester Academy
9/10 — vs Northwood Academy*
9/17 — vs Orangeburg Prep*
9/24 — at Colleton Prep
10/1 — vs Pinewood Prep
10/8 — vs Bethesda Academy
10/14 — at John Paul II*
10/22 — vs Beaufort Academy*
10/29 — at Hilton Head Prep*
By Wes Kerr / Photo by Justin Jarrett