Each week throughout the high school football season, we’ll chase down the stats, check out the highlights, and round up our Players of the Week from around the Lowco, as well as an area Team of the Week and a preview of the upcoming Game of the Week in the Lowco Football Spotlight.
We picked the top Players of the Week, handed out a few Helmet Stickers for strong performances, and picked a Team of the Week for Week 2 and a Game of the Week we’re looking forward to in Week 3. It’s everything you need to know to get ready for another week of high school football in the Lowco.
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WEEK 1 RESULTS
Beaufort High 33, Benedictine 23
Thomas Heyward 22, Dorchester Academy 7
Lower Richland 35, Hilton Head High 6
Colleton Prep 59, Northwood Academy 12
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
• Tyler Haley, BHS: After some early rustiness in the passing game, Haley picked apart Benedictine’s secondary to the tune of 283 yards and a TD on 19-of-24 passing and rushed for 53 yards and two TDs on seven carries to win a big border clash.
• Brandon Howard, THA: The leader of a dominant THA defense that hasn’t surrendered an offensive touchdown through two games, Howard racked up 14 tackles (10 solo) with four tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and an interception against Dorchester Academy, and he added three catches for 67 yards and a TD and one rush for 15 yards.
• Drew Murdaugh, CPA: The War Hawks’ quarterback topped 100 yards rushing for the second straight game, going for 134 yards and three TDs on just six carries — all in the first quarter — in a rout of Northwood Academy for CPA’s first win of the season.
• Zyrin Odom, BHS: The converted basketball star has become the X-factor for the Eagles’ potent offense, using his speed, height, and leaping ability to provide a deep target and a tremendous red zone threat. He had six catches for 136 yards and a TD against Benedictine.
• Jaylen Sneed, HHIHS: The Notre Dame commit had a big game in a losing effort in the Seahawks’ season debut, racking up 13 tackles, including two tackles for loss, hitting the quarterback twice, and blocking a punt.
HELMET STICKERS
• James Dennison, BHS: 5 tackles, forced fumble
• Michael Dennison, BHS: 6-68 receiving
• Noah Catterton, CPA: 9 tackles
• Cole Davis, CPA: 5-61 TD rushing, INT
• Chase McCracken, HHIHS: 15-75 rush, 6-52 TD receiving
• Amariee Morris, BHS: 27-121, TD rushing
• Tony O’Banner, THA: 16-132 TD rush
• Colton Phares, BHS: 8 tackles, 2 PBU
• McLeod Reichel, BHS: 6-73 receiving
• Dietrich Shuford, THA: 12-107, TD rushing; 7-12 passing, 124 yards, TD, INT
• Jack Sumner, BHS: 3 tackles, 2 TFL, 1.5 sacks
• James Townsend, THA: 7 tackles, 2 INTs, PBU; 1-21 receiving
• Cameron VanGeison, THA: 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks
TEAM OF THE WEEK
Beaufort High Eagles (3-0)
The Eagles are back in this space after completing the Georgia gauntlet with wins over Richmond Hill, Effingham County, and Benedictine to start the season. The latest triumph, a 33-23 home win over the No. 3 team in Georgia Class 4A, was an eye-opener for plenty of folks, especially on the other side of the Savannah River. Beaufort’s offense was unstoppable, with Amariee Morris and Tyler Haley chewing up big chunks on the ground and Haley getting a wealth of weapons involved in picking apart the Cadets’ secondary. The Eagles’ defense continues to impress and frustrated a dynamic offense, and if Beaufort can solidify its special teams play, it could be an exciting fall at Beaufort High.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Thomas Heyward at Bluffton
Nothing is guaranteed this season, but as of now, it seems part 2 of the SCISA vs. SCHSL series featuring Thomas Heyward is on for Friday night in Bluffton. The three-time defending SCISA 1A champion Rebels routed SCHSL Class 3A Battery Creek 44-3 in their opener, and after slogging through a 22-7 win over Dorchester Academy, they get a shot at the Class 4A Bobcats. Bluffton is off to an 0-2 start but will be closer to full strength for its home opener, and the Bobcats have some players who will be able to create matchup problems, most notably receiver Jaylin Linder, but THA’s defense came up with three picks last week. If the Rebels can clean up the miscues that led to a lackluster performance on Friday, they’ll have a chance to make another major statement.
WEEK 2 SLATE
Northwood Academy at Hilton Head Christian Academy, 7 p.m.
Hilton Head High at Lake Marion, 7:30 p.m.
West Ashley at Beaufort High, 7:30 p.m.
Wade Hampton at May River, 7:30 p.m.
Thomas Heyward at Bluffton, 7:30 p.m.
Andrew Jackson at Battery Creek, 7:30 p.m.
Whale Branch at St. John’s, 7:30 p.m.
Hilton Head Prep at St. Andrew’s, 7:30 p.m.
