You’re not supposed to count your chickens before they hatch, but there are a lot more eggs intact heading into lunchtime Friday than there were a week ago, so it’s shaping up to be a busy Week 3 of the high school football season here in the Lowco.
Only four games ended up making it to kickoff last week, as COVID-19 quarantines continue to disrupt a second consecutive football season, leaving teams who have avoided outbreaks scrambling for new opponents. Hilton Head High was able to scoop up a new opponent after Georgetown bowed out early in the week, but Hilton Head Christian Academy couldn’t find a match to replace Northwood Academy for its home opener and Colleton Prep struck out in lining up a team to replace Beaufort Academy on its schedule.
Beaufort Academy, John Paul II, Ridgeland-Hardeeville, and Colleton County remain sidelined by COVID-19 protocols, but everyone else is good to go, so we enter midday Friday with seven games on the local slate, including a Lowco-on-Lowco showdown between Thomas Heyward and Bluffton. We’ll be holding our breath hoping contact tracing doesn’t derail any of them before 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for Week 3 with our primer, and if you’re out at a game tonight, keep all of us updated on the ScoreStream app or Twitter @LowcoSports.
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Thomas Heyward (2-0) at Bluffton (0-2)
We’ve been waiting for this matchup since the schedules first came out back in the spring, and now it’s finally time. After a 44-3 shellacking of Class 3A Battery Creek just two weeks ago, Thomas Heyward will look to take down Bluffton in the Bobcats’ home opener. It’s rare to see a SCISA 1A team with the talent to match up with a SCHSL 4A program, but the Rebels will come in as the clear favorite looking to topple another big-time opponent.
Thomas Heyward’s defense has been unbeatable so far this season and has yet to allow an offensive touchdown. Bluffton’s start has been hindered by several key offensive players in COVID-19 quarantine, and the Bobcats had to face Bamberg-Ehrhardt without their top talent. John Houpt’s group should be close to full strength this week and will hope to ignite electric receiver Jaylin Linder and speedy running back Camauri Simmons.
But the Rebel tandem of Brandon Howard, James Townsend and Cameron VanGeison will make it difficult for an inconsistent Bluffton offense. VanGeison has been a monster at defensive end, racking up seven tackles with a pair of sacks last week, and he will have the opportunity to feast against a shaky Bluffton offensive line. The Bobcats have some up-and-coming stars that they’ll look to get in the open field, but the blocking will need to be better to provide the lanes. With Thomas Heyward’s skill across its defensive front, the home team’s task will not be easy.
Bluffton’s defense has performed admirably so far against strong competition and will have to be on top of its game against a motivated Rebel side that’s looking to shake off a flurry of mistakes last week. THA coach Nic Shuford will have his team prepared to rebound after a tough performance against Dorchester Academy, and freshman quarterback Dietrich Shuford and company should seize the opportunity. It’s been nearly impossible to stop eighth-grade phenom Tony O’Banner, who has gashed his opposition so far on the ground with 106.5 yards per game. With Howard’s terrific athleticism and Cutter Williams’ quickness out wide, the Rebels certainly have the weapons to match and even outduel Bluffton’s emerging group.
It’ll be an emotional night on the Bluffton campus, as Houpt’s group takes the home field for the first time after the tragic loss of DJ Fields in March. With the crowd behind them, the Bobcats will certainly play inspired football and look to make a big statement going into region play. If the Bluffton offense can consistently move the chains and keep an explosive Rebel attack off the field, it will make it tough for Thomas Heyward to respond.
But the Rebels have a loaded group on defense looking to make a statement of their own and will be hoping to turn around a tough offensive performance a week ago. The Bobcats possess the skill pieces and an emerging defensive core to make this game interesting, but THA’s lights-out defense should continue its stellar play which could very well be enough to topple a Class 4A foe. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Thomas Heyward 27, Bluffton 14
WK: Thomas Heyward 34, Bluffton 28
Hilton Head High (0-1) at Lake Marion (2-0)
After falling in their opening contest to a red-hot Lower Richland squad, the Seahawks will look to get in the win column in a tricky road test at unbeaten Lake Marion. BJ Payne’s group was originally scheduled to face Georgetown, but a cancellation led to a matchup with the Class 2A Gators instead.
Lake Marion’s offense has averaged nearly 30 points through its first two contests, giving another challenge to a Seahawk defense that will have to step up. Jaylen Sneed’s outstanding and versatile game at linebacker will be needed to lead the group, but the line could have a tough test against a confident Gators tandem that has been able to consistently move the ball in the early weeks of the season. Jayden Gilliam is a big-play machine in the secondary who can come up with the crucial turnovers needed to rewrite the script for HHIHS.
The Seahawk offense couldn’t find its groove last Friday at Lower Richland and will need veteran Ryan Clark’s blocking to open up holes for sensational senior running back Chase McCracken, who took a 30-yard pass to the house for the team’s only score a week ago. Sneed and Gilliam’s explosiveness should be difficult for the Gators to contain, and sophomore quarterback Jackson Bibee will be relied upon to operate the offense and put the ball in the playmakers’ hands.
Lake Marion has taken care of business to begin the season, but Payne’s group has the skill pieces and the talent to overwhelm the Gators. If Hilton Head High’s offense can start clicking and the defensive studs force some key takeaways, the Seahawks should pick up a massive first win on the road. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Hilton Head High 23, Lake Marion 16
WK: Hilton Head 27, Lake Marion 20
Wade Hampton (2-0) at May River (2-0)
The Sharks and Red Devils will renew a recent Region 8-3A rivalry in a battle of unbeatens, and based on how much both teams like to run the ball, it could be a quick one.
May River’s ground game has been unstoppable in hard-fought wins over Orangeburg-Wilkinson and Hartsville, with quarterback Garvin Douglas leading the way. Flanked by a steady rotation of capable backs, Douglas has rolled up 367 yards and seven touchdowns on just 32 carries through two games. Jaeon Allen has been the leader in the backfield rotation thus far, rushing for 164 yards and three TDs. The Sharks will probably be forced to incorporate the passing game into the offense more at some point, but until that time comes, they’re content to keep gashing opponents on the ground behind an undersized but relentless offensive line.
May River’s defense has been far from flawless but has come up huge in the second half against two quality opponents, with defensive end Caleb Tkaczyk and linebacker Thomas Raisch leading the way. The Sharks will have their hands full trying to contain Wade Hampton quarterback Jamian Risher, who like Garvin likes to do damage with his legs. Risher has rushed for 256 yards and five touchdowns in two games and added 167 passing yards with three TDs and an interception. Robert Clark has been his favorite target, so the Sharks’ secondary will look to lock him down and force Risher to check down to other options.
With two impressive wins under their belt followed by a week to recover and correct mistakes, the Sharks should come out ready to play against an old region rival. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: May River 34, Wade Hampton 24
WK: May River 28, Wade Hampton 14
West Ashley (0-1) at Beaufort High (3-0)
At first glance, this might look like an easy win for the undefeated Eagles, who are at home against a winless West Ashley squad, but don’t be too quick to scroll by this intriguing matchup.
It’s a classic trap game for the Eagles, who are coming off a big-time win over Benedictine and have a tough road test at Oceanside Collegiate next week, and overlooking the Class 5A Wildcats would be a mistake. West Ashley went 5-2 a year ago, and the offense was impressive in a 34-28 loss at Goose Creek last week to open the season.
Beaufort’s defense, led by a dominant line anchored by Eamon Smalls, has been excellent against the run, limiting opponents to 102 rushing yards per game and 3.55 yards per carry, but the Eagles will face a tough test trying to contain running back Jahleel Porter, who went off for 167 yards and two TDs on 28 carries last week. The Wildcats only connected on 1 of 10 passes against Goose Creek, so look for the Eagles to sell out on the run and force quarterback Gabe Johnson to the air.
Beaufort’s offense shouldn’t have too much trouble picking up where it left off last week against a West Ashley defense that had a hard time getting pressure in the backfield against Goose Creek. The Eagles have been able to move the ball effectively on the ground and through the air, with Amariee Morris and quarterback Tyler Haley doing damage in the run game and Haley picking apart defenses with an array of weapons in the passing game. Basketball star Zyrin Odom has emerged as a big-play threat down the field and an ideal red-zone target, and possession receiver McLeod Reichel and tight end Michael Dennison give Haley a pair of check-down options when the deep ball isn’t there.
This could be a challenge for the Eagles, but if they clean up their mistakes on special teams and play the way they have thus far, they should stay perfect. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Beaufort High 30, West Ashley 24
WK: Beaufort High 31, West Ashley 28
Whale Branch (1-0) at St. John’s (0-3)
After putting on the best show of the young season in Week 0 with a thrilling 54-50 win over Calhoun County, the Warriors have found themselves sitting at home the past two Fridays after opponents canceled due to COVID-19 protocols. In fact, Whale Branch had five different matchups fall through last week.
So needless to say, the Warriors are eager to get back on the field for their Region 7-1A opener. Despite the Islanders’ 0-3 record, Whale Branch won’t be overlooking this matchup. Coach Jerry Hatcher considered St. John’s one of the top teams in the region entering the season, and respectable losses to Pinewood Prep, Timberland, and Baptist Hill (the top challenger to the Warriors) are no reason to write off the Islanders.
Defensive end Bernard Brown will try to get into the backfield and disrupt the timing of Whale Branch’s ground game led by Joseph Hicks and Mason Griffin, forcing Warriors quarterback Kai’Shawn Jenkins to beat the Islanders through the air. Whale Branch will need to establish the run behind Xavier Chaplin and control the ball.
St. John’s hasn’t shown much in the passing game, and it was the deep ball that hurt the Warriors against Calhoun County. Quarterback Jordan Brown is dangerous with his legs, and running back Kenneth Rivers is a strong, powerful runner, so the Warriors’ young defensive ends will need to be disciplined, and the strong linebacking corps led by Hicks and D’Ante Parker needs to wrap up and avoid giving up extra yards after contact.
If Whale Branch doesn’t beat itself, the Warriors will continue their regular-season winning streak dating to 2019. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Whale Branch 40, St. John’s 20
WK: Whale Branch 36, St. John’s 18
Andrew Jackson HS (1-1) at Battery Creek (0-1)
The Dolphins will try to hit the reset button on their season after a disappointing debut followed by another bout with COVID-19 protocols and injuries that kept them from playing last Friday.
Battery Creek’s new-look offense was out of sorts in a lopsided loss to Thomas Heyward in the opener, but those Dolphins who have avoided quarantining over the past couple of weeks have benefited from the extra reps in practice they missed during two quarantines during preseason training.
The Dolphins’ offensive line will have to do a better job of opening holes for bruising back Jeremiah Dilbert and protecting quarterback Will White. Creek has some playmakers on offense if they can find a way to get into open space and the Dolphins can avoid careless penalties that force them into long-yardage situations.
Creek’s defense could have its hands full with a balanced Volunteers offense that put up 40 points in last week’s win at Mullins. Junior quarterback Hammond Wrenn is a dual threat — he was 13-for-19 for 162 yards passing and rushed for 71 yards and 3 TDs last week — and sophomore running back Trey Thompson has 231 rushing yards through two games.
Battery Creek had a tough time containing Thomas Heyward’s multiple weapons in the run and pass games, and if the Dolphins aren’t more disciplined in their assignments and don’t display sound tackling, they could be in for another long night. Veteran linebackers Quatrell Livingston and Donnell Washington will need to step up and lead the defense to an outstanding performance for Creek to get its first win of the season. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Andrew Jackson 33, Battery Creek 17
WK: Andrew Jackson 30, Battery Creek 21
Hilton Head Prep (2-0) at St. Andrew’s (1-0)
For the first time since 2011, the Hilton Head Prep Dolphins are 2-0. After a well-deserved week off, Dave Adams’ group is back in action on the road against an impressive St. Andrew’s squad. The offense wasn’t pretty against Colleton Prep, but a pair of Trevor Weldon field goals were enough to keep HHP perfect. To maintain the unblemished record after Friday night, the Dolphins will need solid blocking from an offensive line that was outdueled by the War Hawks. They’ll also have to get Loncelle Daley going again after he was held to just 27 yards just a week after putting up 237 and two scores in the opener.
Fullback Jake Rodney-Brown should be the go-to ball-carrier in key situations, especially on short-yardage scenarios. Tristan Bonomo has grown his confidence under center and could look to open up the passing game a little more with Daley, Rodney-Brown, and speedy receiver Gunnar Askeland. If the drive stalls inside the opponent’s 35, the Dolphins can rely on Weldon to put points on the board. He’s made 5-of-6 field goals to start the season, including a long of 50 against Colleton Prep.
The Lions return to the field after last week’s matchup with John Paul II was canceled, and they will look to build on a 27-20 opening win over Bethesda Academy. Former Blazers standout Zayden Edwards put together a phenomenal comeback performance at quarterback to start the year and will provide a tough test to a budding HHP secondary. His brother Zyere is a potent runner who racked up 159 all-purpose yards against Bethesda.
Sean Graham’s play could be key to the outcome. The HHP junior dominated against Colleton Prep, making 11 tackles to help the Dolphins to a stellar shutout of the War Hawks. Rodney-Brown is dynamite at linebacker, and AJ Barger is a fantastic playmaker with an interception to his credit. The Dolphins will need all of them to play well against a dangerous St. Andrew’s offense.
These two teams played to a 14-14 stalemate last year in Sea Pines, and this one has the makings of another tight battle. If the Dolphin defense can hold down a dynamic Lions attack and the blocking comes through on the offensive side, Hilton Head Prep should soar to 3-0. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Hilton Head Prep 23, St. Andrew’s 20
WK: Hilton Head Prep 24, St. Andrew’s 21
SEASON RECORDS
WK: 17-0
JJ: 12-5
