We’re inching closer to a full slate with 11 games around the Lowco in Week 4 of the high school football season, and they’re conveniently spread across three nights for your maximum viewing pleasure.
It’s a fairly entertaining rundown, too, starting with a Lowco-on-Lowco matchup of SCISA rivals at 4:30 p.m. at Hilton Head Prep and culminating with another All-Lowco clash in Hardeeville on Monday, with some interesting matchups sprinkled in between.
The countdown to kickoff is on, so here’s everything you need to know ahead of Week 4 under the Friday night lights — it’s the LowcoSports Week 4 Primer. If you’re out at a game tonight, keep us in the loop on Twitter @LowcoSports.
Photo by Joe Mabe / Anchors Away Photography
Wade Hampton (3-0) at Bluffton (1-2)
A week ago, this matchup looked to be heavily in favor of the Red Devils. But one epic comeback later, a reenergized and determined group of Bluffton Bobcats will look to build off last week’s magic.
After their stunning victory over three-time defending SCISA 1A champion Thomas Heyward, the Bobcats will eye another statement win over a talented Wade Hampton side. Bluffton’s defensive line was magnificent against a lethal Rebel ground game, and it will have its hands full on Friday against the red-hot Jamian Risher. The senior gashed May River’s defense a week ago, running for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
But the Bobcats are as confident as can be after stunning the Rebels, and JaQuinn Williams should build on his incredible 13-tackle performance at linebacker. With the game seemingly out of reach in a 22-point deficit, sophomore quarterback Max Vonhohenstraeten conjured up a miraculous comeback with three touchdown passes to lead Bluffton to its first win since 2019. Now, he’s looking to prove that the brilliant showing wasn’t a fluke against a stingy Wade Hampton defense.
The Bobcats will certainly rely on the spread offense that worked to perfection a week ago, and Roderick Buxton will look to make some plays out of the backfield to supplement the explosiveness of wide receivers Jaylin Linder and Camauri Simmons. Coach John Houpt’s receiving corps is deep, and the pair of Kenton Frazier and Robert Brown should continue to find looks down the field.
With May River falling to Wade Hampton last week, a matchup with the Class 2A No. 10 Red Devils should provide a great measuring stick of how the Bobcats stack up in a crowded region. If the defensive line continues its standout form and slows down Risher, the offense will have its opportunities to make some plays and deliver another memorable night at the Den. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Bluffton 21, Wade Hampton 20
WK: Wade Hampton 28, Bluffton 21
May River (2-1) at Thomson (2-0)
When May River got the word that its game at Ridge View was off this week, the Sharks went to work finding a replacement. And they wanted to play badly enough to sign up for a three-hour trip to Thomson (Ga.) to face an undefeated Bulldogs squad that is ranked seventh in Georgia Class 3A.
It’s the first road trip for May River and the continuation of a challenging non-region schedule. The Sharks lost a 21-20 heartbreaker to Wade Hampton last week after hard-fought wins over Orangeburg-Wilkinson and Hartsville to start the season, and they’ll need to solidify their tackling to contain a dangerous Thomson offense that has put up 75 points in two games. The Bulldogs have a balanced offense led by sophomore quarterback Noah Story (227 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT) and senior running back Tay Martin (209 yards, 4 TDs, 16.1 ypc) that could cause problems for a May River defense that has given up some big plays on the ground.
Even if it turns into a shootout, though, May River should be able to hang in with the Bulldogs. The Sharks’ ground game has excelled against some solid defenses with quarterback Garvin Douglas (426 yards, 7 TDs) and running back Jaeon Allen (294 yards, 3 TDs) leading the charge through three games. May River also has capable backs in Cam Scott, Darrion Perry, and Jaiden Jones, so the Sharks can keep fresh legs on the field, which could be an edge in the fourth quarter against a defense that has allowed just six points through two contests.
A week ago, missed tackles and missed kicks proved to be the difference in a tough loss. If the Sharks can clean up those mistakes, they’ll have a great chance to get back in the win column against a quality opponent. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Thomson 24, May River 21
WK: Thomson 31, May River 17
Beaufort High (4-0) at Oceanside Collegiate (1-3)
Don’t be fooled by the record: This might be Beaufort’s toughest test yet.
The undefeated Eagles hit the road Friday night to take on Class 3A power Oceanside Collegiate, and even though the Landsharks have dropped three of their first four games, they’ve played a challenging schedule and nearly pulled off an upset last week against Class 4A powerhouse Myrtle Beach, which bounced Beaufort from the playoffs a year ago.
Oceanside boasts a balanced offense led by dual-threat quarterback Colby Shirey, who has rushed for 206 yards and three TDs and passed for 558 yards with four TDs and three interceptions through four games. Running back Vaugh Blue (287 yards, 3 TDs) is also a dangerous runner working behind an excellent offensive line, but the Landsharks had a tough time getting the ground game going against Myrtle Beach and will face another tough task against a dominant Beaufort defensive line anchored by Eamon Smalls and Alvin Wilson.
OCA’s best chance of doing damage against the Eagles might be through the air, so look for Beaufort to try to take away top receivers Cole Strickler and Zai Offord and make Shirey beat them with his lesser weapons. Beaufort’s defense came up with three interceptions in last week’s 38-7 win over West Ashley, and the secondary will need to have another big night to slow down the Landsharks.
OCA has allowed 30 or more points in all three of its losses, albeit against strong competition, so Beaufort’s high-powered offense should be able to move the ball and put up some points. Running back Amariee Morris (357 yards, 4 TDs) and quarterback Tyler Haley (236 yards, 3 TDs) have been effective running the ball behind a veteran offensive line, and Haley has picked apart defenses the past two weeks with a combination of deep balls for basketball star Zyrin Odom and check-downs to McLeod Reichel and tight end Michael Dennison.
This is a great test on the road, but if the Eagles can play sound on special teams and avoid turnovers, they should have enough firepower to win a shootout. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Beaufort High 31, Oceanside Collegiate 21
WK: Beaufort High 30, Oceanside Collegiate 28
Military Magnet (0-2) at Whale Branch (2-0)
After steamrolling St. John’s — one of the teams expected to challenge the Warriors’ region title defense — on the road, Whale Branch returns home for what appears to be a total mismatch with Military Magnet.
The Eagles have been outscored 88-6 in their first two games, including a 46-0 loss to Philip Simmons two weeks ago. It won’t get any easier for them against a Whale Branch offense that has put up 95 points in two contests. The Warriors have a strong ground game led by Joseph Hicks (287 yards, 5 TDs) and both Kai’Shawn Jenkins and Jakhi Pusha threw touchdown passes in last week’s 41-0 win at St. John’s. The addition of transfer Darrell Cummings adds even more depth to a strong pool of linebackers and running backs, and of whom should get work in this one.
Whale Branch’s defense was suspect in a wild season-opening 54-50 win over Calhoun County, but two week’s off due to COVID-19 related cancellations gave the Warriors plenty of time to iron things out on the practice field, and the defense was dominant against the Islanders. D’Ante Parker (21 tackles, 5 TFL) and Hicks (15 tackles, 5 TFL) lead a strong linebacking corps that is the anchor of the Warriors’ defense and should be able to shut down the Eagles’ offense. Virginia Tech commit Xavier Chaplin anchors both sides of the line for the Warriors, who should have a distinct edge in the trenches.
Military Magnet has some outstanding individual players including WR/DB Jaquavion Smith and QB Christian White, but the Eagles don’t have the depth to hang with the No. 3 team in Class 1A. Look for the Warriors to build a big lead early and get the reserves plenty of reps. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Whale Branch 48, Military Magnet 0
WK: Whale Branch 42, Military Magnet 6
Orangeburg Prep (0-1) at Hilton Head Christian (2-0)
After waiting an extra week due to a cancellation, the Hilton Head Christian Academy Eagles will take their new home field for the first time Friday night. And the stakes will be high.
Ron Peduzzi and the defending SCISA 2A champions welcome Orangeburg Prep for HHCA’s Bluffton campus debut. The visitors nearly took on the Eagles in the state championship last season but lost a heartbreaker in the semifinals to Carolina Academy. This time around, the Indians bring in a wealth of experience while looking to rebound from a season-opening loss to Dorchester Academy after a tough three-week quarantine period.
The Eagles come into the region duel unbeaten and will look to their explosive offense to get a quick jump on their opponent. Orangeburg Prep’s defense was excellent last year, allowing just 17 points per game and surrendered just 13 in the opener against the Raiders. HHCA’s offensive line will be counted on to provide some lanes for the electric Jace Blackshear and running back Joseph “Speedy” Robinson. Riley Shinn has become a reliable target for the senior quarterback, and Isaiah Anderson’s height and athleticism will be tough to hold down.
The Junkyard Dogs may not have the talent on the line compared to years past, but veteran Jackson Lanier will hope to elevate a young defensive front. Orangeburg Prep and senior quarterback McCullough Mims will need a bounce-back effort on offense after totaling just 129 yards against Dorchester Academy.
With a forfeit already recorded in their cancelled region game against John Paul II, the pressure is mounting for the visiting side in a crucial showdown against the Eagles. The veterans will have to lead the way, and the defense must deliver against an explosive HHCA attack. The Indians have experience on their side, but a shaky start combined with what should be a phenomenal home atmosphere should favor the Eagles in a potential region-deciding duel. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Hilton Head Christian Academy 27, Orangeburg Prep 13
WK: Hilton Head Christian 30, Orangeburg Prep 14
Memorial Day (0-2) at John Paul II (0-1)
Not long ago, Memorial Day was a Georgia private-school powerhouse, sending players to NCAA Division I Power Five programs. These are not those Matadors.
John Paul II returns to the field for the first time since Week 0, and both the Golden Warriors and the visiting Matadors will be looking to break through for their first win of the season Friday in Hardeeville.
Following a 38-16 loss at Hilton Head Prep to start the season, the Golden Warriors had a region contest with Orangeburg Prep wiped out by COVID issues on the OP end before a positive case in their own program shut them down for the next two weeks. The hiatus allowed plenty of time for two-way standout Mark Knight to get healthy, and he will be a huge addition to an offense that had some success against an HHP defense that has since posted consecutive shutouts.
Knight provides another weapon alongside sophomore quarterback Christian Tilton and running backs Jackson Ogden and Tony Hill, giving JPII a number of dangerous ball carriers in their triple-option scheme. They should be able to find some running room against a Memorial Day defense that has surrendered 85 points through two games.
The Matadors are young at the skill positions, where sophomores Tyler Kindle and Amare Drew lead a unit that began to hit its stride in last week’s 51-20 loss to Piedmont Academy after being shut out by Thomas Jefferson Academy in the season opener. Kindle has had some success through the air, going 8-of-13 for 170 yards with two TDs and two interceptions through two games, but Memorial prefers to keep it on the ground with Drew (156 yards, 1 TD). That could be a challenge for the Golden Warriors, who struggled to contain HHP’s Loncelle Daley in their opener.
JPII has had plenty of time to clean up some things since the opener, and the Golden Warriors need to take advantage of this opportunity to pick up a non-region win and start building positive momentum for the stretch run. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: John Paul II 27, Memorial Day 20
WK: John Paul II 28, Memorial Day 24
Thomas Heyward (2-1) at Hilton Head Prep (3-0)
The Hilton Head Prep Dolphins are off to their best start since their 2007 state championship season. Now, they’ll welcome a defending SCISA 1A championship side that hasn’t quite looked like itself the last two weeks.
After letting a 22-0 lead slip away in the third quarter against Bluffton, the Thomas Heyward Rebels will look to shake last week off against a stellar Hilton Head Prep defense. The Dolphins have pulled off two straight shutouts and have allowed just two touchdowns in three games. The defensive line has been outstanding, and newcomer Jake Rodney-Brown has thrived as the group’s leader at linebacker.
The Rebels will be looking for answers in their rushing attack after being stymied by the Bobcats down the stretch, and they will have another tough challenge in Sea Pines. But Dietrich Shuford and company have talent across the lineup with the explosive duo of Anthony Fripp and Tony O’Banner, and the Rebels will be motivated to bounce back after a disappointing finish in Bluffton. The offensive line needs a big afternoon, and a dominant performance at the line of scrimmage will be the key to rebooting this high-powered Rebel attack. Shuford may have a tough test throwing the ball, as HHP’s secondary led by AJ Barger and Sean Graham has shut down traffic through the air so far.
The Dolphins will have to execute on offense and block effectively against a Rebel line that shut down the Bobcats run game last week. Tristan Bonomo will need a mistake-free game under center, and Loncelle Daley will be relied upon to move the ball early and often. The Rebels will expect a run-dominant offense, so a few explosive play-action passes could work in the Dolphins’ favor after Thomas Heyward struggled holding down the Bobcats’ passing attack. But Brandon Howard, James Townsend, and a Rebel defense capable of making big plays should have the upper hand against a shaky Dolphin line.
Hilton Head Prep’s defense could make this one very interesting, but a hungry and motivated Thomas Heyward group should find a way to get back on track. If the Rebels can find their game on offense early, this one could quickly go in their direction. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Thomas Heyward 34, Hilton Head Prep 13
WK: Thomas Heyward 24, Hilton Head Prep 10
Northwood Academy (0-3) at Beaufort Academy (1-0)
It has been a long three weeks since Beaufort Academy opened its season with a thrilling road win, but the Eagles are finally ready to resume their season and open region play Friday against visiting Northwood Academy at Merritt Field.
After the Eagles had a close contact within their program, they decided to play it safe and not play the next two non-region matchups against Bethesda Academy and Colleton Prep, putting the momentum from the opener on hold. BA won 42-33 at St. John’s Christian in Week 1, thanks in large part to Ben Lubkin’s three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. BA also saw some success in the run game picking up 219 yards on the ground with Devonte Green leading the charge with 143 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.
Northwood is winless on the year, losing three games by a combined mark of 141-20. The Chargers were scheduled to play defending region and state champion Hilton Head Christian Academy last week but were forced to cancel the game. Northwood was routed 59-12 by Colleton Prep in its most recent outing.
Beaufort Academy will have all 27 guys ready to go, so there should be no reason
why the Eagles cannot continue their offensive and defensive success. The Eagles
hope to have fixed their coverage issues that plagued them in Week 1, as coach Mark
Clifford and Co. have had three weeks to discuss the mistakes that allowed St.
John’s to come back from a 20-point deficit.
It might take a quarter to knock off the rust, but the Eagles shouldn’t have much trouble starting region play with a victory. — Eric Ellison
PREDICTION
JJ: Beaufort Academy 48, Northwood Academy 12
WK: Beaufort Academy 44, Northwood Academy 8
Colleton Prep (1-2) at Dorchester Academy (1-2)
The Colleton Prep War Hawks begin their region campaign Friday, and they’ll face their bitter rivals on the road at Dorchester Academy.
The Raiders come into the matchup riding high after shocking Orangeburg Prep last week, albeit a team coming back from a three-week COVID hiatus. But Dorchester Academy will present a strong challenge to a Colleton Prep defense that has played well so far this season, keeping Hilton Head Prep out of the end zone in an August meeting. The War Hawks will need to contain explosive receiver Hunter Hartzog who can stretch the defense for deep plays down the field.
Drew Murdaugh has delivered on the offensive side for Colleton Prep, and he will look to continue his stellar ground game and elusive running ability. But the Raiders have found their groove on the defensive side, allowing just six points a week ago to the SCISA 2A semifinalists. Murdaugh has found some recent success throwing the ball with a touchdown strike to Noah Catterton, and a mix of the quarterback’s stellar ground game and passing attack could be crucial to solving a dialed-in Raider group.
This should be a fantastic rivalry battle, and it could come down to which offense can deliver down the stretch. If the War Hawks can hold down a dangerous Dorchester passing game, Murdaugh should have a great shot to lead a confident Colleton Prep squad to a massive region win. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Dorchester Academy 23, Colleton Prep 20
WK: Colleton Prep 24, Dorchester Academy 21
Hilton Head (1-1) at Jenkins (1-2) — Saturday
It’s a Saturday night special in Savannah, as the Hilton Head High Seahawks head to Jenkins looking to build off their first victory of the year over Lake Marion. The long road trip continues for BJ Payne’s group, who won’t play at the Nest until October due to stadium renovations.
Hilton Head’s defense will be riding high after intercepting three Gator passes last Friday, including defensive lineman Chris Marable’s epic pick-six. But the Warriors and their potent rushing attack will provide a big challenge to the Seahawk front. Joshua Pridgen and Hunter Newman lead a talented group of backs up against spectacular senior linebacker Jaylen Sneed. Marable’s strong start alongside an improved Matthew Larkby will be important to stopping the Warrior ground game, and Carter Saleeby has stepped up alongside Sneed to help stuff the run and force crucial turnovers.
Sophomore quarterback Jackson Bibee will be tested against a Warrior defense that has made opponents pay for mistakes this year. Ryan Clark and the offensive line will have to hold down a group that will look to make things difficult for an inexperienced quarterback. If Bibee can make quick decisions and put the ball in the hands of Sneed and stellar running back Chase McCracken, the Seahawks will have excellent opportunities to move the ball and break a big play. It should be a great learning experience for Bibee and a budding group looking to make a splash in what is looking like a highly competitive Region 7-4A. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Hilton Head High 20, Jenkins 13
WK: Jenkins 30, Hilton Head High 20
Battery Creek (0-2) at Ridgeland-Hardeeville (0-1) — Monday
The opportunity for a much-needed win will be up for grabs when two rebuilding programs square off in the Lowco version of Monday Night Football under the lights at Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School.
The host Jaguars made their long-awaited return to the field for the first time since 2019 on Friday, falling 34-16 at Whitmire after preparing to face Waccamaw for most of the week. It wasn’t the desired result for new Jaguars coach Rodney Barr, but it was a major first step in rebuilding the foundation for a program that sat out last season.
The Jags showed some positive signs on both sides of the ball, as quarterback Maurice Brown made plays with his arm and his legs and recorded rushing and passing touchdowns, running back Hamid Brown proved to be a threat running the ball and receiving out of the backfield, and freshman wideout Dylan Pryor hauled in a touchdown pass. Bruising fullback Xavier Plowdeniz played well on both sides of the ball, and Ogurian Simmons, Josh Ferguson, and Jaquise Johnson anchored a defense that showed promise.
The biggest challenge for Ridgeland-Hardeeville last week was finishing. The Jags aren’t yet in game shape, so much of this week was focused on conditioning and preparing to win the fourth quarter. They could have an edge in that regard after Battery Creek’s program was temporarily shut down this week due to COVID-19 protocols. The Dolphins are set to return to practice Saturday.
Battery Creek made big strides in last week’s 34-20 loss to Andrew Jackson, and the Dolphins expect to have quarterback Hunter Smith available Monday for the first time this season. That gives second-year coach Terrance Ashe more options on offense, possibly even using Will White in another role. White tossed a pair of touchdown passes to Dreshaun Brown last week, and Jeremiah Dilbert added a rushing score. The Dolphins should have an opportunity to find success this week against an inexperienced Jaguar defense.
Creek’s defense also was much improved from its opening loss to Thomas Heyward, and Quatrell Livingston and Anthony Phelan will cause some problems for the Jags’ offense.
This is an evenly matched clash between two teams who are hungry for a win, so don’t be surprised if it goes down to the wire. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Battery Creek 31, Ridgeland-Hardeeville 27
WK: Ridgeland-Hardeeville 27, Battery Creek 24
SEASON RECORDS
JJ: 5-2 last week, 17-7 overall
WK: 5-2 last week, 22-2 overall
