We have another full slate of high school football games on tap for Week 7, and the stakes are getting higher. Region play is in full swing, and eight of the 10 games on this week’s slate across the Lowco carry some sort of playoff implications.
One team does have the night off — Whale Branch — but everyone else is in action, including a trio of Lowco-on-Lowco affairs. Colleton County heads to Hilton Head High, where they’ll roll out the new carpet and honor a new Hall of Fame class that includes Seattle Seahawks star Poona Ford; Thomas Heyward hits the road to Colleton Prep for a region matchup; and May River hops over to Bluffton for the Hometown Showdown.
If you’re headed to a game Friday, keep us posted on Twitter (@LowcoSports). Now, it’s time to get ready for Week 7 with our weekly primer.
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May River (4-2, 1-0) at Bluffton (2-3, 1-0)
As hyped as the Hometown Showdown has been since May River High School launched varsity football in 2016, it hasn’t been as exciting on the field. Four of the seven meetings have been decided by 40 points or more — including three blowouts by 50+ — and only one has been a one-score game.
Might that change Friday? It might.
May River has dominated the past three meetings — including 54-14 in 2019 and 56-6 last fall — after the big brother Bobcats won the first four crosstown clashes, and the Sharks are sitting pretty again, having won two straight and opened Region 7-4A play with a 35-18 home win over James Island. But Bluffton is on the rise after a winless 2020 campaign, and the Bobcats started the region slate with a 55-30 win at Colleton County in which they scored 49 points in the second half to overcome a 24-6 halftime deficit.
The Sharks boast the most dangerous player on the field in quarterback Garvin Douglas, whose 155.5 rushing yards per game lead the Lowco, and Douglas has plenty of help in the backfield with Jaeon Allen and Cam Scott, and May River’s relentless ground game will present a challenge to Bluffton’s budding defense. The Bobcats’ front seven, led by defensive end DJ Aiken and linebackers Jeremiah Curry and Ja’Quinn Williams, has been tough on the run and did a decent job of containing Wade Hampton star Jamian Risher, another dynamic run-first quarterback. Bluffton will try to load up for the run and force the Sharks to the air, where they have had limited success thus far.
On the other side of the equation, Bluffton’s passing attack has become something to fear. Junior quarterback Max Vonhohenstraeten has developed a knack for getting the ball to the right spots to allow his talented receiving corps led by Jaylin Linder, Robert Brown, and KJ Frazier to go get it — and boy did they go get it last week. Linder and Frazier each caught three TD passes in the wild comeback win. May River’s defensive backs will have to be in top form to contain the Bobcats’ explosive receivers, and the Sharks’ pass rush will need to keep Vonhohenstraeten on his heels and avoid letting him set up in the pocket and pick apart the secondary. Jaiden Jones has emerged as an effective pass rusher for May River — he recorded 3.5 sacks in his first outing at defensive end last week — and will look to continue to wreak havoc in the backfield.
The weather could be a factor, with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast, and a sloppy track could favor the Sharks and their power running game. But on paper, at least, this one shapes up to be the most exciting Hometown Showdown we’ve had in a while. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: May River 28, Bluffton 21
WK: May River 28, Bluffton 21
Colleton County (0-1, 0-1) at Hilton Head (1-4, 0-1)
After a five-game road swing to start the season, the Hilton Head High Seahawks are coming home. It’s the first game on their beautiful new turf field, and a crucial region contest as the ‘Hawks welcome Colleton County to the Nest.
We’ll also see a return of a legend on Friday night, as former Hilton Head and now Seattle Seahawk Poona Ford will be inducted into the HHIHS Athletics Hall of Fame alongside five other island standouts.
A future college star will take center stage on the field, as linebacker-turned-quarterback Jaylen Sneed looks to deliver a dazzling show under the lights. The Notre Dame-bound senior gashed a stingy Beaufort defense for an incredible 200 yards a week ago, and he should be a big problem for a Cougar side that was blitzed for 55 points in its first game of the season against Bluffton. Chase McCracken’s powerful running could become a big factor if the defense focuses on Sneed, and senior veteran Evan Elliott is always a dangerous threat at wide receiver.
It didn’t take long for Colleton County to get the run game going in its season opener. Hilton Head’s defense struggled to hold down Beaufort’s Amariee Morris, and will get a tough challenge this week against a motivated Kristopher Howell team. Chris Marable continues to deliver on the defensive line for BJ Payne, and he will be counted on to win the battle up front alongside Ryan Clark and Anders Kennedy. With Sneed preserving much of his energy for the offensive side of the ball, Carter Saleeby will have to carry more of the load making plays in the heart of the defense.
We should be in store for a fun and possibly high-scoring affair in the Seahawks’ long-awaited return home. Both teams will be looking for that massive first region win, but Hilton Head High’s skill on the offensive side led by Sneed may be too much for the visitors to quiet. If the HHIHS line can pick up the needed blocks to give its stellar athletes room to fly down the field, Sneed and the Seahawks will put on a dazzling show and make it tough for the Cougars to keep pace. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Hilton Head High 33, Colleton County 20
WK: Hilton Head High 31, Colleton County 28
Beaufort High (5-1, 1-0) at James Island (2-3, 0-1)
The Eagles started their quest for a third straight Region 7-4A title with a convincing win over Hilton Head High thanks to a second-half surge, and now Beaufort High looks to hold serve on the road Friday at James Island.
The Trojans came into the season as a potential darkhorse contender for a top-two spot in Region 7-4A, but with a loss to May River to open the region slate and with Bluffton and Hilton Head High on the rise, they might end up fighting for a top-four finish and a playoff spot — unless they can stun the Eagles.
Beaufort’s offense was in top form last week, as quarterback Tyler Haley and Kacy Fields hooked up four times for 142 yards and a TD, and running back Amariee Morris found the end zone three times. Morris should have a big night against a James Island defense that surrendered 446 rushing yards (9.3 per carry) against May River, and if the Eagles have early success on the ground, they’ll open up the passing game for Haley and a receiving corps led by Fields, Zyrin Odom, and tight end Michael Dennison.
Sophomore quarterback Braxton Scott is an effective passer who can create some big plays through the air with Wushi Ravenel (11-216, 3 TDs) and John Grant (9-163, 4 TDs) as his favorite targets. Senior running back Terio McKelvey is coming off his best game of the season, picking up 102 yards and a TD on 14 carries against the Sharks, but he might have a tough time finding running room against an outstanding Beaufort defense anchored by defensive linemen Alvin Wilson and Eamon Smalls.
The Eagles held onto the ball last week after committing 11 turnovers in their previous two contests. As long as they avoid those self-inflicted mistakes, they shouldn’t have too much trouble coming home 2-0 in region play. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Beaufort High 34, James Island 14
WK: Beaufort High 38, James Island 13
Hanahan (4-1, 1-0) at Battery Creek (1-3, 1-0)
With their first win of the season under their belt, the Dolphins will try to keep it rolling when they host the region-favorite Hawks on Friday.
Battery Creek broke through for a 30-20 win at Academic Magnet last week, bolstering the Dolphins’ hopes of grabbing one of four playoff spots up for grabs in Region 8-3A, but this marks a major step up in the competition level. The Hawks’ only loss was a 15-14 heartbreaker at Class 5A Stratford, and they posted impressive victories over Cane Bay, Philip Simmons, and Porter-Gaud before blowing out North Charleston 63-0 a week ago to open region play.
The Hawks’ ground game has flourished under longtime Timberland coach Art Craig with plenty of help from a talented group of backs featuring Josh Shaw, Cooper Smith, and Kevon Rivera. Shaw is the biggest threat of the bunch, a speedster who hits the hole hard and is capable of breaking a big play on every touch, so the Dolphins will have to keep a close eye on him and wrap him up when given the opportunity.
Battery Creek also has a strong ground game led by Jeremiah Dilbert, who is averaging 113 rushing yards per game, but Hanahan’s defense has stood tall against some menacing competition, and the Hawks should have enough firepower to hold off the upset-minded Dolphins. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Hanahan 44, Battery Creek 14
WK: Hanahan 32, Battery Creek 13
Ridgeland-Hardeeville (0-3, 0-1) at Woodland (1-2, 1-0)
Going into the season, this wouldn’t have been a game the Jaguars would have marked as a likely win, and maybe it still isn’t — Woodland is a tough place to play — but the Wolverines have not wowed thus far in 2021.
At the very least, there’s an opportunity for Ridgeland-Hardeeville to show progress and gain momentum after a humbling 43-0 loss at region-favorite Timberland last week. New coach Rodney Barr’s “keep chopping” mantra fits the moment, because while the Jaguars might not be able to go toe-to-toe with the Wolverines for four quarters, they’re building toward back-to-back home games the next two weeks against Burke and Lake Marion, which will make or break their playoff prospects.
The Jags’ offense couldn’t get going against a stout Timberland defense, but quarterback Maurice Brown and running backs Xavier Plowdeniz, Wenson Smith, and Jayvon Grant should have more running room this week. The Jags have been able to move the ball effectively, but they’ve struggled in the red zone and need to start finishing drives to be more competitive.
Barr is waiting for a few of his young players to break out and emerge as leaders, and if that happens Friday night, they’ll have a shot at pulling off their first victory since 2019. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: Woodland 27, Ridgeland-Hardeeville 20
WK: Woodland 35, Ridgeland-Hardeeville 14
Bethesda Academy (0-5) at Hilton Head Christian (6-0)
These two teams produced one of the most memorable games last year, as HHCA erased a 14-point deficit to top the Blazers on a spectacular JP Peduzzi walk-off touchdown catch. But there should be no late drama needed this time for the Eagles.
The emergence of Ridgeland-Hardeeville transfer Joseph “Speedy” Robinson has taken Ron Peduzzi’s offense to new heights, as the senior’s speed complemented by the dual-threat abilities of electric quarterback Jace Blackshear should steamroll the Blazers over in Bluffton.
But the biggest surprise this year has been the growth of HHCA’s defense. The Junkyard Dogs are officially back after shutting down Pinewood Prep’s high-octane offense last week. Jackson Lanier is an uncontainable force at linebacker, and Riley Shinn has stepped up for a secondary that dominated the Panthers’ excellent passing game. The defensive line has reloaded quickly this season and should feast on a sputtering Blazer offense.
It won’t take long for the Eagles to rack up points in this one, and Ron Peduzzi should get another opportunity to give his backups more time for growth heading into the postseason. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Hilton Head Christian 49, Bethesda Academy 6
WK: Hilton Head Christian 54, Bethesda Academy 6
Beaufort Academy (3-1) at Thomas Sumter (4-2)
The Eagles will travel up I-95 to take on the Generals in their last non-region game of the season, and BA is looking to build on a huge 42-10 region win over Hilton Head Prep in which BA outscored the Dolphins 28-0 after halftime.
The Eagle defense has been lights out in the second half of games since returning from a 21-day COVID pause. They have allowed six points in the final two frames, and those six were in garbage time of a 62-6 rout. BA will have to deal with a dangerous dual-threat quarterback in Jamari Harris, who has passed for 690 yards and 7 TDs and leads the Generals with 472 rushing yards and seven more scores.
Braydon Dineen was able to make some plays last week in Mark Clifford’s run-heavy offense, completing all five passes with one finding the end zone, and Jaxen Porter racked up 215 yards on the ground with three TDs. Running backs Cody Dalrymple and Devonte Green are nursing injuries and unlikely to play, so the load will be put on Porter’s shoulders, but the Eagles’ leading rusher should be up to the challenge.
Linebacker Ayden Allen is the leader of the Generals’ defense — and their top running back — which is coming off a 35-0 shutout of Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach last week but was dinged for 44 and 43 points in consecutive losses to Pee Dee Academy and Williamsburg Academy.
This game has no impact on the region race, but a big win can keep the Eagles in the conversation concerning potential challengers to defending SCISA 2A champion HHCA. If Dineen and Porter can keep up the tempo on offense, and the defense keeps playing lights out, BA should return home to Lady’s Island with the win and feeling good about the three-game stretch of region contests ahead. — Eric Ellison
PREDICTION
JJ: Beaufort Academy 28, Thomas Sumter 20
WK: Beaufort Academy 34, Thomas Sumter 20
Northwood Academy (0-6, 0-2) at John Paul II (1-3, 1-0)
After a humbling 46-6 defeat at Thomas Heyward last week, the Golden Warriors couldn’t pick a better matchup to bounce back. The struggling Chargers come to Hardeeville averaging fewer than six points per game while giving up 40-plus per contest, so it’s a classic get-right game for JPII.
The Golden Warriors’ option attack was stymied by the Rebels’ fearsome front, but opponents have had an easy time picking apart the Northwood defense, and quarterback Christian Tilton and JPII should be able to continue that trend. Tilton and Jackson Ogden form a dynamic duo in the backfield, and Ogden and Mark Knight have done damage in the passing game, so the Golden Warriors should have success on offense and regain the form they showed in putting up 76 points in their previous two contests before running into THA.
JPII’s defense had a difficult time containing Rebels’ quarterback Brandon Howard, who burned them for a couple of deep touchdown passes and gashed them on the ground, but they won’t face any playmakers of his caliber this week. Linebackers Peter Hughes and Michael Carbone should be able to pin back their ears against a one-dimensional Northwood offense and enjoy some success that will help propel them into the meat of their region schedule. — Justin Jarrett
PREDICTION
JJ: John Paul II 34, Northwood Academy 6
WK: John Paul II 42, Northwood Academy 14
Hilton Head Prep (4-2, 0-1) at Orangeburg Prep (1-3, 0-2)
There may still be another month to go in the regular season, but Hilton Head Prep’s playoffs chances could very well hinge on this Friday’s showdown at Orangeburg Prep. The Dolphins were stymied in the second half against Beaufort Academy, and they will need to pick it up on both sides this week against an improved Andy Palmer-led team.
With his senior campaign potentially on the line after an 0-2 region start, quarterback McCullough Mims will be especially motivated to beat a Dolphin defense that was unable to stop the run last week. It will be up to reliable senior linebacker Jake Rodney-Brown to lead the charge, and he continues to be a big-play machine for the front seven. The depth on the defensive line has been thinned by injuries, but senior Nick Rose has become a menace for opposing blockers and should be a difference-maker again on the road.
The Dolphins will need a stellar game from quarterback Tristan Bonomo, who has become much more comfortable under center as the season has progressed. The offense seems to go as Loncelle Daley goes, and a solid performance from the line will give the explosive junior back the opportunity to showcase his skills and break loose for big yardage. Rodney-Brown’s power has been an effective complement to Daley’s abilities, and Gunnar Askeland has emerged as a top target in a growing Dolphin passing game alongside an athletic Christian Epke-Bueso.
If Bonomo and the Dolphins can avoid self-inflicted mistakes and unleash the speed of Daley early on, Hilton Head Prep should thrive against a shaky Orangeburg Prep run defense. The Dolphins have been able to feast on takeaways this year on the defensive side, and a couple of big plays by Rodney-Brown and company could be enough to push Dave Adams’ group over the top and boost its playoff hopes. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Hilton Head Prep 23, Orangeburg Prep 20
WK: Hilton Head Prep 24, Orangeburg Prep 20
Thomas Heyward (5-1, 1-0) at Colleton Prep (2-4, 1-1)
With its postseason aspirations on the line, Colleton Prep blitzed Bethesda Academy in an impressive 38-0 shutout. Now, Drew Murdaugh and the War Hawks return home to challenge a scorching-hot Thomas Heyward squad.
Brandon Howard has become a one-man show for the Rebels after taking over at quarterback. He’s been unstoppable with his legs or his arm under center, and he should keep his explosive offense clicking on the road. As if Howard’s dual-threat abilities weren’t frightening enough, the backfield of James “Turbo” Towsend and Tony O’Banner has zoomed past defenses all season long. Cutter Williams is a tremendous deep threat at receiver, and Howard is more than capable of finding him down the field for some big plays. It will be a tall task for Colleton Prep’s defense, but Gus Warren and Noah Catterton have what it takes to come up with a game-changing stop or two.
Murdaugh has been superb so far this year for CPA, but he’ll face a menacing Thomas Heyward defense that has allowed just 13 points in three games since an overtime loss at Bluffton. Howard has been a monster on the defensive side too, swallowing up the opponents’ run game with 45 tackles over that three-game span while Cameron VanGeison continues to lead the charge of a nearly unbeatable defensive line.
The War Hawks will certainly be a factor in the playoff picture, but Thomas Heyward’s explosiveness and strength at the line should easily overwhelm CPA and keep the Rebels unbeaten in region play. — Wes Kerr
PREDICTION
JJ: Thomas Heyward 33, Colleton Prep 14
WK: Thomas Heyward 42, Colleton Prep 7
SEASON RECORDS:
WK: 10-0 last week, 47-6 overall
JJ: 10-0 last week, 40-13 overall
