By Isaac Roman
LowcoSports.com
In a classic Lowco “Rivalry Week” showdown, the Hilton Head Island Seahawks defended their home turf, outgunning the Bluffton Bobcats 38-28 in the annual Bridge Bowl on Friday night.
Photos by Myles Hickey / HHIHS Student Photojournalist
Thaddeus Czarnecki gave a monster effort on both sides of the ball and Derrick Raniszewski rushed for two touchdowns and dropped a dime on Jeremiah Walters for a clinching touchdown to cap off the Seahawks’ 38-28 shootout victory, as the teams combined for more than 700 yards of total offense.
The high-scoring affair was fueled by stellar quarterback play from both sidelines. Raniszewski was a force for Hilton Head, throwing for 217 yards and a touchdown while adding 21 yards and two more scores on the ground.
Bluffton quarterback Aedan McCarthy answered the call with an electrifying dual-threat performance. He dazzled with his legs, rushing for 135 yards, including a spectacular 74-yard touchdown run. Through the air, McCarthy threw for 123 yards and two touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass from Lucas Gates on a well-executed throwback a la the “Philly Special.”
The Seahawks got the scoring started with a three-yard touchdown run by Thaddeus Czarnecki, but McCarthy’s long run provided the immediate answer. The game-sealing score came late when Raniszewski connected with Walters, who was a key target all night, finishing with 106 receiving yards.
Both offenses impressed, but the Seahawks’ defense was the difference. Hilton Head defensive end Josh Bigger was a menace in the Bluffton backfield, racking up two sacks, five total tackles (four for a loss), and five quarterback hurries as the Seahawks stifled Bluffton’s high-flying passing game and limited the impact of star receivers Carnell Warren and Amare Patterson.
“Coach Payne gave us the best gameplan he could and we executed and won,” Bigger said of his team’s performance. “No matter the weather, what jersey you wear, or what field we are on, we will give you a hard time.”
Czarnecki also starred on defense for the Seahawks, leading the team with 15 tackles (12 solo) and three pass breakups.
For the Bobcats, linebacker Malcom Gordan was a workhorse, totaling 14 tackles, while Lucas Gates came up with a crucial play just before halftime, intercepting a pass that led to a Bluffton touchdown to tie the game. Gates also caught a touchdown pass and threw one to McCarthy on the trick play.
Both kickers were perfect on the night. Bluffton kicker Rolando Hernandez went 4-for-4 on PATS, and Hilton Head’s Beau Sexson went 5-for-5 and added a 28-yard field goal.
The Seahawks lead the Bridge Bowl series with an all-time record of 13-9. Region 6-4A play continues Friday when Hilton Head hosts undefeated Bishop England, while the Bobcats return home to play the Beaufort Eagles.