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The end of Battery Creek's four-game losing streak came at perhaps the most opportune of times. Not only was last week's 18-0 win against Stall a successful start to Region 8-AAA play, but it provided a needed wave of momentum entering today's battle with region front-runner North Charleston.
"Whoever wins this game is likely in the driver's seat to win the region," Dolphins coach Carlos Cave said. "We look at it as being important in putting us on track to get a good playoff seed -- nothing more, nothing less."
Just as important will be the return of several Dolphins from the injured list. Quarterback Stedman James, defensive backs Cleon Wright and Norman Jenkins and offensive linemen James Childres and David Ratliff are expected to start against the high-powered Cougars.
The Dolphins will need every bit of help to contain do-everything players Denzel Myers and Corey Washington, who combined for 459 yards and six touchdowns in last week's rout of Hilton Head High.
"We need to be aware of where (Myers and Washington) are, because they like to move them around a lot," Cave said. "Offensively, they are the best team we'll see all year, bar none. We just have to challenge them and limit the big play."
Aiding this cause will be an improved Dolphins defense, which has displayed a more aggressive pass rush and was anchored by two turnovers and three Spencer Shine sacks last week.
The return of James, who threw for two scores in a limited role against Stall, and two of his top blockers should allow Battery Creek to match the Cougars' swift pace, with an eye on making today's Homecoming outing a successful one.
Who: North Charleston (5-1, 1-0 in Region 8-AAA) Battery Creek High School (2-4, 1-0)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Dolphin Field
PROJECTED STARTERS
Battery Creek
Offense: QB Stedman James, RB Cecil Franklin, WR Alex Sharpe, WR Spencer Shine, WR Leander Mobley, WR Devon Anthony, LT Spencer Butler, LG Joshua Holliday, C David Ratliff, RG Oliver Webb, RT James Childres.
Defense: DE Evans Robinson, DT Luke Johnson, DT Daquan Jamison, DE Sam McDonell, LB Spencer Shine, LB Trey Nelson, LB Denzel Davis, CB Cleon Wright, CB Damien Miles, SS Ricardo Chaney, FS Norman Jenkins.
Special Teams: K/P Jon Mostowy, KR/PR Damien Miles, Cleon Wright.
LAKE MARION AT HILTON HEAD HIGH
After losing in Region 8-AAA for the first time in more than a year, Hilton Head High now needs a win tonight against Lake Marion to avoid falling into an early 0-2 hole.
But the team will be without its starting quarterback of the last three weeks when it makes that attempt. Jon Bever has been absent from the Seahawks practices all week. While coach Tim Singleton said he hasn't spoken to Bever since last Friday's loss -- a game in which he pulled Bever before halftime --several players said the quarterback has quit the team.
Bever could not be reached for comment regarding the situation.
His absence likely clears the way for Jeff Homad to regain the starting position he won out of preseason before Bever took over in the third week of the season.
Singleton said earlier this week he hasn't necessarily decided who will start, but Homad appears to be the choice.
"I hope Jeff -- if he gets the nod -- will realize that he's missed how many ever weeks not starting because of something he can improve on," Singleton said. "And I hope he'll come out with the fire to lead this team. I think Jeff -- if he gets the nod -- will be a much-improved senior quarterback and he's going to be a much-improved leader, which is the key."
Singleton said the team has practiced well this week after coming out flat in Friday's loss to North Charleston -- a good sign if the Seahawks plan to turn things around sooner rather than later.
"Every game from this point on is huge," Singleton said. "Our region is crazy, so who knows what will happen? But we can control our own destiny by being a fundamentally-sound football team and taking care of business on the field."
Who: Lake Marion (2-4, 1-0 Region 8-AAA) at Hilton Head High (2-4, 0-1)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hilton Head Island Community Stadium
PROJECTED STARTERS
Hilton Head High
Offense: QB Jeff Homad, RB Lawrence Jenkins, RB/WR Jaquan Cohen, FB Michael Fotia, WR Clifford Morrow, WR Victor Frazier, LT Hunter Anderson, LG Anthony Jablonecki, C Forest Bryan, RG Jack Duane, RT Marcus Johnson.
Defense: DE Forest Bryan, DT Raheem Williams, DT Melvin Fields, LB/DE Jack Duane, LB Ray Harrington, LB Kenny Robinson, LB/S Lamond Williams, CB Austin Rakes, CB Aubree Bruce, FS Victor Frazier, S Clifford Morrow.
Special teams: P Jeff Homad, K Weston Mott, KR/PR Clifford Morrow.
STALL AT BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL
In the first two years of Jeremy West's tenure at Bluffton High School, the Bobcats' matchup against Stall has somewhat defined their season.
On each occasion, the Warriors appeared to present a matchup that could jump-start Bluffton's season. But each time, Stall proved to be a hurdle too tall for the Bobcats to climb.
The Bobcats will try to change that tonight when they host Stall at 7:30.
"It's a team that everybody thinks we should beat, but for some reason it's not a good matchup for us; it's always a struggle," West said. "They're going to come in here ready to fight, so we've got to be ready to fight."
That's something he saw in last week's 26-25 loss to Lake Marion to open the conference season. The Bobcats fought until the end and gave themselves chances to win the game late, but each attempt came up short. After a missed two-point conversation, they fumbled the ensuing possession and then narrowly missed a long field goal attempt on the next with four seconds remaining.
"They way I look at it, we had a lot of things that didn't go our way," West said. "But for the first time since I've been here, I saw a team that did everything they could possibly do on the field. ... I mean we kept going at it all game long."
West said he's hopeful a similar effort tonight can provide a different result -- which would give Bluffton its first region win since 2007.
Who: Stall (2-4, 0-1 Region 8-AAA) at Bluffton High School (1-5, 0-1)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bobcat Stadium
PROJECTED STARTERS
Bluffton
Offense: QB Desmond Jenkins, RB Stephen Bradley, RB Timmy Smith, RB Zack Frazier, OL Phillip Scott, OL Stephen Szczepanik, OL Chris Tillotson, OL Michael Grant, OL Lewis Black, SE Ryan Combs, TE Jordan Rodriguez.
Defense: DL Phillip Scott, DL Alfonza Powell, DL Anthony Gardner, DL Randy Grayson, LB Michael Grant, LB B.J. Kitty, LB Lewis Black, DB Jimmy Tillman, DB Anthony Smith, DB Tony Burns, DB Stephen Bradley.
Special teams: K/P Jordan Rodriguez, PR Stephen Bradley, KR Desmond Jenkins.
BEAUFORT HIGH AT WANDO
After surviving what Beaufort High coach Mark Clifford called a "do what you've gotta do" shootout against James Island, the Eagles will face literally one of their biggest opponents this season in Wando High School.
"Their defensive line is just huge -- probably the biggest we'll see all year, outside of Fort Dorchester," Clifford said. "This game will be a test because Wando's got some really good personnel."
Of course, the Eagles have their own weapons to boast in Josh McPherson, who rushed for 278 yards and four scores last week, and wide receiver Dymonthe Gwathney, who returned from injury to record 148 yards on four catches. Such a continued balance will be key in building an early lead on the Warrior defense, which is allowing less than 300 yards per game.
The return of quarterback Michael Paul has helped spark Wando to wins in two of its last three games, but injuries to running back Lee Oree have held the Warriors to just 12.3 points per contest. Defensively, Clifford said that Beaufort High's linebackers will have to hit the hole and be aware of Wando's affinity for the slant pass.
Another 48-point showing wouldn't be bad for the Eagles, but the battle in the trenches could make this a low-scoring, physical battle
Who: Beaufort High (5-1) at Wando (2-4)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Wando High School
Directions: Follow Charleston Highway/US-17 for 53 miles before turning left at Septima Clark Expressway. Continue right on I-26 W before making slight right toward US-17 N. Continue straight on US-17
•for 12 miles. Turn left at Carolina Park Blvd. Turn left at 1000 Warrior Way.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Beaufort High
Offense: QB Beau Brown, RB Josh McPherson, RB Alex Simmons, WR Dymonte Gwathney, WR Travis Lawton, TE Tyler Cieplowski,LT Karl Lyttle, LG Alex Amaya, C Jack Ferreri, RT Patrick Dennis, RG Victor Blackburn.
Defense: DE Cody Gasque, DT Dalvin Broussard, DT DeEndre Jefferson-Fields, DE Detrell Gantt, OLB D'Vonte Cohen, ILB Justin Parker, ILB Brandon Frazier, OLB Kenan Jackson, CB Calvin Atkins, CB Devonte Green, S Jalin Mack.
Special teams: K Kyle Clark, P Tim Britton, PR/KR Josh McPherson/Demeo Holmes.
ORANGEBURG PREP AT HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN
The second of Hilton Head Christian Academy's three consecutive non-region games should provide a good barometer for how the Eagles will fare when they return to region play in two weeks, because Orangeburg Prep boasts one of the best running games the Eagles have seen so far this season.
Led by a steadily improving offensive line and running back Walker Smith (720 rushing yards, six touchdowns), the Indians' run-first spread offense will be a good primer for Hilton Head Christian's remaining region games against Colleton Prep and Northwood Academy and a good test for a defense that has allowed only 13.3 points per game this season.
"(Smith) is a hard runner," Eagles coach Tommy Lewis said. "Any time you see a guy who at the point of contact his legs start churning even harder, you know you have your work cut out for you. ... And their quarterback is good enough to keep you honest, so you can't just load up the box. You have to respect the pass, too."
The Eagles' defense gets back a key player this week, as inside linebacker Michael Hull returns from a calf injury, but Hilton Head Christian will still be without linebacker Jake Crandall, noseguard Cole Malphrus and two-way lineman Lamar Johnson. Lewis said he hopes to have all three back in the lineup when the Eagles host Colleton Prep in two weeks.
Who: Orangeburg Prep (2-4) at Hilton Head Christian (5-1)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Eagles Stadium, Hilton Head Christian
PROJECTED STARTERS
Hilton Head Christian
Offense: QB Luke Sirgo, RB Eric Farr, WR Ethan Gort, WR Zac Lenns, WR Alex Martin, TE Ryan Emery, LT Kyle Weaver, LG John Taylor Stones, C Alec Westmark, RG Wesley Cooler, RT Josh Lancaster.
Defense: DT Ryan Smith, NG Kyle Weaver, DT Nick Borghi, OLB Ethan Gort, ILB Michael Hull, ILB Eric Farr, OLB JaBrook Tucker, CB Devin McGuinness, CB Weston Butler, FS James Berl, SS Shea Watkins.
Special teams: K Shea Watkins, P/PR Zac Lenns, KR JaBrook Tucker.
HILTON HEAD PREP AT CHARLESTON COLLEGIATE
If Hilton Head Prep is going to get its first win of the season, it will have to come with a new starting quarterback at the reins of the Dolphins' spread offense.
Freshman Jeremy Haidon is expected to start at quarterback in place of junior Matt Layman, who was knocked out for the season when he broke his left fibula in last week's loss to Northwood Academy. Haidon grew up playing quarterback and played the position for the Dolphins' junior varsity team last season, and Prep coach Ron Peduzzi said he wanted to develop a younger backup, rather than turning to senior DeAnte Scott, who took most of the snaps after Layman was injured last week.
"We felt this was the game for him to play quarterback and get out there and get his feet wet," Peduzzi said.
Scott also will see some time under center, Peduzzi said. The Dolphins also will be without junior receiver/defensive end Patrick Andrews, who is out for at least three weeks with a fractured knee.
Nonetheless, struggling Charleston Collegiate represents a break in Prep's brutal schedule, so the Dolphins are optimistic about picking up their first victory.
"We've had a rough go of it, but the kids have worked hard this week," Peduzzi said. "We're going to be positive, work hard and rally around our quarterback and our team."
Who: Hilton Head Prep (0-6) at Charleston Collegiate (1-5)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Charleston Collegiate, John's Island
Directions: Take S.C. 170 toward Beaufort, then S.C. 17 toward Charleston. As you are entering Charleston, turn right onto Main Road (toward Seabrook and Kiawah islands). Main Road becomes Bohicket Road. Follow this road for about eight miles and turn left onto Plowground Road, then left onto Academy Drive. The school is at 2024 Academy Drive.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Hilton Head Prep
Offense: QB Jeremy Haidon, RB Matt Bex, WR DeAnte Scott, WR Dimitri Lowry, WR Bo Strimpfel, WR Alex Orford, LT Nick Haidon, LG Austin Baker, C Devin White, RG Dylan Powell, RT Marc Halseth.
Defense: DE Marc Halseth, DT Nick Haidon, NG Austin Baker, DT Dylan Powell, DE Matt Bex, LB Taylor Place, LB Bo Strimpfel, LB Scott D'Amico, CB DeAnte Scott, CB Nicky Kunz, FS Jeremy Haidon.
Special teams: K/KR/PR Dimitri Lowry, P Matt Bex, KR/PR DeAnte Scott.
PELION AT RIDGELAND
In many ways, a playoff atmosphere surrounds tonight's matchup between Ridgeland and Pelion. After finishing in Region 5-AA's last two spots in 2008, both the Jaguars and Panthers are in search of a win that could provide the inside track to the final two playoff spots.
A good chunk of Ridgeland's hopes will hinge on the health of running back Brent Walker, who missed the second half of last week's 42-14 loss to Silver Bluff with a head injury and has not practiced all week. Should the senior not be able to go, Jerry Scott and Jacob Ferguson will be counted upon to anchor the Jaguars' run-heavy, Wing-T offense.
"We're trying to get a win," Ridgeland coach Richard Kirkland said, "so the playbook is going to be wide open and the defense is bringing a new attitude."
Along with this focus must come a cutback in the plethora of penalties and turnovers that have stalled Ridgeland's drives and aided its opponent's execution. Fifteen yellow flags slowed a Jaguar offense that had been averaging 25 points and began last week's contest with a 62-yard passing score -- its longest of the season.
After achieving several upsets in non-conference play, just where the Jaguars stand in their region should become evident after today's contest against two evenly matched teams.
Who: Pelion (3-3, 0-1 in Region 5-AA) at Ridgeland (3-3, 0-1)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jasper County Stadium
PROJECTED STARTERS
Ridgeland
Offense: QB Walter Nix, RB Jerry Scott, RB Brent Walker, FB Malik Mitchell, WR Torray Amlett, WR Tyrone Mikell, LT Jacque Polite, LG Wesley Scott, C Trey Woods, RT Larry Jackson, RG Damon Gadson.
Defense: DE Wesley Scott, DT Josh Sibert, DT Larry Jackson, DE Jacque Polite, LB Issac Scott, LB Damon Gadson, LB Jacob Ferguson, LB Trey Woods, CB Walter Nix, CB Tremaine Stevenson, S Tyrone Mikell.
Special teams: K Jerry Scott, P Tyrone Mikell, PR Jerry Scott, KR Jerry Scott/Torray Amlett/Immanuel White.
ST. JOHN'S AT HARDEEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Sitting at 1-2 in Region 6-A after last week's loss to region leader Cross, Hardeeville High School is starting to feel a sense of urgency to turn it's league record around.
The Hurricanes will have their hands full as they try to do just that when they host St. John's, an athletic team that is off to a 4-2 start to the season, including a 2-1 Region 6-A mark. Its only loss in league play is to Cross.
"They are able to line athletes up at every skill position on offense, defense and special teams," Hurricanes coach Blake Raley said. "They are a traditional power within our region."
Hardeeville will have to find a way to counter that attack to better its chances of making the playoffs for the first time in school history. They'll start behind Jarrell Knighton, who has rushed for 462 yards in just five games this season.
Phillip Harris will return to the quarterback position this week for the Hurricanes.
"We still have a few of our guys banged up but at the same time they're willing to go out and lay everything on the line to help secure our first playoff berth," Raley said. "We have some warriors, and I'm very proud of them."
Who: St. John's (4-2, 2-1 Region 6-A) at Hardeeville High School (3-3, 1-2)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hurricane Stadium
PROJECTED STARTERS
Hardeeville
Offense: QB Phillip Harris, RB Jarrell Knighton, RB Charlie Morrison-Ford, WR Brandon Blackshear, WR Oliver Lawton, TE Lenard Lovett, OL Jamal Kinlaw, OL Gabrieal Washington, OL Marquis Moody, OL Landon Johnson, OL Marcies Wright.
Defense: DE Phillip Harris, DE Gabrieal Washington, DT Primos Life, DT Marquis Moody, LB Dominique Riley, LB Terrell Knighton, LB Charlie Morrison-Ford, LB Aaron Grant, CB Donald Scott, CB William Dupont, FS Brandon Blackshear.
Special teams: K/P Lenard Lovett, KR Donald Scott.
THOMAS HEYWARD AT FIRST BAPTIST
The Rebels' 20-14 victory at St. Andrew's last week was crucial to their hopes of making the playoffs, and Thomas Heyward faces another must-win game in that regard tonight. If they run the ball the way they did a week ago, the Rebels should be able to get that important victory.
First Baptist has allowed 40 or more points in its past six games -- all losses -- and the Rebels' running game had one of its best nights of the season last Friday, as Perry Pender and Logan Mock combined for more than 300 yards on the ground and the Rebels attempted only one pass.
"Last week in practice, we actually worked on our passing game a ton," Rebels coach Nic Shuford said. "But we got in the game and were averaging six or seven yards a pop, so we weren't going to start chucking it."
Shuford has some concerns about containing First Baptist's athletic skill-position players, but the Rebels' defense is as close to full strength as it has been all season. Spencer Sticht is back after missing last week's game, Don Simmons will play for the first time in several weeks, and Ty Davis might be able to play after missing last week's game.
Who: Thomas Heyward (2-4 overall, 1-1 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at First Baptist (1-6, 0-3)
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Billy Smith Field, James island Soccer Complex
Directions: Take U.S. 278 to S.C. 170 and turn right. Take S.C. 170 North toward Charleston until you reach Wesley Drive (S.C. 171) and make a right. Follow Wesley Drive about two miles to Harbor View Drive and make a left. Follow Harbor View Road about three miles until the road ends and merge right onto Fort Johnson Road. Travel about 2 1/2 miles, passing James Island High School on the right. Just past the school is a corner store on the right; take the next left after the store and the football field is at the back of the James Island Soccer Complex.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Thomas Heyward
Offense: QB J.D. Tuten, RB Logan Mock, RB Perry Pender, WR Corey Tuten, WR Dylan Crosby, TE Bryan Lee Wade, LT Joseph Laycock, LG Mercer Clark, C Nick Ashcraft, RG Drew Moser, RT Josh Keiffer.
Defense: DE Perry Pender, DT Josh Keiffer, NG Devon Riley, DT Drew Moser, DE Spencer Sticht, LB Johnathan Halker, LB Bryan Lee Wade, CB Corey Tuten, CB Logan Mock, SS Dylan Crosby, FS J.D. Tuten.
Special teams: K/P/KR/PR Perry Pender, PR/KR Logan Mock.
