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But an issue that's not as certain, yet perhaps just as valuable, is the status of Beaufort High running back Josh McPherson.
The Eagles' leading rusher (836 yards and 10 touchdowns) hasn't practiced since injuring his ankle during last week's win against Wando and will be a game-time decision. Should McPherson sit out, it will leave the Eagles without one of of their top weapons against a team that's averaging more than 40 points per contest.
"If (McPherson) does dress, he definitely won't be 100 percent," Eagles coach Mark Clifford said. "But we've got a plan B ready and some guys ready to step up when we need them."
A complete effort will be needed to slow the Stags, a team led by Ellington's 863 rushing yards and 16 scores and one of three remaining undefeated squads in Class 4-A. Still, the Eagles provide Berkeley's toughest challenge to date and boast a linebacker in Justin Parker (84 tackles, including eight for loss and five sacks) who is capable of tracking down Ellington on option runs.
"We have to do two things against (Ellington)," Clifford said. "One, we have to be where we're supposed to be on the field, and two, we've got to tackle him when we're near him. Our defense has been playing great in practice this week. (Ellington's) not the only guy they have, though, so we've got to prepare for everything."
Indeed, with Ellington resting a sore ankle last week, running back R.J. Robinson amassed 151 total yards in a win against Colleton County, displaying the skills that have led to his 67.8 yard average on kick returns.
The Eagles will depend on their offensive depth as well, with Alex Simmons and Demeo Holmes serving as more-than-able rushers and quarterback Beau Brown also expected to see more carries.
Just like the last time these two teams met, with Berkeley knocking the Eagles out of the first round, postseason implications will be on the line. And while what some are tabbing a state title game preview won't yield a champion, it could reveal which school is a legitimate contender for the Division II crown.
Who: Berkeley (7-0) at Beaufort High (6-1)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Eagle Stadium
PROJECTED STARTERS
Beaufort High
Offense: QB Beau Brown, RB Demeo Holmes, 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 Xavier Morris.
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 Jalin Mack, S Dymonte Gwathney.
Special teams: K Kyle Clark, P Tim Britton, PR/KR Dymonte Gwathney/Demeo Holmes.
BATTERY CREEK AT BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL
The past two weeks have seen victory slip from the grasps of both Bluffton and Battery Creek high schools. First, it was the Bobcats, failing on a late two-point attempt and field-goal try in a one-point loss to Lake Marion two weeks ago. Then last week, the Dolphins converted just three first downs in a scoreless second half, allowing Region 8-AAA front-runner North Charleston to rally from a six-point deficit for the win.
Each result brings more intrigue to today's region tilt, a contest that will allow the winner to emerge from the current four-team log jam at second place that includes teams with 1-1 region records.
For the Dolphins, the key will be avoiding another second-half letdown. In three of its last four games, Battery Creek has seen margins of up to 14 points evaporate behind a sometimes-stagnant offense and its continued struggles against the run.
"Like any bad habit, we have to learn how to break this trend of not playing an entire game," Dolphins coach Carlos Cave said. "It's going to take us winning one where we make plays down the stretch because that quarter or a quarter and a half that we don't play is obviously enough to come out on the losing end."
Cave hopes that inserting speedy running back Joshua Fields into the starting lineup will spark the Dolphins, who have also seen improved defensive play from lineman Jeremy Brown and linebacker Spencer Shine.
Both of those players will be key in slowing Bluffton's Wing-T attack, which has seen increasing success with each week. The Bobcats have totaled 500 rushing yards over their two region contests, including 231 in last Friday night's win against Stall.
The game plan helped them overcome a 14-6 fourth quarter deficit to earn their first region win since 2007.
"I think we're starting to get a little confident," Bluffton coach Jeremy West said. "We're getting there, but we're still not playing our best ball. We're still missing assignments here and there. We've got to cut all that stuff out against a good team like Battery Creek."
Who: Battery Creek (2-5, 1-1 Region 8-AAA) at Bluffton High School (2-5, 1-1)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bobcat Stadium
PROJECTED STARTERS
Battery Creek
Offense: QB Stedman James, RB Joshua Fields, WR Alex Sharpe, WR Ryan Halley, WR Leander Mobley, WR Devon Anthony, LT Spencer Butler, LG Joshua Holliday, C David Ratliff, RG Oliver Webb, RT James Childres.
Defense: DE Jeremy Brown, 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.
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.
HILTON HEAD HIGH AT STALL
The Seahawks executed the blueprint of their offense in a 31-22 win last week against Lake Marion. Season-opening starter Jeff Homad threw two touchdown passes without an interception. Starting running back Jaquan Cohen ran for 143 yards on just 23 carries and added three scores. Most importantly, they were finally able to sustain long drives by getting yards in chunks rather than relying on the big play for a score.
Tonight, they'll add 600-yard rusher Lawrence Jenkins back to the mix. Jenkins, who served a one-game suspension last week against the Gators, will start in the backfield behind Homad. But expect Cohen to be a remain a part of the offense after his performance.
"We wanted to get them both going all year, but Jaquan had a sluggish start and was a little nicked up," coach Tim Singleton said. "But (last week) he knew we needed him and he delivered. So I'm hoping that's what we'll see the rest of the season."
Hilton Head High will attempt to make that execution a trend tonight when it travels to Stall. A win would give the Seahawks, who are 1-1 in region play, a leg up on a playoff berth and keep them in second place in the league standings.
To earn that victory, they'll have to continue to improve on the defensive side of the football, something Singleton and his staff saw last week, as the Seahawks held Lake Marion to minus-1 yard rushing. Stall is an athletic team that lines up in various formations but largely relies on its running game.
"We communicated a lot better," Singleton said. "Those guys have been working hard to get better each week. I think it showed Friday night."
Who: Hilton Head High (3-4, 1-1 Region 8-AAA) at Stall (2-5, 0-2 Region 8-AAA)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Stall High School
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.
HILTON HEAD PREP AT THOMAS HEYWARD
Any time these longtime rivals get together, there figures to be some excitement, but with both teams needing a win to preserve their playoff hopes, the atmosphere should be even more electric tonight.
"Basically, this is a playoff game," Dolphins coach Ron Peduzzi said. "The kids know what's at stake."
Prep finally picked up its first win of the season last week at Charleston Collegiate, but the Dolphins need to win their last three games of the regular season to claim the final playoff spot from SCISAA Region 2-AA.
With two region wins already, the Rebels have less work to do, but tonight represents their best chance to clinch a playoff spot with remaining games againstNorthwood Academy and Colleton Prep, both of which are undefeated in region play.
Even though the Dolphins are without quarterback Matt Layman, who broke his left fibula two weeks ago against Northwood Academy, Rebels coach Nic Shuford is still concerned about stopping Prep's offense. Freshman Jeremy Haidon filled in nicely under center last week, passing for 261 yards and three touchdowns. Shuford said the Rebels expect to see both Haidon and senior DeAnte Scott line up at quarterback tonight.
Thomas Heyward's offense is less of a mystery. The Rebels' ground game has been in top form the past couple of weeks, and they hope to establish the run again tonight, though leading rusher Perry Pender has been slowed by an ankle injury and might not play, Shuford said.
The Dolphins have struggled against the run all season, allowing Colleton Prep's Parker Headley and Northwood Academy's Uriah Singleton to put up particularly big numbers in recent weeks, but Peduzzi said he feels better about his team's defense since making some personnel changes and switching to a 3-5 scheme.
Who: Hilton Head Prep (1-6 overall, 0-3 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at Thomas Heyward (3-4, 2-1)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Harvey-Beach Stadium
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: DT Nick Haidon, NG Austin Baker, DT Dylan Powell, OLB Marc Halseth, ILB Bo Strimpfel, MLB Taylor Place, ILB Scott D'Amico, OLB Matt Bex, CB Alex Orford, CB Nicky Kunz, FS Jeremy Haidon.
Special teams: K/KR/PR Dimitri Lowry, P Matt Bex, KR/PR DeAnte Scott.
Thomas Heyward
Offense: QB J.D. Tuten, RB Logan Mock, RB Don Simmons, WR Corey Tuten, WR Dylan Crosby, TE Spencer Sticht, LT Joseph Laycock, LG Mercer Clark, C Nick Ashcraft, RG Drew Moser, RT Josh Keiffer.
Defense: DE Don Simmons, 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 Ty Davis, PR/KR Logan Mock.
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN AT CATHEDRAL ACADEMY
It's almost a foregone conclusion that Hilton Head Christian will earn its seventh consecutive win tonight -- the Eagles' biggest concern is doing so without adding to a growing list of injured starters.
Four starters (Eric Farr, Jake Crandall, Lamar Johnson and Cole Malphrus) continue to nurse injuries, and though most or all of them are expected to be back for next week's region game against Colleton Prep, Eagles coach Tommy Lewis doesn't want any new names keeping them company on the injured list.
With that in mind, several reserves will take on starting roles tonight and many more will get significant playing time.
The Generals have made significant strides -- after being shut out five times during last year's 0-10 campaign, including a 41-0 loss at Hilton Head Christian, Cathedral Academy hasn't been blanked yet this season.
Who: Hilton Head Christian (6-1) at Cathedral Academy (1-7)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Danny Jones Recreation Complex, Charleston
Directions: Take S.C. 17 to Charleston and take I-526 East (Mark Clark Expressway) toward North Charleston. Take the Montague Ave. exit and turn right onto West Montague Ave. Make a left onto Mixon Ave. (there will be a CVS on the corner) and go about one-fourth of a mile. When you come to the traffic circle, bear to the right and pass the tennis courts. You will see the gym on your right and the National Guard Armory on your left. The football field is on the right, next to the gym.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Hilton Head Christian
Offense: QB Luke Sirgo, RB JaBrook Tucker, 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 Josh Lancaster, OLB Cody Hilton, ILB Michael Hull, ILB Devan Fitzhugh, OLB JaBrook Tucker, CB Ryan Cash, CB Weston Butler, FS James Berl, SS Shea Watkins.
Special teams: K Shea Watkins, P/PR Zac Lenns, KR JaBrook Tucker.
RIDGELAND AT WADE HAMPTON
After winning consecutive games just once in the last four years, Ridgeland looks to begin its second winning streak this season when it faces Region 5-AA rival Wade Hampton on the road. What's more, a victory would give the Jaguars an inside track to securing their first playoff berth since 2004.
To do so, Ridgeland must slow sophomore running back Dondre Brown, whose ability to break tackles and eat up yards could pose a problem for an inconsistent Jaguar defense.
Aiding Ridgeland's cause will be an offense that continues to improve through the Wing-T offense, with Brent Walker topping 135 rushing yards in three of the Jaguars' last four games. And with the Red Devils allowing nearly 40 points per contest this season, Walker stands to have a night similar to his 153-yard, one-touchdown effort in last week's win against Pelion.
Winning the time-of-possession battle and avoiding penalties will prove key for Ridgeland, as the Red Devils will likely use Brown's steady rushing to limit the Jaguars' offensive opportunities.
Who: Ridgeland (4-3, 1-1 in Region 5-AA) at Wade Hampton (1-6, 0-2)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Wade Hampton High School
Directions: Travel 17 miles on I-95 N to South Carolina W 68 exit toward Hampton. Turn left onto Yemassee Highway and follow 15 miles before turning right at Co Road/Sycamore Street. Take first left onto West Palmetto Avenue. Turn right at Airport Road. School is located at 201 Airport Road.
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.
HARDEEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL AT BAPTIST HILL
After last week's eight-point loss to St. John's, the Hurricanes are in desperate times to get things back on track in Region 6-A play. Hardeeville now stands at 1-3 in the league standings.
But that won't be easy, as it travels to take on Baptist Hill, a team that has arguably the best player in the region in running back Shawn Middleton. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound back has already surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season. He is also a force on defense, where he's totaled 71 tackles as a linebacker.
He can attribute some of that success to Baptist Hill's playmaker on the outside, Devin Gillard, who has caught 24 passes for 400 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season.
"The key is to hold Middleton and Gillard in check," coach Blake Raley said. "And we got to be able to score points when we get in the red zone. We did a poor job last week and I feel we have taken the steps to correct that."
The Hurricanes' linebacker crew of Dominique Riley, Tyshawn Walls and Terrell Knighton will have that difficult task.
Offensively, Charlie Morrison-Ford will get the start at quarterback for the second time in three weeks. But Jarrell Knighton, who is averaging nearly 100 rushing yards per game, hopes to take the focus away from under center.
Who: Hardeeville High School (3-4, 1-3 Region 6-A) at Baptist Hill (4-3, 2-1)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Hardeeville
Offense: QB Charlie Morrison-Ford, RB Jarrell Knighton, RB Phillip Harris, 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: DL Marcies Wright , DL Gabrieal Washington, DL Clarence Brooks, DL Tauren Nelson, LB Dominique Riley, LB Terrell Knighton, LB Tyshawn Walls, LB Amar Wilkins, CB Donald Scott, CB Aaron Grant, FS Brandon Blackshear.
Special teams: K/P Lenard Lovett, KR Donald Scott/Jarrell Knighton.
BEAUFORT ACADEMY AT JEFFERSON DAVIS
Both teams have had two weeks since their last games, but for different reasons. The Eagles had a scheduled week off, while Jefferson Davis had to close its school and forfeit last week's game against Wardlaw Academy because of a flu epidemic.
Those two factors — the Eagles' opportunity to spend two weeks preparing for the game, and the fact the Raiders might not be at full strength while players recover from illness — could help Beaufort Academy end its five-game losing streak.
The Eagles used the extra week off to focus on fundamentals such as blocking and tackling, basic skills that had fallen by the wayside in favor of film study and game planning, coach Wheatley Alford said.
"We've had two good weeks of practice," Alford said. "We used it to go back to some of the basics and get back to some of the things we haven't covered since the beginning of August."
Beaufort Academy also will break in a new quarterback, as Matthew Bass gets the start under center while Stephen Baggett is out with the flu. Morgan Capen, a transfer from the Tampa, Fla., area, will break into the lineup as a two-way starter at receiver and linebacker.
Who: Beaufort Academy (1-5) at Jefferson Davis (4-3)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Davis Academy, Blackville
Directions: Take I-95 North toward Florence to S.C. 61 West (exit 68). Turn left onto Augusta Highway/S.C. 61 West and go about 17 miles, then veer left to follow U.S. 78 West. Go about 25 miles and turn left onto Lartigue Road/Hilda Road. The school is on the right at 5061 Hilda Road.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Beaufort Academy
Offense: QB Matthew Bass, FB Carlton Johnson, RB Michael Chahin, WR Morgan Capen, WR Chanz Washington, G John Gordon, C Adam Chahin, G Zach Rentz.
Defense: DL Zach Rentz, DL Adam Chahin, DL Carlton Johnson, LB Morgan Capen, LB Hunter Bradshaw, CB Matthew Bass, CB Michael Chahin, S Chanz Washington.
Special teams: K/P Gibson Achurch, KR/PR Michael Chahin, KR/PR Morgan Capen.
