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Get the scoop on Beaufort High's showdown with Summerville and Battery Creek's must-win game at Lake Marion with Brandon Parker's blog For the Bobcats, it's an opportunity to extend their season at least one more week. For the Seahawks, it's a chance to host a first-round playoff game.
Of course, when the rivals meet up, none of that matters much.
"If you can't get up for this game, then there's something wrong with you," Bluffton coach Jeremy West said. "It's a big game. Every school needs a rival. And this is ours. It's big for everyone involved."
Even last season's meeting, which matched up a Bluffton team that was winless in five region games and a Hilton Head High squad that was unbeaten over its five region contests, remained competitive throughout.
Part of the reason the Bobcats kept it close was their switch to the Wing-T offense for the game, a change that has stuck for this season. Now that they've honed the offense with Desmond Jenkins under center and Zack Frazier and Timmy Smith at running back, the Bobcats are looking to do more than keep it close tonight.
But the Hilton Head High defense has been playing its best football as of late, capped with last Friday's 27-0 shutout of Battery Creek.
"We got huge momentum. To shut out Battery Creek, which is no easy thing to do, was huge for us," Seahawks coach Tim Singleton said. "Our goal is to continue to communicate but, more importantly, continue to be physical and dominate."
Hilton Head High has picked it up on the offensive side of the ball as well. Jeff Homad has added an element to the passing game over the last three weeks -- all wins for the Seahawks -- making running lanes more evident for Lawrence Jenkins, who has a chance to top 1,000 yards tonight.
The team's wide receivers, Victor Frazier and Clifford Morrow, possess interesting matchups for a Bluffton secondary that has shut down passing games most of the year.
"They got receivers that can stretch the field, so we have to line up correctly and make tackles and stop arm-tackling," West said. "We can't bite on the play action because they can hurt you with deep passes."
While Hilton Head High already has clinched a playoff spot, Bluffton needs either a win or a Battery Creek loss at Lake Marion to qualify for the postseason. If neither happens, the Bobcats can still get in on a tiebreaker.
BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL AT HILTON HEAD HIGH
Who: Bluffton High School (3-6, 2-2 Region 8-AAA) at Hilton Head High (5-4, 3-1)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hilton Head Island Community Stadium
PROJECTED STARTERS
Bluffton
Offense: QB Desmond Jenkins, RB Stephen Bradley, RB Timmy Smith, RB Zack Frazier, T Taylor McDonnell, G Stephen Szczepanik, C Chris Tillotson, G Phillip Scott, T Michael Grant, SE Alfonza Powell, TE Jordan Rodriguez.
Defense: DL Lenny Youmans, DL Alfonza Powell, DL Anthony Gardner, DL Stephen Szczepanik, ILB Michael Grant, ILB Joseph Tanner, OLB B.J. Kitty, OLB Desmond Jenkins, CB Anthony Smith, CB Ryan Combs, FS Stephen Bradley.
Special teams: K/P Jordan Rodriguez, PR Stephen Bradley, KR Desmond Jenkins.
Hilton Head High
Offense: QB Jeff Homad, RB Lawrence Jenkins, FL Jaquan Cohen, FB Michael Fotia, WR Clifford Morrow, WR/TE Victor Frazier, LT Hunter Anderson, LG Zack Kiritsy, C Forest Bryan, RG Jack Duane, RT Marcus Johnson.
Defense: DE Forest Bryan, DT Raheem Williams, DT Melvin Fields, DE Luke Barsness, LB Ray Harrington, LB Kenny Robinson, LB Jack Duane, CB Clifford Morrow, CB Hanief Smith, FS Victor Frazier, SS Lamond Williams.
Special teams: P Jeff Homad, K Weston Mott, KR/PR Clifford Morrow.
BEAUFORT HIGH AT SUMMERVILLE
For the eighth straight year, either Beaufort High or Summerville will be crowned Region 8-AAAA champs, and for the second straight season, the title will be decided in one 48-minute session.
The Eagles, who haven't won the region since 2005, will travel to face a Summerville squad that appears to be hitting its stride after defeating previously unbeaten Berkeley and welcoming back star rusher De'angelo Henderson from a three-game suspension. Beaufort High's secondary will no doubt be tested against the Green Wave's typically proficient air attack. Offensively, the Eagles will hope to avoid the string of turnovers that doomed them in last year's meeting.
"Of course, we're going to try and avoid mistakes, but if we do encounter some negatives, the key is how we respond and are able to recover during the game," said Clifford said. "We've shown some signs of being able to do that and we've been working on sudden change in practice this week, so hopefully we can feed off that and last week's win."
For the third straight week, running back Josh McPherson (ankle) will be a game-time decision, but the Eagles have plenty of offensive firepower in leading rusher Alex Simmons and quarterback Beau Brown (734 total yards and six scores in last two games) to counter Summerville's physical defense.
Who: Beaufort High (7-2, 3-0 in Region 8-AAAA) at Summerville (8-1, 2-0)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Summerville High School
Directions: Follow US-21
•to US-17 N. Take Charleston Highway/US-17 for 22 miles. Turn left at S. Carolina 64 W/Charleston Highway. Turn right at Jacksonboro Road/State Road. Turn right at US-17 Alt. N. School is located on right at 1101 Boone Parkway.
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 LAKE MARION
As far as Battery Creek coach Carlos Cave is concerned, the many tiebreaker scenarios surrounding the Region 8-AAA playoff race are irrelevant. It all comes down to one factor for the Dolphins.
"The only scenario that matters to us is we need to win," said Cave, whose team could capture the region's No. 3 seed with a win. "To have a chance to play for the state championship, you have the make the playoffs. And for us to make the playoffs, we have to win tonight. It's that simple."
Granted, finding that formula for success has proven difficult of late for the Dolphins, who have lost three in a row and will face a tough road test at Lake Marion.
In last week's loss to Hilton Head High, Battery Creek's offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Stedman James, leading to five sacks and three interceptions as well as several missed opportunities in the red zone. The Dolphins' front line will need to bounce back in order for James to find time, and for rushers Cecil Franklin and Joshua Fields to establish a presence in their spread offense.
On the other side of the ball, Battery Creek's rush defense will be tested by athletic Gators quarterback Desmond Morton, whose strong arm and legs are aided by the sizable offensive line protecting him. If the Dolphins hope to slow Morton and clinch a postseason spot, sound tackling and penetration will prove key in limiting the Gators' opportunities.
Who: Battery Creek (2-7, 1-3 Region 8-AAA) at Lake Marion (3-6, 2-2)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Marion High School
Directions: Take Interstate 95 North toward Florence. Follow I-95 about 85 miles to U.S. 15 (exit 93) toward Santee/Elloree. Turn left onto U.S. 15/Bass Drive and follow about two miles. Make a slight left onto Tee Vee Road/S.C. 267. The school is on the left and the football field is behind the school.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Battery Creek
Offense: QB Stedman James, RB Cecil Franklin, WR Alex Sharpe, WR Ryan Halley, WR Leander Mobley, WR Devon Anthony, LT Spencer Butler, LG Dominik Lawton, C David Ratliff, RG Oliver Webb, RT James Childres.
Defense: DE Jeremy Brown, DT Sam McDonell, DT Daquan Jamison, DE Alejandro Black, LB Spencer Shine, LB Trey Nelson, LB Luke Johnson, CB Cleon Wright, CB Damien Miles, SS Ricardo Chaney, FS Norman Jenkins.
Special Teams: K/P Jon Mostowy, KR/PR Damien Miles, Cleon Wright.
RIDGELAND AT EDISTO
Just as it did last season, Ridgeland's postseason hopes come down to the final game of the season against Edisto, with the winner clinching a berth as well as a first-round home contest.
Last year, a failed last-second field goal kept the Jaguars from ending a playoff drought that stretches back to 2004. But after enduring a similar loss last week to Barnwell, the Jaguars hope that good fortune is now on their side.
Running back Brent Walker continues to be the catalyst for Ridgeland, reaching the 100-yard mark for the fifth time in the last six games, but a string of missed practices has led the senior to be benched in the first half during the last two weeks. Walker's presence and play, as well as offensive discipline, likely will dictate how much longer the Jaguars' season lasts.
Most of Ridgeland's defensive focus will fall on Edisto wideout Daquan Frazier, who has a knack for gaining chunks of yardage after the catch. In order to slow Frazier and quarterback Tyler Davis, the Jaguars must demonstrate efficient tackling and avoid shortening the field with defensive penalties.
Who: Ridgeland (5-4, 2-2 in Region 5-AA) at Edisto (5-4, 3-1)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Edisto High School
Directions: Follow I-95
•for 52 miles. Merge onto I-26 W toward Columbia for 20 miles. Take exit 149 to merge onto Cameron Road/S. Carolina 33 S toward Orangeburg for six miles. Turn left at Cannon Bridge Road. Take a slight right at Cordova Road. Take a slight right at Orange Street. Turn left at Legrand Smaok Street. Take a slight left at Blewer Road. School is located on right.
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.
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN AT NORTHWOOD ACADEMY
It's becoming an annual occasion for these teams to get together with the SCISAA Region 2-AA title and the top seed in the playoffs on the line.
The winner will earn home-field advantage through the first two rounds of the SCISAA Class 2-A playoffs and an easier path to the state championship game, which one or both of these teams has played in for the past three years. Northwood Academy won 17-14 last year at Hilton Head Christian and went on to win the state title.
Eagles coach Tommy Lewis said he sees many similarities in the two teams, from their balanced offenses to their defenses that are strong up front and feature good athletes in the secondary. The key for the Eagles' defense -- which has allowed only 8.25 points per game during an eight-game winning streak -- will be slowing down running back Uriah Singleton, who has rushed for 1,946 yards and 31 touchdowns.
"It's silly for us to expect to stop him," Lewis said. "Our mentality has to be that the goal is to stop him, but if he gets a couple, we can't get down."
The Eagles hope to limit Singleton's big plays, both in the running game and the return game. They also hope to limit his time on the field by putting together sustained drives that keep the Chargers' offense on the sideline.
Noseguard Cole Malphrus and running back Eric Farr will return from injuries for Hilton Head Christian, but linebacker Jake Crandall is expected to miss at least one more week with a dislocated elbow.
Who: Hilton Head Christian (8-1 overall, 5-0 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at Northwood Academy (9-1, 5-0)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gahagan Park Sports Complex, Summerville
Directions: Take I-95 North toward Florence and exit onto S.C. 63 (exit 53 toward Walterboro/U.S. 17). Turn right to stay on U.S. 17 and continue toward Summerville. U.S. 17 becomes Boonehill Road as you enter Summerville. Make a slight right onto Pine Grove Ave., then take your second right onto East Caroina Ave. and your first left onto Berlin G. Myers Parkway. Go three-fourths of a mile and turn right onto East Sixth St., which will become Gahagan Road. Turn left onto Garbon Drive, then take the first left onto West Boundary Street. The park is a half-mile down on the left.
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 Lamar Johnson, OLB Ethan Gort, ILB Michael Hull, ILB Wesley Cooler, 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.
FIRST BAPTIST AT HILTON HEAD PREP
All signs point to the Dolphins winning their fourth consecutive game -- First Baptist has been outscored 238-39 in five region games, after all -- but that won't necessarily be enough to get Hilton Head Prep into the SCISAA Class 2-A playoffs. The Dolphins need a win and they need Colleton Prep to win, or lose by fewer than 12 points, at Thomas Heyward in order to claim the fourth and final playoff spot.
The Dolphins still will be without quarterback Matt Layman and lineman Dylan Powell, and they also lost receiver/linebacker Bo Strimpfel this week, but receiver/linebacker Patrick Andrews is expected to play after missing the past three games.
Who: First Baptist (2-8 overall, 0-5 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at Hilton Head Prep (3-6, 2-3)
When: Today, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Dolphin Field, Hilton Head Prep
PROJECTED STARTERS
Hilton Head Prep
Offense: QB Jeremy Haidon, RB Matt Bex, WR DeAnte Scott, WR Dimitri Lowry, WR Nicky Kunz, WR Alex Orford, LT Aidan Brougham-Cook, LG Austin Baker, C Devin White, RG Nick Haidon, RT Marc Halseth.
Defense: DT Nick Haidon, NG Austin Baker, DT Dan Chambers, OLB Marc Halseth, ILB Alex Orford, MLB Kevin Glick, ILB Scott D'Amico, OLB Matt Bex, CB Dimitri Lowry, CB DeAnte Scott, FS Jeremy Haidon.
Special teams: K/KR/PR Dimitri Lowry, P Matt Bex, KR/PR DeAnte Scott.
COLLETON PREP AT THOMAS HEYWARD
Despite back-to-back losses that left the Rebels on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, they still can sneak into the playoffs if they win by 12 or more points tonight, which would create a three-way tie for the last two playoff spots and give Colleton Prep and Thomas Heyward the tiebreaker over Hilton Head Prep.
Doing that might not be so simple, though, against a Warhawks offense led by running back Parker Headley, who went over 2,000 yards rushing in last week's loss to Hilton Head Christian. The team that does a better job of slowing down the opposing running game should have the edge.
The Rebels could be without two key players, as running back Perry Pender is questionable with a lingering ankle injury, and receiver/safety Ty Davis is not expected to play because of hip and groin injuries.
Who: Colleton Prep (6-4 overall, 3-2 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at Thomas Heyward (3-6, 2-3)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Harvey-Beach Stadium, Ridgeland
PROJECTED STARTERS
Thomas Heyward
Offense: QB J.D. Tuten, RB Logan Mock, RB Ryan Day, WR Corey Tuten, WR Don Simmons, TE Dylan Crosby, LT Joseph Laycock, LG Jonathan Halker, C Nick Ashcraft, RG Drew Moser, RT Josh Keiffer.
Defense: DE Don Simmons, DT Joseph Laycock, NG John Padgett, DT Drew Moser, DE Josh Keiffer, LB Johnathan Halker, LB Bryan Lee Wade, CB Dylan Crosby, CB Logan Mock, SS Corey Tuten, FS J.D. Tuten.
Special teams: K J.D. Tuten/Joseph Laycock, P Ryan Day, PR/KR Logan Mock.
LINCOLN AT HARDEEVILLE
The Hurricanes took their biggest defeat of the season last week, a 46-6 loss at Allendale-Fairfax. Things should get a little easier tonight, however, when they host winless Lincoln.
Hardeeville needs a win to give itself a good shot at making the Class 1-A playoffs. The Hurricanes stand at 3-6 overall and 2-3 in Region 6-A, meaning a victory could pull them back to .500 in league play.
Hardeeville will again look to Jarrell Knighton (793 yards, six touchdowns) to lead their offensive attack, but it's the team's defense that has often led the charge this season. A talented linebacker group of Dominique Riley, Tyshawn Walls and Terrell Knighton will look to slow down the Lincoln offense in the team's final home game of the season.
Who: Lincoln (0-8, 0-5 Region 6-A) at Hardeeville High School (4-5, 2-3)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Hurricane Stadium
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 PATRICK HENRY
In the throes of a seven-game losing streak, Beaufort Academy hopes to end its first season of eight-man football the way it began -- with a win on the road.
That looks like a tough task against a Patrick Henry team that has played well in the second half of the season. After losing their first four, the Patriots have won four in a row and five of their last six to even their record at 5-5.
The Eagles will have their hands full trying to stop running back Austin Rowell, who has rushed for 2,216 yards and 22 touchdowns. Rowell has gone over 250 yards in each of the Patriots' five wins.
Who: Beaufort Academy (1-7) at Patrick Henry (5-5)
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Patrick Henry Academy, Estill
Directions: Take U.S. 21 North to I-95 South and go four miles on the interstate. Take exit 28 to merge onto S.C. 462 West/Coosaw Scenic Drive and turn right onto the frontage road, then left onto S.C. 462 West/Morgandollar Road. Go four miles and turn right to follow U.S. 278 West/Grays Highway. Go about six miles and turn left onto S.C. 3 North/Heritage Road. Follow this road about 12 miles and turn right onto Savannah Highway/U.S. 601 North. The school will be a mile down on the left.
PROJECTED STARTERS
Beaufort Academy
Offense: QB Stephen Baggett, FB Carlton Johnson, RB Michael Chahin, WR Matthew Bass, WR Ray Aiello, G John Gordon, C Adam Chahin, G Zach Rentz.
Defense: DL Zach Rentz, DL Adam Chahin, DL Carlton Johnson, LB Morgan Capen, LB Stephen Baggett, LB Ray Aiello, CB Matthew Bass, CB Michael Chahin.
Special teams: K /P Stephen Baggett, KR/PR Michael Chahin, KR/PR Morgan Capen.
