Week 9 high school football preview: Battery Creek hosts Hilton Head High in key region tilt

With the way the first two-thirds of the Region 8-AAA season has played out, every game over the final two weeks of the year is shaping up to be an important one for each of the six teams in the conference.

Tonight's matchup between Hilton Head High and Battery Creek is certainly no exception -- but for different reasons for the Seahawks and Dolphins. Hilton Head High (4-4, 2-1 Region 8-AAA) will look to clinch a playoff spot and put itself in position to host a first round playoff game with a win tonight at Dolphin Field, while Battery Creek (2-6, 1-2), coming off last week's loss at Bluffton High School, hopes to improve its chances of just getting in to the postseason.

Of course, as it's gone in Region 8-AAA over the last month, one win could flip the tide for both teams.

"We haven't talked about any of that," Seahawks coach Tim Singleton said of the various playoff scenarios. "Battery Creek is a tough opponent, and if we don't take care of business, we can't worry about a home game; we'll have to worry about making the playoffs."

Taking care of business has been an issue for the Dolphins of late. Continued defensive struggles against the run and offensive turnovers at critical moments have resulted in Battery Creek losing leads in four of its last five games.

"If there's any key to the rest of the season, it's finishing games and putting teams away once we get a lead," Dolphins coach Carlos Cave said. "We're not being sharks. We're smelling blood and drawing blood, but we don't go for the kill and finish when we need to.

"We're taking it one game at a time and a win tonight would put us closer to where we want to be, which is in the playoffs."

It won't be easy for the Dolphins tonight. After dropping a home game to North Charleston, 42-14, to open region play, the defending region champion Seahawks have buckled down defensively and continue to improve offensively. The result has been back-to-back convincing wins in the league against Lake Marion and Stall.

"I'm very proud of how we're coming together," Singleton said. "It's about time. We're a few weeks behind schedule. But I'm very pleased with the effort, the attitude and the preparation. ... I think we're well on our way."

To get the Dolphins back on track, Cave hopes to better establish Cecil Franklin and Joshua Fields on the ground in order to open up more opportunities through the air for quarterback Stedman James, who's thrown for more than 1,100 yards with ample weapons in the Dolphins' four-receiver set.

"It's not like we're far away from being a good team," Cave said. "It's frustrating when you put in the work and keep coming up short. But like Larry Beckish says, that's why they put the 'coach' in front of our name and it's our job to try and find out what's been plaguing us recently and get it solved."

HILTON HEAD HIGH AT BATTERY CREEK

Who: Hilton Head High (4-4, 2-1 Region 8-AAA) at Battery Creek (2-6, 1-2)

When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Dolphin Field

PROJECTED STARTERS

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.

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.

BEAUFORT HIGH AT COLLETON COUNTY

Despite Beaufort High's 33-point loss to Berkeley last week, the Eagles appear to be at the right end of the spectrum entering today's game with Colleton County. While the Cougars have lost six in a row, Beaufort High has lost just six games since December 2007 and sits in a tie for first place atop the Region 8-AAAA standings.

Still, Eagles coach Mark Clifford knows better than to take any region opponent lightly, especially one that's shown itself competitive.

"Outside of Berkeley and Goose Creek, they've played everybody close and their games have been down to the wire," Clifford said about the 2-6 Cougars. "They've got good skill in the secondary, which is why they go man coverage, and they blitz a lot, so we've been working on blitz pick-up this week in practice."

With the exception of a light workout on Thursday, running back Josh McPherson hasn't practiced or played since injuring his ankle two weeks ago against Wando, forcing Clifford to label his leading rusher as a game-time decision.

Still, that shouldn't stop the Eagles from slowly flashing more of the offensive options at their disposal as quarterback Beau Brown gains better comfort under center. The first-year starter had 224 total yards, two scores and converted a fourth-down run and pass during last week's loss, and as a result, Clifford has granted Brown more freedom in leading the offense.

On the defensive side, the Eagles will look to cut down on the nearly 33 points per game that they've surrendered in the last four games. And although the Cougar offense doesn't possess the firepower of a Berkeley or West Ashley, the Eagles must strike early and often in order to prevent Colleton County from hanging around late in this critical road contest.

"Last year, we learned the importance of finishing strong and a lot hinges on this game, just like the two others," said Clifford, whose team ended last season on a three-game losing skid. "We've hit a little more this week in practice, working to stay upbeat and you're always looking to learn from your wins and losses and get better as a whole."

Who: Beaufort High (6-2, 2-0 in Region 8-AAAA) at Colleton County (2-6, 0-1)

When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Colleton County High School

Directions: Follow US-21

•to US-17 N. Take 303

•toward Walterboro. Take right at North Jeffries Blvd. Stay on 15

•for approximately three-and-a-half miles. After seventh stop light, go approximately one mile and take left onto paved entrance to stadium. Turn left before stadium parking and follow road to Lot C.

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 JaClay Mixon, CB Calvin Atkins, CB Jalin Mack, S Dymonte Gwathney.

Special teams: K Kyle Clark, P Tim Britton, PR/KR Dymonte Gwathney/Demeo Holmes.

BLUFFTON HIGH SCHOOL AT NORTH CHARLESTON

Bluffton High School coach Jeremy West had heard the hype about North Charleston standout players Denzel Myers and Corey Washington. He's plenty aware Myers is the current favorite to win Region 8-AAA player of the year honors.

It's not that he and his team don't care about the numbers and statistics -- they just know those facts alone won't equal a victory or defeat tonight when they travel to face region leader North Charleston.

"They put on their shoes like we do every day," West said. "They put on their pads like we do every day. Two guys aren't going to beat a team. We're more worried about our team playing well."

That's something the Bobcats have certainly done as of late. They've recorded back-to-back region wins against Stall and Battery Creek. But a win tonight would not only clinch a playoff berth, it would give the Bobcats a shot at winning the region title.

"This is probably one of the biggest games in the program's history," West said. "It's exciting we finally have a meaningful game. Not a lot of people thought we'd have a chance to have a game like this after the beginning of the year."

Bluffton's defense has been at the center of that turnaround. It forced three second half turnovers in last week's win against Battery Creek after holding Stall to just seven offensive points the week before.

"They gave us a chance to win the last two weeks because they believe in the scheme," West said. "They've carried us all year."

Who: Bluffton High School (3-5, 2-1 Region 8-AAA) at North Charleston (7-1, 3-0)

When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

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 Lewis Black, T Michael Grant, SE Ryan Combs, TE Jordan Rodriguez.

Defense: DL Taylor McDonnell, DL Alfonza Powell, DL Anthony Gardner, DL Randy Grayson, ILB Michael Grant, ILB Lewis Black, OLB B.J. Kitty, OLB Jimmy Tillman, CB Anthony Smith, CB Ryan Combs, FS Stephen Bradley.

Special teams: K/P Jordan Rodriguez, PR Stephen Bradley, KR Desmond Jenkins.

COLLETON PREP AT HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN

After a three-week break from region play, Hilton Head Christian returns to its SCISAA Region 2-AA schedule with the chance to clinch a first-round home game in the upcoming playoffs.

The Eagles are riding a seven-game winning streak during which they have dominated on both sides of the ball, outscoring their opponents by an average of 31 points during that span.

Hilton Head Christian's run defense will face one of its biggest challenges of the season against the Warhawks, who have gained more than 3,000 yards on the ground, led by Parker Headley's 1,897 yards and 22 touchdowns.

"When the ball is in his hands, he can make things happen," Eagles coach Tommy Lewis said.

The Eagles should have an advantage on the other side of the ball, though. Colleton Prep has allowed 42 points or more three times this season, including a 42-21 loss to Northwood Academy last week. Hilton Head Christian's offense has been in top form of late, as junior quarterback Luke Sirgo has passed for more than 200 yards in each of the last three games, throwing nine touchdown passes and only one interception during that span.

Lewis said his team hopes to make the Warhawks' defense work extra hard tonight by controlling the ball and the clock with sustained drives and keeping Colleton Prep's offense off the field.

The Eagles are inching closer to full strength, as two-way lineman Lamar Johnson will return to the lineup this week, noseguard Cole Malphrus will see limited action and special teams starter Anthony Arcuri is back after missing two games. Running back Eric Farr will miss his second consecutive game, and linebacker Jake Crandall is still out.

Who: Colleton Prep (6-3 overall, 3-1 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at Hilton Head Christian (7-1, 4-0)

When: Today, 7 p.m.

Where: Eagles Stadium, Hilton Head Christian

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 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.

ST. ANDREW'S AT HILTON HEAD PREP

The Dolphins and Saints both kept their playoff dreams afloat by picking up their first SCISAA Region 2-AA wins of the season last week, and both teams will be fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive when St. Andrew's travels to Hilton Head Prep for the Dolphins' homecoming game this afternoon.

Prep's offense has held its own since losing junior quarterback Matt Layman, finding more success in the running game with Matt Bex and striking a good balance with freshman Jeremy Haidon and senior DeAnte Scott rotating at quarterback. That duo will continue to split time behind center this week, coach Ron Peduzzi said.

The matchup appears to be less than favorable for Prep's defense, which struggled against the run early in the season. The Saints average 187 yards per game on the ground, led by Ashton Johnson with 535 yards. But the Dolphins' defense has made strides in that regard since switching to a 3-5 scheme and shifting personnel to new positions.

The Saints have won the last two meetings, including a 41-20 victory the last time they visited Dolphin Field -- Prep's last defeat before winning five straight en route to the 2007 SCISAA Class 2-A title.

"We remember two years ago what happened, and we've got a big challenge," Peduzzi said.

Prep's injury list grew by one name this week, as Dylan Powell, a two-way starter on the line, was lost to a broken hand. Aidan Brougham-Cook will take Powell's place on offense, and Dan Chambers will step in on defense.

Who: St. Andrew's (1-6 overall, 1-4 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at Hilton Head Prep (2-6, 1-3)

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 Bo Strimpfel, 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 Bo Strimpfel, 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.

BARNWELL AT RIDGELAND

Ridgeland High School's already-strong push to return to the postseason after four years got a boost last week after Barnwell was forced to forfeit its two Region 5-AA wins for having an ineligible player on the roster. Now, the Jaguars sit one victory away from clinching a playoff spot, but the Warhorses' stingy defense won't make it easy.

Brent Walker has continued to find success in Ridgeland's Wing-T offense, rushing for more than 100 yards and at least one touchdown in four of the last five games. Likewise, Jerry Scott has given the Jaguars a much-needed big-play threat on kickoff returns and in the rushing attack. The result has been a jump in production from averaging less than 10 points in its first two games to topping 25 points in five of their six subsequent contests.

The Warhorses have found positive results on the ground as well. They racked up 382 rushing yards in last week's win against Edisto, led by running back Colby Carter topping 150 yards for the second straight week and Barnwell's efficient offensive line. Defensively, the Warhorses forced a school-record four interceptions , once again making Ridgeland's discipline on both sides a key part to this important region tilt.

"Barnwell has a tough defense," Jaguars coach Richard Kirkland said. "We've got to cut out our mistakes so we can take this team to a new level."

Who: Barnwell (1-7, 1-2 in Region 5-AA) at Ridgeland (5-3, 2-1)

When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Jasper County Field

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 ALLENDALE-FAIRFAX

Hardeeville notched a much-needed victory to break a two-game skid last week with a thrilling overtime win against Baptist Hill in which the Hurricanes stuffed the Bobcats on a two-point conversion attempt to win the game. Earlier in the overtime, Phillip Harris passed a 20-yard touchdown to Donald Scott on fourth down before Jarrell Knighton punched in the two-point conversion.

The 16-14 victory moved them to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Region 6-A, which lines up an important matchup with Lincoln to conclude the region season.

But before Hardeeville concerns itself with that matchup, it travels to out of conference for a difficult test at Allendale-Fairfax tonight. The Tigers have lost just one game all season -- a seven-point loss to Class 1-A power Calhoun County. The Tigers' defense has held its opponents to single-digit points in four of its last six contests, meaning Knighton and the Hurricanes won't have it easy tonight.

The Hurricanes will rely heavily on its defense -- specifically its powerful front seven -- to keep them in the ballgame.

Who: Hardeeville High School (4-4, 2-3 Region 6-A) at Allendale-Fairfax (7-1, 4-1 Region 5-A)

When: Tonight, 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.

THOMAS HEYWARD AT NORTHWOOD ACADEMY

Last week's loss to Hilton Head Prep did some serious damage to Thomas Heyward's playoff hopes, but it didn't harm the team's morale, coach Nic Shuford said.

"We had a good week of practice," Shuford said. "We're obviously disappointed about the loss, but we didn't dwell too much on it. We corrected the mistakes and got back to work."

They have plenty of work to do to get into the playoffs now. They'll need to win at least one of their remaining games, and if they don't win both, they'll need some help from someone else, as well.

The Rebels face a tough challenge tonight in a Northwood Academy team that has outscored its opponents by an average margin of 30 points. The Chargers' offense is led by star running back Uriah Singleton (1,836 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns) and quarterback Ty Powell (809 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, no interceptions).

The biggest key to stopping that offensive attack, Shuford said, will be hanging onto the ball and milking the clock. Running back Perry Pender's ankle is feeling better than a week ago, which should help with the Rebels' plan of ball control. Pender isn't expected to start, but he will split time in the backfield with Logan Mock and Ryan Day.

Who: Thomas Heyward (3-5 overall, 2-2 in SCISAA Region 2-AA) at Northwood Academy (8-1, 4-0)

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

Thomas Heyward

Offense: QB J.D. Tuten, RB Logan Mock, RB Ryan Day, WR Corey Tuten, WR Dylan Crosby, TE Ty Davis, LT Joseph Laycock, LG Mercer Clark, C Nick Ashcraft, RG Drew Moser, RT Josh Keiffer.

Defense: DE Don Simmons, DT Eric Horton, NG Nick Keiffer, DT Drew Moser, DE Josh Keiffer, LB Johnathan Halker, LB Bryan Lee Wade, CB Corey Tuten, CB Logan Mock, SS Ty Davis, FS J.D. Tuten.

Special teams: K Ty Davis, P Perry Pender, PR/KR Logan Mock.

TRINITY COLLEGIATE AT BEAUFORT ACADEMY

Beaufort Academy has a double dose of motivation to end its six-game losing streak tonight -- the Eagles want to make sure the last home game for seniors Zach Rentz and Michael Chahin is a memorable one, and they would like to exact some revenge for a 28-0 loss to Trinity Collegiate on Sept. 18.

Coach Wheatley Alford likes his team's chances to snap the skid tonight, citing a great week of practice and a favorable matchup. Despite the result of the teams' first meeting, Alford thinks his team matches up well with Trinity, which led only 6-0 at halftime of the first contest before the Eagles committed three turnovers inside their own 20 in the second half.

The Eagles get quarterback/linebacker Stephen Baggett back after the eighth-grader missed last week's game against Jefferson Davis because of illness.

Who: Trinity Collegiate (1-6) at Beaufort Academy (1-6)

When: Today, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Merritt Field, Beaufort Academy

PROJECTED STARTERS

Beaufort Academy

Offense: QB Stephen Baggett, FB Carlton Johnson, RB Michael Chahin, WR Morgan Capen, WR Ray Aiello, G John Gordon, C Zach Rentz, G Adam Chahin.

Defense: DL Zach Rentz, DL Adam Chahin, DL Carlton Johnson, LB Morgan Capen, LB Stephen Baggett, LB Hunter Bradshaw, CB Matthew Bass, CB Michael Chahin.

Special teams: KGibson Achurch, P Stephen Baggett, KR/PR Michael Chahin, KR/PR Morgan Capen.