Hilton Head Prep's playoff opener highlights key games in Week 11

A year ago, Hilton Head Prep finally had its breakthrough season.

The Dolphins followed back-to-back 5-5 seasons with an 8-3 season and a win over rival Hilton Head Christian.

But Prep was forced to open the playoffs on the road and was beat down 41-17 at Holly Hill Academy.

On Friday night, Prep will get its shot at revenge as the Dolphins host the Raiders at 7 p.m. at Hilton Head Christian Academy's field in the first round of the SCISAA Class 1-A playoffs.

Elsewhere, it's a big night for several area teams:

Hilton Head Prep coach Kevin Wald hasn't forgotten last year's meeting with Holly Hill Academy.

"I hope we're a little bit more ready," Wald said. "Last year, they beat us in Round 1. But we were just excited to be in the playoffs last year. Hopefully this year, we'll be ready.

"The guys seem excited about a chance to play them again."

Wald expects a tough challenge from the Raiders.

"They want to run the ball," Wald said. "They want to be the more physical team. For us, we need to stop the run game and take care of the football."

Wald isn't exaggerating. In last year's matchup, Holly Hill Academy threw the ball just twice, connecting both times for long touchdowns.

At the same time, Hilton Head Prep was forced into passing 35 times last year, well out of character for the Dolphins.

"That's too much for us," Wald said.

It will be a home game for the Dolphins, but it will be played at Hilton Head Christian, where there are lights.

Even though it's out of the norm, if there's an advantage, Wald believes it goes to Prep.

"We played there last week against Hilton Head Christian," Wald said.

"(We've) played there before. The only difference is we'll be standing on the opposite sideline.

"The field is still the same. The goalposts are still the same."

This story was originally published November 6, 2015 at 1:56 PM with the headline "Hilton Head Prep's playoff opener highlights key games in Week 11."