HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW CAPSULES

Fort Dorchester (0-0) at Beaufort (0-0)

All-Time Series: Fort D leads 12-10

Last Meeting: Fort D W 28-21 (2024)

Streak: Fort D won 3

Outlook: This is a brutal matchup for the Eagles’ opener, as Bryce Lybrand’s squad is inexperienced at the offensive skill positions and still looking to find a rhythm on that side of the ball. Beaufort’s defense should be able to keep the Eagles in the game, but it will take a tremendous effort against a potent Fort Dorchester offense to have a chance at opening with a win.

Bluffton (0-0) at Whale Branch (0-0)

All-Time Series: Bluffton leads 7-0

Last Meeting: Bluffton W 57-0 (2024)

Streak: Bluffton won 7

Outlook: The Bobcats boast the biggest collection of offensive weapons we’ve seen on one roster in the Lowco in quite some time, with electric receivers Carnell Warren and Amare Patterson working the outside for quarterback Aedan McCarthy and running back Kordell Holley. The Warriors, on the other hand, are facing something of a rebuild in their first year without legendary coach Jerry Hatcher, so it could be a rough night for the home team.

Battery Creek (0-0) at HHCA (0-1)

All-Time Series: HHCA leads 1-0

Last Meeting: HHCA W 17-7 (2024)

Streak: HHCA won 1

Outlook: The Eagles were able to grind out a tough road win at Creek last year, but the Dolphins have gotten bigger and stronger in the trenches over the offseason, while HHCA is light on size up front this season. That doesn’t mean the Dolphins will have an easy time containing Navy commit Reid McCollum, whose big arm and strong frame make him a menace on the ground and through the air, but if their linebackers can limit big plays on the ground and their secondary holds up, Creek could be poised for a huge confidence-boosting win in its opener on the road.

John Paul II (1-0) at Laurence Manning (0-0)

All-Time Series: LMA leads 1-0

Last Meeting: LMA W 54-25 (2024)

Streak: LMA won 1

Outlook: The Golden Warriors played their best game of football in coach Shayne Milligan’s three years on the job in last week’s 31-22 win over Colleton Prep, showing off an efficient offense and a resilient defense. This will be a tougher test on the road, but this JPII team seems up to the challenge. Quarterback Grainger Powell and company torched the Golden Warriors’ secondary a year ago, but the defensive backfield held up well against a War Hawks team with some passing prowess, so don’t expect history to repeat itself. This one could go down to the wire, and JPII has already shown it can salt away a win late.

Beaufort Academy (1-0) at Carolina Academy (1-0)

All-Time Series: Tied 1-1

Last Meeting: BA W 23-21 (2024)

Streak: BA won 1

Outlook: Last year’s meeting in the first round of the SCISA 1A playoffs was a Donnybrook, with BA squeaking out a victory, so it’s safe to assume another competitive matchup. Dietrich Shuford was the star against the Bobcats a year ago, and he’s now in the coaching booth. But his younger brother Nic Shuford Jr. put on a show in his debut under center in a 36-0 win over Hilton Head Prep, and he has some serious weapons around him in receiver Devin Fripp and Jace Paulk and powerful running back Nych Underwood. BA’s speed combined with its size up front should be enough to get the Eagles to 2-0.

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