Beaufort High (0-1) at Wayne County (1-0)
The Eagles will see their first game action in three weeks when they travel south to face former Bluffton coach Ken Cribb’s team. The Yellow Jackets are also coming off an idle week after smashing Long County 42-0 in their opener Aug. 30. Beaufort High’s offense will need to be in high gear to keep pace with Wayne County, which averaged 30.8 points while going 11-1 last season.
Prediction:Wayne County 33, Beaufort High 14
Battery Creek (0-1) at Woodland (1-1)
It also has been an extended layoff for the Dolphins, who haven’t played since their 9-6 loss to Whale Branch on Aug. 23. Battery Creek’s secondary will be challenged by a dangerous Wolverines passing game. Woodland hung tough in a 51-20 loss to Summerville to open the season and pounded Lake Marion 49-14 in Week 2. The Dolphins need to establish the run early and complete a few passes to keep the Wolverines from loading the box.
Prediction:Woodland 23, Battery Creek 12
Whale Branch (2-0) at Ridgeland-Hardeeville (1-1)
The Warriors look for their second road win of the early season when they travel to Ridgeland to face an up-and-coming Jaguars team. Whale Branch got its offense rolling in a 28-0 win over Cross two weeks ago, and the defense has been nasty through two games, allowing a total of six points. The Jaguars have some talent on both sides of the ball, including running back Joseph Robinson and versatile playmakers Ky’Juan Swinton and Brandon Howard. Whale Branch won 37-26 at home last season.
Prediction:Whale Branch 22, Ridgeland-Hardeeville 20
Beaufort Academy at Richard Winn
Mark Clifford says the Eagles had 132 missed tackles in their season-opening 50-22 loss to Clarendon Hall. They’ll have to be much more sound on defense to avoid an 0-2 start with a road trip to face a solid Richard Winn team that smashed Cathedral Academy 52-0 in its opener. BA was able to run the ball effectively against Clarendon Hall but needs to get more out of the passing game after completing only three passes in the opener.
Prediction:Beaufort Academy 33, Richard Winn 30
