Philip Simmons 31, Beaufort 20
The Iron Horses jumped out to a 21-0 lead just seven minutes into the game, and the Eagles couldn’t recover on the road, especially after quarterback Samari Bonds left with an ankle injury and did not play the second half. Bonds connected with Caleb Stephan for a 32-yard TD to pull Beaufort within 24-12 at halftime, but the Eagles couldn’t close the gap. Xavier Tobias had a first-half rushing touchdown for Beaufort, and Anthony Kahler came on in relief of Bonds and threw a 29-yard TD pass to Qualeek Isnar.
Up next: Beaufort (0-3) vs. Goose Creek on Friday
Keenan 26, Battery Creek 0
The Dolphins didn’t get going on offense, and the defense couldn’t stop a balanced Raiders attack. Hunter O’Neal rushed for 188 yards and two TDs, and Desmond Washington was 18-of-29 for 225 yards and two scores to lead Keenan to the win at home, with Darius Dixon dominating on defense for the Raiders.
Up next: Battery Creek (1-2) at Bethune-Bowman on Friday
Whale Branch 35, Ridgeland 12
Jonathan Kelley took the opening kickoff back for a TD, and the Warriors’ special teams continued to thrive as Dontray Lewis and Ardhi Walker both pounced on Jaguars mistakes in the kicking game for touchdowns en route to a quick 21-0 lead. Jermon Bowers rushed for 102 yards and a TD, and Alonzo Allen added 62 yards and a TD for the only offensive scores for Whale Branch, as Ridgeland’s Denardo Henry (11 tackles) and Cordell Mclain (12 tackles) did their part in the loss. Wenson Smith had 17 carries for 191 yards and a 76-yard TD run for the Jaguars, and Taishaun Smith and Semaj Hicks hooked up for a 28-yard TD pass.
Up next: Whale Branch vs. Woodland on Friday
Bethesda Academy 12, John Paul II 3
Manny Hurtado gave the Golden Warriors a 3-0 halftime lead with a 43-yard field goal, but JPII couldn’t muster any points after the break, and the game turned in Bethesda’s favor early in the fourth quarter. The Blazers picked off an Alan Wolf pass on the 1-yard line to deny a potential go-ahead score, and an eye-popping 90-yard touchdown run a few plays later sealed the outcome.
Up next: John Paul II (0-4) vs. HHCA on Friday
