LowcoSports.com
Nych Underwood spent most of his Beaufort Academy debut in frustration, eager to find holes that just weren’t there.
But after finding some success late in the Eagles’ lopsided loss in their season opener, the former Battery Creek Dolphin was ready for a breakout performance in his first home game on Lady’s Island, standing out on both sides of the ball to lead BA to a 36-7 home win over Hilton Head Prep on Friday.
Underwood had a breakout game in his Merritt Field debut, shifting the momentum with two key interceptions — including one in the red zone on HHP’s first drive — and adding 181 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on just 13 carries. Dietrich Shuford rushed for 109 yards and two TDs and added a 65-yard TD pass to Devin Fripp for BA, which is now 5-0 all-time against the Dolphins.
After Underwood found the end zone on the opening series, the Dolphins put together an impressive drive to answer, but they were denied points when Underwood made an acrobatic interception in the end zone. Shortly thereafter, Shuford hit a streaking Fripp across the middle, and the shifty receiver cut back toward the home sidelines and ran away from the defense for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
Shuford tacked on two rushing touchdowns before halftime — with Underwood’s second pick sandwiched between — to make it 29-0 at halftime, and Underwood capped the scoring for BA with another TD run in the second half. Shuford finshed 10-of-14 for 168 yards and a TD with Fripp snagging two passes for 101 yards and a score and made seven tackles.
BA (1-1) has the week off before traveling to St. John’s Christian Academy on Aug. 30.
