Battery Creek (0-3) at May River (1-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Dolphins have led in the second half of two of their first three games, but they’re still seeking their first win under new head coach Ed Susi, and it could be difficult to come by on the road against a May River team that seemed to find something in Friday’s 45-6 win at Waccamaw. Stopping the run has been an issue for Battery Creek, and May River quarterback Tanner Macy and running back Jordan Williams combined for 248 yards and four touchdowns on the ground a week ago. The Sharks’ defense was gashed on the ground by West Ashley in its opener, but May River shut down Waccamaw’s wishbone attack. The Dolphins were down their top three running backs in last week’s 41-26 loss at Calhoun County, but they hope to have at least one of Nyc Underwood and Damien Freeman back for Friday. — Sharks by 14
Beaufort (1-2) at Goose Creek (0-2)
7:30 p.m. Friday
After starting the season by going toe-to-toe with two Class 5A foes for three quarters before fading in the fourth, the defending state champion Eagles finally have a win under their belts after a fight to the finish against Hilton Head Island, and they’ll take another shot at a big boy when they travel to Goose Creek. The biggest question looming for Beaufort surrounds the left ankle of quarterback Samari Bonds, who left for one series Friday before hobbling through the Eagles’ final offensive possession. If Bonds is sidelined, it dramatically alters the Eagles’ offensive plans, but Beaufort’s defense is good enough to hold the Gators at bay and give the offense a chance regardless of who is under center. Jadyn Andrews emerged as a potential workhorse back against Hilton Head, allowing Isaac Smalls to focus on locking down wideouts along with Dom Camacho, and Chaz Brown broke out as a potential force on the defensive line, giving Rob Gorrell’s defense a more cohesive look going forward. — Eagles by 7
Beaufort Academy (3-0) at Greenwood Christian (1-2)
7:30 p.m. Friday
After starting the season a week earlier than the rest of the state, the Eagles enjoyed a week off to recover from a three-game stretch and should be fresh for a road trip to take on a Greenwood Christian team that is deceptively dangerous. After losing to Northwood Academy by two points and Northside Christian by one in overtime, Greenwood Christian routed Spartanburg Christian 51-28 last week by displaying a dynamic passing game led by junior quarterback Kade Heaton (340 yards, 6 TDs). Heaton’s favorite receiver is senior Owen Whittington, so look for BA to put its best corner opposite him and try to make someone else beat them. Stopping the run has not been a strength for Greenwood Christian, and that figures to be a major concern with the trio of Jaxen Porter, Devonte Green, and quarterback Dietrich Shuford running behind a strong offensive line with fresh legs. — BA by 14
Memorial Day (2-0) at John Paul II (1-2)
7:30 p.m. Friday
It’s another week of the “if” game for the Golden Warriors, who are hopeful that star quarterback and three-way contributor Christian Tilton will return from injury and give them a shot at handing the Matadors their first loss. Tilton went off in a 42-7 win over Memorial Day on the road last season, and JPII would love nothing more than to see him do the same after missing last week’s game and most of the previous contest due to injury. The offense has faltered without him at the helm, which is to be expected, and the Golden Warriors’ defense will need the offense to hang onto the ball and pick up first downs to prevent fatigue from setting in against a Matadors attack that likes to sling it. — Matadors by 13
