August 15, 2025

High School Football Season Kicks Off in South Carolina

News Summary

The high school football season in South Carolina is set to begin this Friday, featuring several matchups among SCISA schools. Beaufort Academy will highlight the opening night against Hilton Head Prep. The Golden Warriors of John Paul II will also play against Colleton Prep in a game critical for momentum. With returning players and new challenges, the season promises to be pivotal for student-athletes and communities alike, shaping the trajectory for each team as they launch their campaigns.

Beaufort, South Carolina — The much-anticipated high school football season in South Carolina kicks off this Friday with several matchups featuring SCISA schools. The excitement is palpable as teams prepare to launch their campaigns in front of local fans.

Beaufort Academy is set to face Hilton Head Prep at 5 p.m. in Sea Pines, providing an opening night highlight for attendees. Following that, John Paul II will host Colleton Prep in Hardeeville at 7 p.m., a match that is crucial for the Golden Warriors as they look to establish momentum early in the season. Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) will also commence its season with a challenging game against Porter-Gaud, while Cross Schools is prepared to start its 8-man football season against The King’s Academy.

The Golden Warriors of John Paul II enter the season with significant rebuilding efforts underway. Only three starters return from last year’s squad, which had a disappointing season, making the upcoming match against Colleton Prep particularly important for establishing early-season confidence. Quarterback Alan Wolf, known for his dual-threat capabilities, remains one of the key returning players for JPII.

In contrast, Colleton Prep’s War Hawks return nearly their entire offensive lineup, including standout quarterback Cale Owens, which could pose challenges for JPII. The depth of Colleton Prep’s offense may prove overwhelming for the Golden Warriors, who will need to bolster their defensive strategies to keep the game competitive.

Last year, Beaufort Academy notched a decisive victory over Hilton Head Prep with a score of 36-7, setting a high bar for this year’s matchup. Despite facing the challenge of losing key players like quarterback Dietrich Shuford, Beaufort Academy still boasts notable talent, including standout running back Nych Underwood. Defensive strengths include returning players Keeler Dineen, Tres Delaney, and Whale Branch transfer Rahiem Saunders, who will anchor the Eagles’ efforts on that side of the ball.

The head coach of Hilton Head Prep, Doug McFadden, is entering his second year, and while the Dolphins showed notable improvement last season, they are now confronted by challenges related to reduced team numbers, which could impact their performance in key moments.

The matchups this Friday will not only serve to launch the season but will also reveal how teams have developed over the offseason. Beaufort Academy and Colleton Prep are viewed as frontrunners in SCISA 1A, with expectations for standout performances. The dynamics at play between the experienced offense of Colleton Prep and the youthful resolve of John Paul II will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.

In summary, the return of high school football in South Carolina this Friday signals a significant moment for student-athletes and communities. As teams face off, the outcomes may set the tone for the remainder of the season, making these opening games pivotal in shaping each team’s journey ahead.