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.
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Additional Resources
- Lowco Sports: 2025 Lowco High School Football Schedule
- Island Packet: Local News Article
- MaxPreps: Beaufort Academy Football Recap
- HSSR: Andrew Jackson Academy Baseball Title
- Your Island News: Rebels Romp to Region Title
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Google Search: South Carolina high school football
- Google Scholar: Beaufort Academy football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina high school football
- Google News: Beaufort Academy
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
