High school football roundup
High school football is back, and several local teams already look like they are in midseason form, while others are looking to find their footing.
Hilton Head, which advanced to the third round of the state playoffs last year with an 11-3 overall record, made its mark with a 38-21 victory over South Florence.
Senior quarterback Derrick Raniszewski completed 11 of 19 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns, and fellow senior Jeremiah Walters was his prime target with seven receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
The Seahawks also registered 278 yards on the ground behind senior Jayvin Risher’s 103 yards and sophomore Noah Czarnecki’s 100. Overall, the Seahawks accounted for 519 yards of total offense.
With several weapons in its arsenal and a seasoned defense, Hilton Head appears primed to make another deep postseason run. Its 11 wins last season were the most since the Seahawks notched 11 in 1990, when they advanced to the third round of the state playoffs.
The Seahawks did allow 215 yards rushing, but they held South Florence to just 25 yards passing and recorded an interception.
Head coach B.J. Payne was impressed with his offensive output, but he knows there is still a long path ahead. The Seahawks hit the road for three straight games, beginning with a stern test against undefeated defending Class 4A champion Bamberg-Ehrhardt.
“We did some good things on offense, and it was clicking,” Payne said. “But we have to clean some things up. We have to keep working hard and keep our focus moving forward.”
Bluffton, whose eight wins last year were the most since 2017, posted a convincing 29-7 win over Savannah Country Day in its opener.
Senior wideout and North Carolina recruit Amare Patterson caught seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, and senior Kordell Holley led the rushers with 77 yards and a score.
Junior quarterback Jack Calendine, making his first varsity start, completed 12 of 24 attempts for two touchdowns and an interception.
Hilton Head Christian, which reached the state Class 3A semifinals with a 6-6 record, brought back a number of underclassmen, and the Eagles have flown high with a 2-0 start.
They opened with a 42-8 victory over John Paul II on Aug. 14 followed by a 41-0 shutout of Beaufort Academy.
Senior quarterback Kres Langhals threw for 271 yards and five touchdowns over his first two games, and he ran for a total of 113 yards. Junior Hayne Burden has a combined 14 tackles.
Head coach Ron Peduzzi believes his club can peak again at the right time.
“We have 31 guys on our roster, and a number of them saw time last year,” Peduzzi said. “Our younger guys are getting a lot of reps. They are understanding what we are trying to achieve.”
While Hilton Head, Bluffton and Hilton Head Christian appear to be on a fast track, Hilton Head Prep and Cross likely will take a slower path.
Hilton Head Prep, which advanced to the second round of the playoffs despite a 3-9 record, has struggled in the early going with losses to Colleton Prep Academy, 50-6, and St. Andrews, 48-0.
Cross, which was winless at 0-10 last season, opened with a 48-6 triumph over St. John Christian Academy.
May River, which finished 7-4 last season, opened its campaign at Wando on Aug. 28.
Jeff Moeller has covered high school, collegiate, and professional sports for the past 42 years. He also is an avid runner and a frequent half-marathon participant.
