By Jeff Moeller Special Contributor SAVANNAH - Bethesda Academy linebacker Troy Graham is enjoying the ride. A senior who transferred from Jenkins played his role prominently with a sack and eight tackles in the Blazers’ dominant 47-10 victory over Trinity Collegiate in a SCISA Class AAA quarterfinal playoff win on Nov. 6. Graham was well aware of the landscape surrounding the team after last year’s state championship. The Blazers (9-1) will be back home Friday night when they host Hilton Head Christian Academy (8-3) in a semifinal matchup. “We understand where we are right now,” said Graham. “This team lost a lot of talent from last year, but there has been a lot of growth throughout the season. We love every minute of it.” It was nearly a carbon copy of the Blazers’ 44-10 region championship victory over First Baptist in which they had a 14-7 lead at halftime. This time around, the Blazers also walked into their locker room at halftime with a 14-10 advantage, but that soon ballooned. It was a night where Bethesda’s defensive intensity matched their offensive explosion. Three plays into the second half, Bethesda had a 22-10 advantage when junior quarterback Jordan Turner broke free on a 25-yard touchdown sprint, and Jeffery Armstrong followed with a two-point conversion. Senior cornerback Mell Flowers then followed with an interception on Trinity Collegiate’s first play after the kickoff. Flowers’ pick quickly wiped any second half momentum for Trinity Collegiate (3-6), who managed just 55 yards of offense in the second half. Titans’ quarterback Isaiah Gee , who threw for 156 yards and a touchdown in the first half, had four yards passing and two interceptions in the second half. Trinity Collegiate head coach Shawn Fagan understood his team drew a tough assignment despite a decent start. “We did some good things in the first half,” said Fagan. “Isaiah did a good job in moving the ball down the field, but we weren’t able to get our running game going. “They are a very talented and disciplined football team. They marched it right down the field to start the second half, and that set us back. They also made some key defensive plays. We just couldn’t get it going.” Flowers’ interception proved to be a second-half difference maker, as the Blazers responded with 24 unanswered points down the stretch. “I saw it coming all the way,” said Flowers. “We had a slow first half, but we knew we had to finish strong and not be arrogant. We came out with great intensity. “We have great chemistry together, and we are ready to go on to states.” Junior corner Shawn Williams quickly ended Trinity Collegiate’s next drive when he swiped the ball away from Trinity receiver Andre Jackson Jr. and raced down to the four-yard line. On the next play, Armstrong, who ran for 88 yards, scooted around the end for his second score and gave the Blazers a 34-10 advantage. Turner would cap off the game with a 15-yard touchdown strike to MJ Scott , and a 10-yard flip to Zhyri Witcher . He finished the game completing nine of 11 passes for 124 yards and rushed for 102 yards with a pair of touchdowns. The junior quarterback was confident that his team would work out some kinks in the first half, but he and his teammates eventually found their mark. “We didn’t play our best game in the first half, but we struck back and did what we did,” said Turner. “The coach gave us a great halftime speech by telling us to keep our heads up, and we knew we would be good.” It was just a matter of staying the course. “We build on momentum, and we all trust each other,” added Turner. “We feed off each other.” Turner credited his offensive line for his rushing performance as well as the overall team’s showing. “The line created a lot of holes for us to hit the holes,” stated Turner. “Their defense was trying to cover the pass, so we took advantage.” Head coach Antwain Turner wasn’t concerned about his team’s slow start. “I expect a playoff atmosphere,” said Turner. “We have been accustomed to starting fast and finishing strong. Going into the second half, we made some adjustments. At halftime, I didn't yell, I didn’t scream. I just told them that we have 24 minutes, and let’s do what we set out to do. The Blazers shut down Trinity lead back Robert Mack , who had six yards at halftime and notched most of his 39 yards against the Blazers’ second- and third team players. “He’s slippery, but we had 11 hats to the football,” added Turner. “If he gets by one guy, there’s another guy coming. We have embraced that in practice. The head coach was impressed with his son running the ball. “He’s a weapon,” beamed the elder Turner. “At any time, he can break out. We got some key blocks for him. When the running game is going well, he is able to find the passing zones. The whole game then slows down for him.” Turner also saw plenty of positives from his defense. “Our defense is very physical," noted Turner. “We can let our presence be known by how hard we’re hitting and how fast we are getting to the ball. “Sometimes, our speed can be deceptive. Our defense can create opportunities for our offense.”  Turner doesn’t expect many surprises from Hilton Head Christian Academy , who the Blazers defeated 30-6 Oct. 9 and have been a staple on their schedule. HHCA is coming off a 51-21 victory over Florence Christian , and they are led by quarterback Kres Langhals , who has thrown for over 2,000 yards and ran for more than 700. “Their quarterback is a weapon, and they will try to throw the ball deep,” stated Turner. “They will try to attack us in various ways. They surprised me the first time because they controlled the clock. “I think they will try to be who they are, and they are a five-wide entity. We have to be ready to stop them again.”

The SCHSL Football Championship Games Return to SC State University Again.

Round One of the SCISA road to the state title was exciting, the semi-final round is coming up on Friday the 13th. That will set the stage for Championship Weekend on Nov. 20 and 21.

Northwood Academy senior Michael Polite rushed for 132 yards in win against Heathwood Hall.

QB Tripp Gallus passes for three touchdowns, runs for one and catches another

Cyclones will travel to ro Columbia to face perennial SCISA power Hammond in semifinal game

Whose team is enjoying a bye week and which teams are looking for big upset win?

The SCISA playoffs start this weekend with Title Games on Nov 20 and 21.

SCISA Returns to Charleston Southern University for Class 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A State Title Games with 8-Man location TBD.

Six state titles will be up for grabs, but instead of AAAAA it will be Class A crowning 2 champions

Camden's Greyson Rimpf tosses five touchdown passes as Bulldogs set school record with 65 points

Head coach Donnie Littlejohn (center) with Gaffney team leaders after team's win over Greenville High to win 2-AAAA region title

South Carolina high school volleyball coaches have recognized 94 players on their 2026 All-State teams, spanning all five SCHSL classifications. Each classification features athletes whose performances earned statewide recognition, with 18 selections apiece in Classes AAAAA, AAAA, AAA and AA and 22 in Class A. The coaches’ list also includes Player of the Year (POY) designations, including a co-POY listing in Class AAAAA.  The High School Sports Report congratulates every honoree, along with the coaches, teammates and school communities that supported them throughout the season.

SCISA playoffs start this Friday and SCHSL playoff picture looks pretty solid. The only question remaining is who makes it all the way. 

Other winners: Scott's Branch, Waccamaw, Calhoun County, Sumter, Loris, Wilson, Stratford, Clinton

Bethesda Academy head football coach Antwain Turner.

Pinewood Prep after AAAA championship after claiming AAA crown last year

Running back Majorie Williams, quarterback Tre Blakeney account for all the yards on winning drive

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Hartsville's explosive offense was on full display Friday night, October 30, as the Red Foxes rolled past their host Darlington Falcons, 56-28, in an end of season SCHSL high school football showdown. Hartsville continued its late-season surge, extending its winning streak to three games while improving its overall record to 6-3. The Red Foxes have been particularly dangerous on the road, winning four of their last five away games behind an offense capable of putting up big numbers. Darlington managed 28 points against its longtime rival but could not keep pace with Hartsville's offensive firepower. The Falcons fell to 4-6 on the season, having dropped three of their last four contests. Photos courtesy of Tamara Rhodes

Northwoods Academy football head coach Johnny Waters picks up 100th career win.

Defending AAAAA state champions Northwestern, Dutch Fork top two seeds in AAAAA upper state

Wilson Hall juniors Nolan Gooch holding for Ayden Parrott on the Barons go ahead extra point in the first quarter against Northside Christian.

Henry Rivers can help Berkeley wrap up Region 6-AAAAA, top 3 seed in playoffs with win over Socastee

“It’s been a while, but it just feels really special to take a new group of kids and have them experience this,” Port-Gaud head coach Megan Crouch said.

Dwayne Louallen Jr. to lead Central against Cheraw in one of several games with region title on the line

Northwestern's Means runs for 272 yards and 2 TDs while passing for 264 yards and three scores

Doodles peaking as the regular season closes out posting a 106-16 record for Week 10.

Big change in the Class AA ranking others just late season shuffles as regions are clinched going to the playoffs.

“The fact that winning tonight gave us a region title makes it a very special win over a quality opponent,” said Coach Roller. “I just can’t say enough positive things about the win the night."

By Thomas Grant Jr. Contributing Writer Columbia - Last year at this time, Ridge View senior quarterback Tre Howard was a bystander after suffering a season-ending foot injury in the season opener. On Thursday, the fully healthy Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl selection led the Blazers to their first region title since 2007. He threw four touchdowns in the 57-28 win over Gray Collegiate Academy . It was the sixth straight win for Ridge View (6-2, 3-0) following a 0-2 start with losses to defending state champions Dutch Fork and Oceanside Collegiate Academy. “It’s very special,” Howard said. “I remember growing up all these years just being on the sidelines at Ridge View, being a ballboy. Just having so many friends out here. Just enjoying my time. Being out here with the team…knowing my journey is coming to an end, I’m very excited to be able to become a Blazer and play all four years here and just do what I wanted to do since I was a young kid.” The game featured several All-Star selections and some of the top offensive players in the state. It did not disappoint as the two teams combined for 35 points in a span of 6 ½ minutes.  Howard opened the game with the first of two touchdown passes to senior Kayne Reed . After the kickoff, Gray Collegiate Academy quarterback Xavier Wright found an open C.J. Gleaton for a 75-yard touchdown. It was the first of three scoring plays between the two War Eagle juniors. It only took 14 seconds for Ridge View to answer with a score. Shrine Bowl wide receiver selection Khristian Jackson fielded the kickoff and burst up field for an 85-yard touchdown. The War Eagles tried to strike back, but the Blazers got an interception off a pass deflection. Ridge View capitalized with a 37-yard touchdown run by Chris Capers to make it 21-7 with 4:43 left in the first quarter. The scoring barrage ended at the 2:56 mark when Howard launched a 76-yard bomb to Isaiah Smalls for a touchdown. Ridge View led 42-7 at halftime after Howard’s second touchdown pass to Reed and the first of two touchdown runs by Spencer Bobian . One of the scores was set up by an interception by Raymond Jones . The second half saw Wright, who finished with 324 passing yards to close in on 2,500 for the season, find Gleaton twice for scores. In the fourth quarter, Jackson broke free from a tackle after a reception for his second touchdown and an errant snap by the War Eagles resulted in a safety to make it 50-21. Backup quarterback Bijon Virgo scored on a keeper for Ridge View and Wright scored on a touchdown run to close out the scoring. This was also the regular-season finale for Gray Collegiate (4-6, 2-2), which will finish third in Region 5-5A in its first season in Class 5A. Ridge View closes out the regular season at Northeast area rival Blythewood. It now looks to strengthen its RPI rating and position themselves for a long playoff run. “I think this team is a state championship caliber team,” Howard said. “I think they’ve got an opportunity to play with anybody that lines up across from them and the best think about it is they’ve seen everybody.”

Other winners: Central, Gaffney, Manning, B-L, FCS, Northwestern, Clinton, South Florence, Loris

Wilson senior Davon Bowman headed to the zone for Wilson's second TD before Myrtle Beach put points on the board. Image courtesy of Ashwithdaflash)

Fort Dorchester receiver Devin Gates (6) celebrates with teammates Laurez Matthews (0) and Malachi Nelson (79) following Gates' 41-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter Friday, Oct. 23, versus Stratford.

Berkeley quarterback Henry Rivers slips through a tackle Oct. 23 at Cane Bay.

SCISA Region 2-AAAA title, playoff seedings up for grabs between LMA, Pinewood and Northwood

Chesnee's Brymier Miller rushes for 432 yards, 5 touchdowns

Thurmond-Saluda; Lamar-Central; B-E-Scott's Branch; BHP-Wren; Northwestern-Fort Mill; Pinewood-LMA; Calhoun-CPA

Two Weeks Remain in the Regular Season and Not All Region Titles Are Clinched.