Cardinal Newman, Pinewood Prep stay alive in AAAA,St. John's Christian, Calhoun in AAA

By Dennis Brunson hssr.com Associate Editor • May 6, 2025

Roundup on all eight games along with complete brackets are available here

Pinewood Prep and Cardinal Newman stayed alive in the SCISA AAAA baseball state playoffs, while St. John’s Christian Academy and Calhoun Academy kept their title hopes alive in AAA with victories on Monday in elimination games. Meanwhile, Lee Academy and Andrew Jackson Academy in AA and Richard Winn Academy and Holly Hill Academy in Class A won opening games in their best-of-3 semifinal series.

 

           AAAA

 

           Cardinal Newman 5

           Trinity Collegiate 3

 

           Columbia -- Alvin Murray III had two home runs, including a game-winning, walk-off, 2-run blast in the bottom of the seventh inning, to lead Cardinal Newman to a 5-3, come-from-behind victory over Trinity Collegiate at the CN field.

 

The Cardinals, who improved to 15-11 on the season, will be on the road on Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. contest against Hilton Head Christian Academy in the championship round of the AAAA lower bracket. If the undefeated Eagles win, they will advance to next week’s state championship series. If Cardinal Newman wins, the teams will meet on Thursday at a neutral site.

 

Murray hit his first home run with one out in the first to give the Cardinals the early advantage. Connor Hooks followed with a double and scored two batters later on a single by Matthew Andrews.

 

The Titans scored three in the second, two earned, against Cardinal starter Cole Dinkins, but Dinkins settled down and did not allow another run. Roland Boyd hit a grounder to third to score Chaplin Cox and tie the score at 3. 

 

Hardt Rowland walked to lead off the inning and Murray hit his second blast. 

 

           The Titans finished with a 15-9 record.

 

           Pinewood Prep 15

           Hammond 2

 

           Columbia – Pinewood Prep avenged a loss earlier in the AAAA upper bracket with a 15-2 triumph over Hammond at the Skyhawks’ field.

 

           Hammond defeated the Panthers 11-6 in their first game of the playoffs.

 

           Pinewood Prep, which improved to 24-4, will come back to Columbia on Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. game against Ben Lippen in the championship round of the AAAA upper bracket. If the undefeated Falcons win, they will advance to next week’s state championship series. If the Panthers win, the teams will meet on Thursday at a neutral site.

 

           AAA

 

           St. John’s Christian 1

           Pee Dee 0

 

           Mullins – Senior Mason Ritter tossed a 4-hit shutout to lead St. John’s Christian to a 1-0 victory over Pee Dee Academy on Monday at the PDA field.

 

           The Cavaliers, who improved to 12-8, will take on Orangeburg Prep on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Orangeburg in the championship round of the AAA upper bracket. If undefeated OP wins, it will advance to next week’s state championship series. If SJCA wins, the deciding game will be played on Thursday at a neutral site.

 

           Ritter struck out seven and walked just two. Senior Tyler Black had a run-scoring single in the top of the sixth inning to score pinch runner Wyatt Williams for the game’s lone run.

 

           Seniors Landon Chapman and William Rusch and freshman Parker Dinkens had the rest of the Cavaliers’ four hits.

 

           The Golden Eagles, who played for the state title last season, finish the year at 15-5.

 

           Calhoun 3

           Williamsburg 2

 

           St. Matthews Cullen Sightler’s 2-out, bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 11th inning drove in Cael Parler with the winning run in Calhoun’s 3-2 triumph over Williamsburg Academy at the CA field.

 

           The Cavaliers, who picked up their 20th win in 29 games, advanced to the championship round of the AAA lower bracket. They will be on the road against undefeated Hilton Head Prep on Wednesday at a time to still be determined. If HHP wins, it will advance to next week’s state championship series. If Calhoun wins, the deciding game will be played on Thursday at a neutral site.

 

           Layton Morris had a run-scoring double in the top of the third inning to give the Stallions a 1-0 lead. Sightler had a 2-run single in the bottom of the inning to put the Cavaliers on top. WA tied the game in the fifth with an unearned run.

 

           Chase Strickland got the win for CA, working the final three innings while allowing one hit and three walks against four strikeouts. Sightler worked the first eight innings and finished with eight strikeouts while allowing five hits and two walks.

 

           Bryce Blackburn started on the mound for Williamsburg. He worked 6 2/3 innings, striking out seven while allowing six hits and two walks. Ethan Jones took the loss in a great performance. He worked four innings and allowed the unearned winning runs while striking out two, walking two and allowing two hits.

 

           Sightler and Turner Hood both had two hits with Sightler finishing with three runs batted in. Morris led the Stallions with two hits.

 

 

           AA

           Lee Academy 11

           Dorchester 1

 

           Bishopville – Freshman left-handed pitcher Brayden Davis tossed a 1-hitter as Lee defeated defending state champion Dorchester Academy 11-1 in five innings.

 

           Davis struck out four and walked two for the Cavaliers, who improved to 14-7. Offensively, Davis had a triple, two runs and two RBI.

 

           Lee had just six hits but took advantage of seven walks, one hit batter and six errors committed by the Rebels. Noah Brazell scored three times and had three stolen bases. Others getting hits were Anrew Bowers, Carson Davis, Landon Olson, Myles Frye and Cash Holloway. Bowers and Olson both scored twice, while Bowers also had an RBI. Tucker Rodgers had a run and an RBI.

 

           Wyatt Byrd had the only hit for DA. Abe Shuler had an RBI.

 

           Game 2 is set for a 7 p.m. start on Tuesday in St. George.

 

            Andrew Jackson 5

           Oakbrook Prep 3

 

           Ehrhardt – Andrew Jackson took a 1-0 lead in its series with a 5-3 victory over Oakbrook Prep at the AJA field.

 

           Landon Johnson got the victory for Andrew Jackson, working six innings while striking out 10 and allowing just one earned run. Jack Walling pitched the final inning, striking out two to get the save.

 

           The Warriors, who are 13-7, were led offensively by Hayden McClung. He was 4-for-4 with three runs scored. Walker Terry had two RBI, and Hall Sease had two hits and a run. Kaiden Kinard had a hit and an RBI.

 

           Oakbrook Prep, which fell to 19-5-1, was led by Dallas Collins. He had a hit and scored twice. Sam Hatcher had a hit, a run and an RBI. Bryce Horton and Austin Bright both had an RBI.

 

           The second game will be played on Tuesday in Spartanburg beginning at 6 p.m.

 

           CLASS A

 

           Richard Winn 4

           Jefferson Davis 1

 

           Winnsboro Charlie Bonds struck out 18 batters in six innings – meaning he recorded each of his outs with a K – and allowed just one hit as defending state champion Richard Winn beat Jefferson Davis Academy 4-1 at the RWA field.

 

           Owen Martin pitched the final inning, striking out two, to get the save for the Eagles, who improved to 14-3.

 

           Jonathan Bonds led the Richard Winn offense, going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Bennett Nicholson scored two runs, Dylan Albert had a hit and a run, Charlie Bonds scored a run and Martin had a hit.

 

           Landon Williams had the only hit for the Raiders, who fell to 13-8. Payton Payne scored the run and Corbin Perry had an RBI.

 

           The second game will be played Tuesday in Blackville beginning at 6 p.m.

 

           Holly Hill 9

           Marlboro Academy 4

 

           Holly Hill – Holly Hill moved within a game of getting back to the state championship series with a 9-4 win over Marlboro Academy at the HHA field.

 

           The Raiders, who improved to 10-8, were led by Tyler Green. He was 3-for-3 with a walk, three stolen bases and two RBI. Ethan Siau and Brodon Murray had two hits apiece.

 

           Ashton Soles got the win, pitching 6 2/3 innings. He struck out eight and allowed two earned runs.

 

           Marlboro completed its quarterfinal series against W.W. King prior to the opening game of the semifinals at the Holly Hill field, winning 6-3. King had won a protest following Thursday’s game, and the final 1 1/2 innings had to be replayed.

 

           Game 2 will be played on Tuesday in Bennettsville beginning at 5 p.m.


AAAA

Upper Bracket

Monday, April 28

Game 1 – (5) Wilson Hall 7, (4) Porter-Gaud 1

Tuesday, April 29

Game 2 – (3) Hammond 11, (2) Pinewood Prep 6

Game 3 – (1) Ben Lippen 10, (5) Wilson Hall 0

Wednesday, April 30

Game 4 – (2) Pinewood Prep 12, (4) Porter-Gaud 2 (Porter-Gaud eliminated)

Thursday, May 1

Game 5 – (2) Pinewood Prep 5, (5) Wilson Hall 2 (Wilson Hall eliminated)

Game 6 – (1) Ben Lippen 7, (3) Hammond 0

Monday, May 5

Game 7 -- (2) Pinewood Prep 15, (3) Hammond 2 (Hammond eliminated)

Wednesday, May 7

Game 8 – (2) Pinewood Prep at (1) Ben Lippen, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 8

Game 9 – If Necessary at Neutral Site

 

Lower Bracket

Monday, April 28

Game 1 – (4) Hilton Head Christian 9, (5) Augusta Christian 6

Tuesday, April 29

Game 2 – (2) Cardinal Newman 4, (3) Trinity Collegiate 0

Game 3 – (4) Hilton Head Christian 7, (1) Laurence Manning 3 (9 innings)

Wednesday, April 30

Game 4 – (3) Trinity Collegiate 11, (5) Augusta Christian 7 (Augusta Christianeliminated)

Thursday, May 1

Game 5 – (3) Trinity Collegiate 6, (1) Laurence Manning 5 (Laurence Manning eliminated)

Game 6 – (4) Hilton Head Christian 13, (2) Cardinal Newman 6

Monday, May 5

Game 7 -- (2) Cardinal Newman 5, (3) Trinity Collegiate 3 (Trinity Collegiate eliminated)

Wednesday, May 7

Game 8 – (2) Cardinal Newman at (4) Hilton Head Christian, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 8

Game 9 – If Necessary at Neutral Site

 

Championship Series

Best-of-3

May 12, 13, 15

 

AAA

Upper Bracket

Monday, April 28

Game 1 – (4) Patrick Henry 5, (5) Spartanburg Christian 1

Tuesday, April 29

Game 2 – (2) Pee Dee 4, (3) St. John’s Christian 0

Game 3 – (1) Orangeburg Prep 11, (4) Patrick Henry 3

Wednesday, April 30

Game 4 – (3) St. John's Christian 6, (5) Spartanburg Christian 1 (Spartanburg Christian eliminated)

Thursday, May 1

Game 5 – (3) St. John's Christian 3, (4) Patrick Henry 2 (Patrick Henry eliminated)

Game 6 – (1) Orangeburg Prep 2, (2) Pee Dee 1

Monday, May 5

Game 7 -- (3) St. John's Christian 1, (2) Pee Dee 0 (Pee Dee eliminated)

Wednesday, May 7

Game 8 – (3) St. John's Christian at (1) Orangeburg Prep, 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 8

Game 9 – If Necessary at Neutral Site

 

Lower Bracket

Monday, April 28

Game 1 – (4) Greenwood Christian 16, (5) Florence Christian 5

Tuesday, April 29

Game 2 – (3) Calhoun Academy 11, (2) Williamsburg 10 (8 innings)

Game 3 – (1) Hilton Head Prep 4, (4) Greenwood Christian 1

Wednesday, April 30

Game 4 – (2) Williamsburg 4, (5) Florence Christian 0 (Florence Christian eliminated)

Thursday, May 1

Game 5 – (2) Williamsburg 6, (4) Greenwood Christian 5 (Greenwood Christian eliminated)

Game 6 – (1) Hilton Head Prep 10, (3) Calhoun Academy 0

Monday, May 5

Game 7 -- (3) Calhoun Academy 3, (2) Williamsburg 2 (Williamsburg eliminated)

Wednesday, May 7

Game 8 – (3) Calhoun Academy at (1) Hilton Head Prep, TBA

Thursday, May 8

Game 9 – If Necessary at Neutral Site

 

Championship Series

Best-of-3

May 12, 13, 15

 

AA

Semifinal Series

Best-of-3

Upper Bracket

No. 2 Dorchester vs. No. 1 Lee Academy

Monday, May 5 -- Lee 11, Dorchester 1 (Lee leads series 1-0)

Tuesday, May 6 – at Dorchester, 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 8 –at Lee (if necessary)

Lower Bracket

No. 2 Oakbrook Prep vs. No. 1 Andrew Jackson

Monday, May 5 -- Andrew Jackson 5, Oakbrook Prep 3 (Andrew Jackson leads series 1-0)

Tuesday, May 6 – at Oakbrook Prep, 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 8 –at Andrew Jackson (if necessary)

 

Championship Serie

Best-of-3

Monday, May 12 – at Lower Bracket Winner

Tuesday, May 13 – at Upper Bracket Winner

Thursday, May 15 – at Neutral Site (if necessary)

 

CLASS A

Semifinal Series

Best-of-3

Upper Bracket

No. 2 Jefferson Davis vs. No. 1 Richard Winn

Monday, May 5 – Richard Winn 4, Jefferson Davis 1 (Richard Winn leads series 1-0)

Tuesday, May 6 – at Jefferson Davis, 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 8 – at Richard Winn (if necessary)

Lower Bracket

No. 3 Marlboro Academy vs. No. 1 Holly Hill Academy

Monday, May 5 – Holly Hill 9, Marlboro 4 (Holly Hill leads series 1-0)

Tuesday, May 6 – at Marlboro, 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 8 – at Holly Hill (if necessary)

 

Championship Series

Best-of-3

Monday, May 12 – at Lower Bracket Winner

Tuesday, May 13 – at Upper Bracket Winner

Thursday, May 15 – at Neutral Site (if necessary)


By Staff Reports September 19, 2025
BHP Junior WR/CB, Tajeh Watson-Martin.
By David Shelton September 18, 2025
Dillon – While they haven’t played every year, the Dillon vs. Hartsville football rivalry goes back several decades. Both programs have rich traditions and have been among the top programs in the Pee Dee so when they do get together on the gridiron, it’s a pretty big deal. After a break for more than 20 years, the two powerhouses resumed yearly meetings in 2022. Hartsville has won two of the three meetings heading into Friday’s night contest. While many of the players don’t know the old tradition, the die-hard fans in both communities do remember and want to hold an edge for a year. The 2025 game pits the 1-2 Red Foxes against the 1-2 Wildcats of Dillon. Both teams are still working to find a consistent level of performance and playing quality competition can be a good teaching experience. “We don’t look at their record. We know they’re a good football team,” Dillon head coach Kelvin Roller said. “They have good players. That shows on film. I know Hartsville come here ready to play. We have to match their intensity and physicality.” Hartsville head coach Jeff Calabrese has put his team through a tough non-region slate with games against Carolina Forest, Camden and Rock Hill. The coach sees progress but says his team is not close to its potential. “You know we have a whole lot of young guys out there and they’re learning on the go,” the coach said. “We just try to get better each day and then we go play and see where we are. Dillon is going to test us in every area. This is a tremendous challenge.” Both teams play with young quarterbacks. Dillon starts freshman Khayel Sam-fong Telia, a promising 6-2 prospect that continues to improve with each game. Hartsville starts sophomore Ford Wallace, a good athlete with improving performances each week. Quarterback play dictates a lot in terms of wins and losses, but each coach realizes how important it is for complete team play. “We have to do things to help our quarterback,” Calabrese said. “We need to improve defensively, tackle better, execute better. We need to get stops.” Other key games in week 4 Dutch Fork at Oceanside Collegiate Bishop England at Porter-Gaud South Pointe at AC Flora Fairfield Central at Newberry Clinton at Daniel Bamberg-Ehrhardt at Woodland Chesnee at Woodruff Nation Ford at Northwestern
By David Shelton September 17, 2025
AAAAA Player of the Week: Connor Dantzler, James Island: Senior quarterback Connor Dantzler had a career-night in the Trojans’ 34-14 win over Cane Bay. Dantzler completed 13 of 19 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns to help improve James Island to 4-0 on the season. AAAAA Honor Roll K’den Foxworth, Berkeley, 113 yards rushing Jack LaMonica, Lucy Beckham, 154 yards rushing, TD Finn Gunter, Lucy Beckham, 144 yards passing Jaden Gethers, Lucy Beckham, 149 all-purpose yards Maliq McGowan, Stratford, 79-yard kick return TD; 68 yards rushing, TD Jachin Davis, Stratford, 176 passing yards, 3 TD Trenton Fordham, Stratford, 2 interceptions (one returned for TD); fumble recovery Bryson Bowers, James Island, 13 tackles, TFL Malachi Washington, James Island, 142 yards rushing, TD Jordan Kendrick, James Island, 109 yards receiving Raphael Puiu, James Island, 145 yards receiving, 2 TD Jaxon Knotts, Dutch Fork, 175 yards pass Spencer Bobian, Ridge View, 123 yards, TD D’Juan Franklin, Ridge View, 11 tackles, 2 TFL Emar Nance. TL Hanna, 104 yards rushing, 4 TD Easton Crocker, Lexington, 222 yards passing, 3 TD Nigel Lewis, Lexington, 8 receptions, 128 yards 2 TD Tristan Lewis, Greenwood, 169 yards rush, TD;281 yards passing, TD Disiray Christian, Greenwood, 6 receptions, 198 yards, TD Patience Andrews, Nation Ford,115 yds rush, 77 yards receiving, 2 TD Dreyon Dopson, Irmo, 201 yds pass, 4 TD Darius Carter, River Bluff, 137 yds receiving, TD, interception Alex Sandt, St. James, 208 yards pass, 3 TD James Vessey, Blythewood, 148 pass yds, 2 TD Landyn Strong, Blythewood, 186 yds rush, TD Darius Dixon, Blythewood, 15 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks Tyler Black, Chapin. 271 yds pass, 2 TD; 67 yds rush, TD Jessup Boulware, Chapin, 6 rec, 147 yds Dyson Kelly, Fort Mill, 123 pass yds, 3 TD Brodin Mitcheson, Fort Mill, 128 yds rush, 2 TD Zach Williams, Lugoff-Elgin, 184 pass yds, 3 TD Jarkese Grant, Lugoff, Elgin, 129 yds rush AAAA Honor Roll Player of the Week: Gavin Thoma, Seneca, 372 yds pass, 5 TD (18 of 20) Quinn Mahoney, Bishop England, 202 yards passing, TD; 29 yards rushing Brody Tonon, Bishop England, 143 yards rushing, 3 TD Aeden McCarthy, Bluffton,29 of 39 352 yards, 4 TD Carnell Warren, Bluffton, 10 receptions, 122 yards, TD Amare Patterson, Bluffton, 7 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD Jzavien Currence, South Pointe,196 yards passing, 2 TD; 113 yards rushing, TD Messiah Jackson, South Florence, 90 yards passing,TD, 68 yards rush, 2 TD Mike Doe, North Augusta, 224 yards rush, 2 TDs Tahmary Echols, Wilson, 2 TD rush; int return for TD Roper Wentzky, AC Flora, 272 yds [ass. 4 TD Amari Verner, Seneca, 120 yds rush, 3 TD Jeremiah Hunter, Seneca, 10 rec, 228 yds, 3TD Derrick Raniszewki, Hilton Head, 154 yds pass, 2 TD Sean Mitchell, May River, 164 yds rush, 2 TD Andrew Frick, Brook-Cayce, 329 yds pass, 4 TD Tyree Johnson, Brook-Cayce, 8 rec, 181 yds, 2 TD Solomon Kelson, Lower Richland, 110 yds rush, 2 TD AAA Honor Roll Player of the Week: Colin Davis, Woodruff, 23 of 30 pass, 354 yds, 3 TD Aiden Manavian, Oceanside Collegiate,220 passing yards, TD Zahki Muncey, Oceanside Collegiate, 184 yards rushing, TD Anthony Williams, Oceanside Collegiate, 6 receptions, 100 yards Noah Thomas, BHP, 114 yards passing,2 TD;98 yards rushig Mack Rambo, St. Joes, 170 yards rush, 4 TD Kenton Caldwell, Newberry, 3 TD pass, TD rush Moon Gerald, Loris, 272 yds pass, 3 TD D’Andre Caldwell, Swansea, 170 yds rush, 2 TD Brayden Williams, Saluda, 173 yds pass, 3 TD Keenan Jackson, Waccamaw, 2 int, 8 tackles. Rushing TD Luke McCracken, Aynor, 138 yds rush, 4 TD Mak Anderson, MVP, 203 yards pass, 3 TD; 250 rush, 3 TD Adrian Grate, Waccamaw, 143 yds rush, 2 TD Airen Gibson, Woodruff, 119 yds rush, TD; 68 yds rec Judd Windham, Christ Church, 167 yds pass, TD; TD rec Banks Horton, Christ Church, 14 tackles Troy Hailey, Marl Co, 108 rush, TD Branden People, O-W, 348 pass yds, 5 TD Daylin Haltiwanger, O-W, 3 rec, 105 yds, 3 TD AA Honor Roll Malyk Goodman, Timberland, 103 passing yards, 73 rushing yards Antuan Faison, Timberland, 90 yards rushing, TD; 12 tackles, 2 PBU Montez Addison, Timberland, 105 rushing yards, TD; receiving TD Javen Cook, Clinton, 215 yds rush, 3 TD Kaden Diggs, Fair-Central, 122 yds pass Kenyan Douglas, Fair-Cemtral, 127 yds rush, TD Dwayne Louellen, Central, 175 yds pass, 2 TD Aiden Short, Central, 223 yds rush, 4 TD Class A Honor Roll Class A Player of the Week: Scott’s Branch quarterback Jairen Conyers passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 120 yards and a score in a win over Lake View Mah’ky Green, Cross, 157 yards rushing, TD Michael Bennett, Cross, 11 tackles, 3 TFL, sack Zori Pierce, Lamar, 179 yds rush, 116 yds pass, 4 TD Jairen Conyers, Scott Branch, 273 yds pass, 2 TD, 120 yds rush, TD SCISA Honor Roll SCISA Player of the Week – Davidson Lynch of Trinity Collegiate passed for 445 yards amd four touchdowns, adding a rushing TD John Whetsell, Dorchester Academy, 172 yards rushing, 2TD John Quattlebaum, Dorchester Academy, 154 yards passing, 2 TD Silas Brawner, Pinewood Prep, 264 yards passing, 5 TD Jayden Alexander, Pinewood Prep, 3 receptions, 157 yards, 3 TD Desmond Williams, Trinity Collegiate, 7 rec, 207 yards, TD Garrison Copeland, Trinity Collegiate, 8 rec, 156 yds, 2 TD, int. ELIJAH HUTTO W W KING PASSED 6/8 142 YDS 3 TDS JOSEPH MORSE W W KING RUSHED 19/85 2 TDS CASEN BUZHARDT W W KING 10 TACKLES 1 SACK JORDAN TURNER BETHESDA PASSED 5/6 118 YDS 4 TDS PARKER KIZER HOLLY HILL ACADEMY RUSHED 15/363 6 TDS 1 INT TD TYLER GREEN HOLLY HILL ACADEMY 10 TACKLES 1.5 SACKS ETHAN COLLINS LAURENS ACADEMY PASSED 8/12 147 1 TD RUSHED 6/31 3 TDS MASON COOPER LAURENS ACADEMY RUSHED 27/155 1 TD CALEB HARDY LAURENS ACADEMY 21 TACKLES 1 SACK LUKE SOBEY PATRICK HENRY ACADEMY 13 TACKLES GRANT SMALL WILLIAMSBURG ACADEMY RUSHED 15/213 4 TDS ELI BROWN WILLIAMSBURG ACADEMY RUSHED 14/101 1 TD COLT LAYTON CALHOUN ACADEMY RUSHED 23/166 2 TDS JACE WILLIAMS THOMAS SUMTER PASSED 25/32 470 YDS 8 TDS C. WILLIAMS THOMAS SUMTER RECEIVING 11/208 3 TDS SAM PETRAUSCHKE THOMAS SUMTER RECEIVING 5/130 3 TDS CARTER HILL THOMAS SUMTER 15 TACKLES BRADEN FINAN THOMAS SUMTER 16 TACKLES REID MCCOLLUM HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN PASSED 16/23 292 3 TDS RUSHED 16/108 2 TDS 1 INT JOSEPH HOUPT HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN RECEIVING 6/144 2 TDS HALL SEASE ANDREW JACKSON ACADEMY RUSHED 23/142 3 TDS ZION GADDIST BEN LIPPEN RUSHED 12/101 2 TDS MICHAEL TRAYNUM BEN LIPPEN RUSHED 9/130 1 TD NIC SHUFORD BEAUFORT ACADEMY PASSED 10/14 119 YDS 1 TD RUSHED 5/40 1 TD NYCH UNDERWOOD BEAUFORT ACADEMY RUSHED 19/186 4 TDS 1 INT
By From staff reportts September 17, 2025
Check the bottom of the roundup for additional results
By Neill Kirkpatrick September 14, 2025
Bulffton QB Aedan McCarthy led the Bobcats to a 31-7 win over Hampton County.
By Worthy Evans September 14, 2025
By WORTHY EVANS HSSR Contributing Writer Columbia - The Westwood football team broke the paper in front of the inflatable Redhawk tunnel Friday night, and that spelled the end for Airport .  Nearly every offensive and defensive player got onto the field at District Two Stadium as Westwood rang up a 65-7 victory with a running clock in the second half. “Anytime you get a win, you take it, but the goal is to get everybody in every week,” head coach Stephen Burris said. “Obviously it’s not always possible but our starters, their responsibilities we told them before this game was to make sure everybody got the chance to play. Challenge accepted and mission accomplished.” While working with a short field, the Redhawks (3-1) had seven rushers contribute to 189 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, and Carrington Carter spread the ball to seven receivers for four scores. Jaden Boyd returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Placekicker Mushin Yakubu made good on a 20-yard field goal and was 8-for-9 in point-after attempts. On the defensive side, the Redhawks held Airport (0-4) to 49 yards rushing and 10 yards passing in the first half, sacking quarterback Isaiah Clemons twice and making seven tackles for loss. They recovered two fumbles that the offense converted to touchdowns, and Brandon Evans made an interception that led to another score. Westwood got the ball moving after Airport’s opening possession mostly went backward. The Redhawks got to work at midfield and took nine plays to reach the end zone on Carter’s 13-yard pass to Jaylen Donaldson at the 5:37 mark of the first quarter. Westwood scored two more touchdowns, on Carter’s 15-yard pass to C.J . Bennett and a 40-yard catch-and-run play to Tyrek Jenkins to go up 21-0 by the first quarter buzzer. Angelo Rios opened the second quarter scoring with a 23-yard TD run, and after Kendrick Pearson scored Airport’s only touchdown from one yard out, Boyd returned the kickoff 75 yards to put Airport up 34-7. Carter connected with Tyrek Jenkins for a 40-yard score before intermission. With a running clock in the second half, Westwood got a 20-yard field goal from Yakubu, a 5-yard touchdown run from Rios, an 8-yard TD run from Jovan Howard and a 64-yard rushing score from Quentin McGill . “I’m proud of them,” Burris said. “We’ve still got some things we need to work on, and we know it’s going to get a little bit harder next week. It’s a rivalry game, the Battle for the Axe, so we looking forward to it.” Westwood renews its rivalry with Blythewood Friday. Since 2012, when Westwood first fielded a football team, the series is tied at 5-5. After the rivalry was christened “The Battle for the Axe” with the Jeanne Schmidt Memorial Trophy as the prize for the winner, the teams are 2-2. The Bengals (2-2) are coming off a restorative 41-6 victory over Keenan and look to take the trophy back after falling 7-0 to the Redhawks last year. Besides renewing a friendly rivalry, both teams will open their Region 5-5A schedule with the game. After Westwood’s opening loss to 4-0 A.C. Flora , it outscored Lakewood , Richland Northeast , and Airport by a combined score of 160-21. This year’s nonregion schedule showed not to be competitive beyond the season opener with the Falcons, but Burris said “We played a very good team in A.C. Flora, who will play in a lot of games this season and play into the playoffs,” he said. “It (competition) dropped off a little, but our standard doesn’t change regardless of who we’re playing. When we turn the film on we’re always making sure our kids are doing what we coached them to do, that’s regardless of opponent.” With games against Blythewood, 2-2 Ridge View , 2-2 Spring Valley , 3-1 Lugoff - Elgin , 1-3 West Florence and 3-1 Sumter on tap through Oct. 31, Burris said he knows his team will be ready to play for a high spot in the 5A Division 2 playoffs. “I think we’re prepared from the standpoint of are we executing the way we’re expected to execute,” he said. “We had some lopsided scores but we’re a good football team, and that’s what’s supposed to happen. I think we’ve got a good football team and we have a chance to have a really good football team, and we’re about to find out starting Friday.” Airport 0 7 0 0 – 7 Westwood 21 20 17 7 – 65 First Quarter W - Jaylen Donaldson 13 pass from Carrington Carter (Mushin Yakubu kick) 5:37 W - C.J. Bennett 15 pass from Carter (Yakubu kick) 2:15 W - Tyrek Jenkins 40 pass from Carter (Yakubu kick) 2:02 Second Quarter W - Angelo Rios 23 run (kick failed) 7:35 A - Kendrick Pearson 1 run (kick) 3:04 W - Jayden Boyd 75 kickoff return (Yakubu kick) 2:53 W - Quentin McGill 40 pass from Carter (Yakubu kick) :49 Third Quarter W - Yakubu 20 field goal 10:27 W - Rios 5 run (Yakubu kick) 8:46 W - Jovan Howard 8 run (Yakubu kick) :58 Fourth Quarter W - Quentin McGill 68 run (Yakubu kick) 3:24 AHS WHS First downs 8 12 Rushes-yds 34-108 18-179 Passing yds 11 189 Att-Com-Int 15-7-1 18-12-1 Fumbles-lost 2-2 0-0 Penalties-yds 7-60 1-5 Punts-avg 5-24.6. 0-0.0 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING A - Isaiah Clemons 15-44, Kendrick Pearson 11-40, Ashton Boyd 5-29, Team 3-(-5). W - Angelo Rios 6-58, Jovan Howard 6-37, Josiah Henryhand 2-8, Carrington Carter 2-1, Quentin McGill 1-68, Tyrek Jenkins 1-9. PASSING A - Isaiah Clemons 7-15-1. W - Carrington Carter 12-18-1. RECEIVING A - Kendrick Pearson 5-21, Team 2-(-10). W - Jovan Howard 3-23, C.J. Bennett 3-23, Tyrek Jenkins 2-46, Jaylen Donaldson 2-25, Kham Cunningham 2-19, Quentin McGill 1-40, Angelo Rios 1-3.
By From Staff Reports September 13, 2025
South Pointe beats Northwestern 27-23 in Rock Hill showdown
By Roger Lee September 13, 2025
Aiden Manavian runs for a first down during Oceanside Collegiate’s 35-21 win at Ashley Ridge Sept. 12. Photo by Roger Lee.
By Staff Reports September 12, 2025
BHP Senior QB Noah Thomas in the 2024 State Title game.
By David Shelton September 11, 2025
Rock Hill – In what should be an exciting game, undefeated Northwestern will battle city rival and perennial AAAA power South Pointe on Friday night. The game is billed as the “game of the week” by the High School Sports Report. Northwestern is the No. 2 ranked team in Class AAAAA and the defending Division II state champions have been impressive in their first three outings. The Trojans have early wins over Spartanburg (39-7), Ridge View (35-28) and South Florence (55-35). “We feel like the early schedule is helping us improve a lot and will prepare us for the playoffs down the road,” said Northwestern head coach Page Wofford. “We have played three teams that are likely at least third-round playoff teams this season. And, we have a fourth this week in South Pointe. Our kids are getting battle-tested and they are responding very well. We’re fortunate to be 3-0.” Northwestern is propelled offensively by junior quarterback Xavier Means, a first-year starter. Means has passed for 633 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for268 yards and two scores. Quay Mobley is the top running back and Kam Vance has 29 receptions for 325 yards and five touchdowns in three games. “Execution and not turning the ball over,” says Wofford of the early keys to success, Kameron McFadden and Jeremiah Cannon are two of the leaders defensively. Northwestern came into the season with an entirely new defensive front but Wofford sees that unit getting better each week.” South Pointe (2-1) is the top-ranked team in AAAA but has yet to turn it on offensively, scoring 48 points in three games. The Stallions also have played a tough early schedule. The Stallions have allowed just 33 points in three games. “They have athletes and good players all over the field,” Wofford said. “It’s just a matter of time until they figure it out offensively and I hope it’s after Friday night. They’re a really good football team, we know that. They have some weapons and their defense is really good.They are going to be a problem for a lot of teams.” The Stallions have perhaps the state’s top athlete in Jzavien Currence, a USC commit. Currence has passed for 314 yards and has rushed for 196 yards. He also rates highly as a defensive back. RJ Brown is another key player in the backfield while Stallion defensive leaders include KJ Burg and Daquan Evans. Northwestern has won the last three meetings with their rivals, averaging 34 points per game in those three wins, South Pointe won three of four games between 2018-2021. Fans of both schools, as well as Rock Hill High, put a lot of emphasis on the “city championship.” South Pointe already has beaten Rock Hill and Northwestern will play the Bearcats in region play. Friday’s game will go a long way in determining the city champion. “I guess it’s a cool thing for the fans of each school but we don’t emphasize that too much here,” Wofford said. “The trophy we want is handed out in December.” Other key games around SC on Sept. 12. Bluffton at Hampton County Camden at Ridge View Oceanside Collegiate at Ashley Ridge Carolina Forest at Irmo Crestwood at Sumter Dreher at Bishop England Eastside at Blue Ridge Wren at T.L. Hanna
More Posts