Four Non-Region Lowcountry Games We’re Already Geeked About

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that football schedules should be written in pencil. However, with many of the rough drafts for the 2022 season getting distributed, we can’t help but get excited about some early non-region contests in the Palmetto State. Here are five that are loaded with talent and some intriguing match-ups. <strong>Carolina Forest-Summerville (Aug. 26)</strong> Summerville’s defense appears stacked, with the rising senior defensive backs [player_tooltip player_id="89335" first="Keith" last="Elmore"] and Michael, lineman [player_tooltip player_id="89348" first="De’Andre" last="Jones"] and linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="262615" first="Steve" last="Simpkins"] leading the way. They’ll be going toe-to-toe with Carolina Forest second-year quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="202739" first="Scott" last="Saylor"] and tailbacks [player_tooltip player_id="267465" first="Kalil" last="Johnson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="272722" first="Zion" last="Gilbert"], not to mention offensive linemen <strong>Rashaun Owens</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id="146370" first="Manning" last="Hitt"]. <strong>Hilton Head-Beaufort (Sept. 2)</strong> After spending the most-recent years as region foes, this one goes into the early part of the season following Beaufort’s drop to Class 3A. But believe us when we say the trenches will be loaded in this game. The presence of guys like [player_tooltip player_id="89341" first="Eamon" last="Smalls"], [player_tooltip player_id="262573" first="Chris" last="Marable"] and [player_tooltip player_id="139291" first="Braylen" last="Kitty"] (pictured) will equate to some big dudes donning college gear on the sidelines for this one. Book it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> <strong>Conway-Ashley Ridge (Sept. 2)</strong> The pair of Class 5A playoff squads from last fall are each looking to improve their standing in their respective regions, and this early game could shed light on if either of them are ready. Conway quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="208332" first="Devin" last="Grainger"], running back <strong>Rodney Huggins</strong> and receivers <strong>Cameron Alston</strong> and <strong>Aiden Brantley</strong> will see heavy resistance from Ashley Ridge defensive standouts [player_tooltip player_id="194335" first="Alex" last="Ledford"], [player_tooltip player_id="263162" first="Christian" last="Garland"] and [player_tooltip player_id="91158" first="TJ" last="Wilson"]. <strong>First Baptist-James Island (Sept. 2)</strong> The relatively rare match-up between a SCISA program and from the SCSHL Class 4A ranks should actually be a nice test for both, as First Baptist senior lineman [player_tooltip player_id="202734" first="Roy" last="Maybank"] and rising junior tailback [player_tooltip player_id="91350" first="Davian" last="Brown"] are legit talents regardless of level. And as long as [player_tooltip player_id="91365" first="Braxton" last="Scott"] is calling the plays for James Island, there will be a chance for some fireworks early and often in this one.