2022 Preview: Hilton Head Christian Academy Eagles
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Ron Peduzzi has answered every challenge he’s been given so far at Hilton Head Christian Academy. But earning a three-peat in 2022 will be his toughest one yet. The back-to-back SCISA 2A champs will lose the services of two all-time…
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Continue ReadingRon Peduzzi has answered every challenge he’s been given so far at Hilton Head Christian Academy. But earning a three-peat in 2022 will be his toughest one yet.
The back-to-back SCISA 2A champs will lose the services of two all-time program greats this year in South Carolina-bound Jace Blackshear alongside linebacker and receiver extraordinaire Jackson Lanier. But this group will certainly not be counted out with the wealth of the talent still on the roster. The quarterback battle is still an open competition, with the two frontrunners being Dylan Clark and transfer Tucker Tevepaugh who has also become one of the most talented punters in the entire country. Peduzzi still has an electric complement of skill position players, including 6-foot-5 Isaiah Anderson and shifty running back Gage Zatalokin alongside a speedy Morgan Bedenbaugh. It won’t be the same as last year’s electric playmakers in Blackshear, Lanier, and reliable wideout Riley Shinn, but a strong performance on the line led by veteran Brady Bagenstose should allow this offense to thrive quickly.
Matt Smith’s signature defense will once again have to earn its “Junkyard Dog” status with some new pieces this time around, and this year’s strength will lie on the line. The Eagles will return senior veteran Matthew Scarpa Matthew Scarpa 6'2" | 275 lbs | DL Hilton Head Christian Academy | 2023 SC to anchor the front seven alongside James Crosby at outside linebacker. Transfer Zane Wilson should give an added boost to both the backfield in the run game alongside his terrific play at linebacker. Expect the top talent at wide receiver to also enhance the group in what could be a fun secondary to watch. And the Eagles may have quite a weapon in Tevepaugh, who could completely flip field position with his booming punts.
The Eagles will have their work cut out for them in moving up to Class 3A with more talented opposition and a retool of their own, but don’t put it past this team to be right up there with the league’s best by the end of October. If this group stays healthy and begins to click as the season winds down, they very well could be knocking on the door of a chance at a three-peat.
2021 Results (13-0, 4-0) Won SCISA 2A State Championship
8/20 at The King’s Academy (W 54-23)
8/27 at Dorchester Academy (W 52-21)
9/3 vs. Northwood Academy (W 15-0)
9/17 vs. Orangeburg Prep (W 53-0)
9/24 at Colleton Prep (W 49-7)
10/1 vs. Pinewood Prep (W 48-14)
10/8 vs. Bethesda Academy (W 41-8)
10/14 at John Paul II (W 53-12)
10/22 vs. Beaufort Academy (W 35-6)
10/29 at Hilton Head Prep (W 42-0)
11/5 (Quarterfinals) vs. Carolina Academy (W 47-0)
11/12 (Semifinals) vs. Pee Dee Academy (W 52-23)
11/20 (State Championship) vs. Williamsburg Academy (W 34-7)
Key Losses To Graduation
QB Jace Blackshear
RB Speedy Robinson
LB Jackson Lanier
WR Riley Shinn
Players to Watch
Tucker Tevepaugh
Tucker Tevepaugh
One of the most potent weapons in the punting game is about to be unleashed on his Lowcountry competition. Tucker Tevepaugh is a master at his craft and is ranked in the top five of his class nationally according to Kohl’s Kicking. His phenomenal leg and accuracy will allow the Eagles to pin opponents deep, which makes it even more difficult to score on what should be another tough HHCA defense. And Tevepaugh has also thrived as a quarterback who could earn the starting job. Either way, the possibilities are endless for what he could bring to this group.
Brady Bagenstose
Brady Bagenstose
An underappreciated stud on Hilton Head Christian Academy’s roster, Brady Bagenstose has become a reliable force on the offensive line. The senior has a strong frame at 6-foot-2 and has built the power to hold down his blocks and create valuable protection for his quarterback. A banner year from Bagenstose and his line could mean everything for a young offense looking to find its groove.
Isaiah Anderson
Isaiah Anderson
A talented athlete with the ability to win any jump ball, Isaiah Anderson will be a welcome addition back to HHCA in 2022. Anderson is a difficult target to match up with and can thrive close to the end zone with his terrific hands and vertical reach. Still just a junior, Anderson has massive potential to star for this edition of the Eagles.
Matthew Scarpa Matthew Scarpa 6’2″ | 275 lbs | DL Hilton Head Christian Academy | 2023 SC is a hard-working defensive lineman who epitomizes all that a Hilton Head Christian defense represents. He has a high motor and the relentless pursuit to make any play in the backfield. A favorite of Peduzzi’s over his time as an Eagle, Scarpa should lead by example for the rest of his defensive unit and soar even higher in 2022.
Highlights
More Names To Know
QB/LB James Crosby 2024
WR Morgan Bedenbaugh 2023
WR Gage Zatalokin 2024
RB/LB Zane Wilson 2024
LB Keene Reese 2024
2022 Schedule/ Games to Circle
8/19 at Savannah Christian
8/26 at Wilson Hall*
9/9 vs. Ben Lippen
9/16 vs. Northwood Academy*
9/23 at Beaufort Academy
9/30 at First Baptist*
10/7 vs. Thomas Heyward
It’s a matchup of defending SCISA state champions that should be an entertaining one to watch. The Rebels have won four straight 1A titles and would love to make a statement against its fellow Lowco squad. We don’t see these cross-champion contests often, so expect to see a vibrant atmosphere in Bluffton.
10/14 at Pee Dee Academy*
We’ll have a regular-season edition of what’s become one of the best rivalries in all of SCISA. Hilton Head Christian Academy has gotten Pee Dee in its last two semifinals, but the Golden Eagles are more than capable of pulling off the upset with sensational quarterback Hudson Spivey Hudson Spivey 6'4" | 230 lbs | QB Pee Dee Academy | 2023 State SC and running back Coleby Sinclair. Ron Peduzzi’s defense will need to be on top form in a tough road environment to pull out a win in what could have enormous seeding implications.
10/21 vs. John Paul II*
10/28 vs. Hilton Head Prep*