WHAT WE SAW: Beaufort Races Past Hilton Head in Home Opener
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The Beaufort High Eagles’ first home game of the season couldn’t have gone much better Friday night. Bryce Lybrand’s squad proved its talent on both sides of the ball and took care of business against rival Hilton Head, defeating the…
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Continue ReadingThe Beaufort High Eagles’ first home game of the season couldn’t have gone much better Friday night. Bryce Lybrand’s squad proved its talent on both sides of the ball and took care of business against rival Hilton Head, defeating the Seahawks 24-7 to pick up its first win of the season. Let’s take a look at who stood out for both teams over in Lady’s Island.
It was the first home start for sophomore quarterback Samari Bonds Samari Bonds 6'1" | 160 lbs | QB Beaufort | 2025 State SC , and the young signal caller was as advertised for the majority of the night. He showed off some excellent maneuverability as a runner and made a few tacklers miss on a key first-down scamper. He is an explosive player who can get loose quickly if you give him some running room, making it difficult for opposing defenses to contain his dual-threat abilities. And he’s growing as a passer as well, managing the game well and making the key throws he needs to in order to move the chains. He’ll look to improve his accuracy and timing with his receivers as the season goes on. Senior Colton Phares Colton Phares 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC is making impacts all across the field this season, and he put on a show in front of the home crowd. He took a reverse handoff 59 yards to the end zone on the game’s first play from scrimmage, and he came right back on defense to make a tackle on the opening defensive series. Phares has an incredible motor on both sides and can fly to the ball-carrier with textbook form. Running back Caleb Ulmer was excellent Friday night, showing off his terrific vision and agility on a 23-yard touchdown run to the left pylon. He’s become a focal point of the offense alongside veteran receiver Kacy Fields Kacy Fields 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Beaufort | 2023 State SC who is looking lethal with his speed on the outside. He ran a perfect shallow slant route for his only touchdown of the ballgame, reeling in a short pass from Bonds and darting through the Seahawk defense for a 24-yard score. Expect to see Fields continue to be Bonds’ top target, especially with his ability to burn defenses on quick screens. Despite some key losses from last year’s team, Beaufort’s defense is looking strong again through its first two games. The strength continues to be on the line with Jack Sumner who has become one of the most underrated playmakers in the area. His hustle and footwork on the line will be critical to stuffing the run game and putting opponents behind the sticks this year.
It was a tough night as a whole for the Seahawks, but quarterback Owen Bayes worked hard and was rewarded with a perfectly executed touchdown on a 33-yard keeper in the second half. Expect to see him continue to split time with Jackson Bibee going forward as the two battle for the starting spot. Troy Timko Troy Timko 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Hilton Head | 2025 State SC displayed some nice power at running back, taking the good majority of carries and fighting hard against a strong Beaufort defensive front. And KJ Holland made an impact at defensive back, using his quickness and hustle to pursue the ball carriers including a tackle for loss on Bonds. He’s been an outstanding piece for BJ Payne’s group on both sides and has risen to the occasion in his senior year.