WHAT WE SAW: Bluffton Rallies Past Hilton Head In Overtime
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HILTON HEAD ISLAND – On Wednesday, we witnessed another classic in the history of one of the best football rivalries in the Lowcountry. Backup quarterback Trace Hilaman led a Bluffton rally with three second-half touchdown passes to power the Bobcats…
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Continue ReadingHILTON HEAD ISLAND – On Wednesday, we witnessed another classic in the history of one of the best football rivalries in the Lowcountry. Backup quarterback Trace Hilaman led a Bluffton rally with three second-half touchdown passes to power the Bobcats to a 35-32 overtime victory and their first win over the Hilton Head Seahawks since 2018. Let’s highlight the standout players on both sides from the 2022 Bridge Bowl.
It’s not an easy task to step in midway through as a backup, and it’s even tougher to do it in a heated rivalry on the road. But Hilaman handled it beautifully and orchestrated a stunning Bluffton comeback, converting 8-of-15 pass attempts for 226 yards and three touchdowns. His poise on the field was remarkable, making quick and alert decisions with the football and hooking up with his proven playmakers on short passes. He caught fire down the stretch with two touchdown passes to Michael Fritz in the fourth quarter including a high-difficulty throw on the run to the back-right corner of the end zone. He was efficient and clutch in the biggest spots and proved his toughness to head coach Hayden Gregory and his team. With starter Max Vonhohenstraten dealing with a shoulder injury that could keep him sidelined for multiple weeks, Gregory has all the trust in Hilaman to manage the game and make the key throws when needed. And he’s got all the playmakers on the outside to make things happen, led by ultra-talented senior wideout Jaylin Linder. Gregory has unlocked an extra gear in Linder, and it showed with his quickness and his hustle on the field Wednesday, catching six passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. It was his best game yet in a Bluffton uniform, making a difference on both sides of the ball and showing an unrelenting tenacity. He came up with the crucial play in overtime, picking off a Hilton Head pass after a bad snap on a field-goal try. His alertness and explosiveness on the field has surged to a new level this year and will be key down the stretch for Gregory and the Bobcats.
Jeremiah Curry
Jeremiah
Curry
6'0" | 205 lbs | LB
Bluffton | 2024
State
SC
showed why he’s one of the top linebackers in his junior class, flying to the football and using his physicality to blow up plays. He’s becoming a sparkplug on offense in addition to his elite defensive abilities. Shane Whittaker shined in defending the run and is starting to make some strides in his junior year. He’s got an excellent frame and the power to shed blocks and catch up to the ball-carrier, making several key stops throughout the contest.
It was another terrific game from Hilton Head’s
Troy Timko
Troy
Timko
5'10" | 200 lbs | RB
Hilton Head | 2025
State
SC
, who torched the defense for 226 yards and four touchdowns on 39 carries. His power and vision on the field has allowed him to hit holes hard and break free for big gains time and time again. He’s also been a key checkdown target in the passing attack and can make defenders miss with his quick feet. Jackson Bibee had his best game yet under center for the Seahawks, using his footwork to evade pressure and making accurate throws to his targets. Bibee made a highlight-reel play on fourth down with the game on the line in the final period, escaping the Bluffton pass rush and throwing a near-perfect pass on the run to
Riley McCracken
Riley
McCracken
6'4" | 175 lbs | WR
Hilton Head Island Highschool | 2023
SC
. His improvements in his passing mechanics with his strong leadership skills has allowed himself to earn the trust of BJ Payne. And Caleb Spangler impressed with his hustle on defense, using his athleticism to deflect two consecutive passes at the line of scrimmage. The sophomore has been working hard to improve his strength this year and provides an underrated presence at defensive end for a growing Seahawk front.