Week 0 Lowcountry Game Balls
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Each week of the regular season, we’ll recognize the best ballers in the Lowcountry who took their game to another level. It’s time to give out our game balls for Week 0 of the 2023 season. Kevon Rivera SC #26…
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Continue ReadingEach week of the regular season, we’ll recognize the best ballers in the Lowcountry who took their game to another level. It’s time to give out our game balls for Week 0 of the 2023 season.
There’s nothing like starting the season with a monster performance. For Hanahan running back Kevon Rivera Kevon Rivera 5’9″ | 215 lbs | RB Hanahan | 2024 State SC , it was otherworldly. Rivera went nuclear under the lights against Georgetown, putting the team on his back with 31 rushes for 331 yards and six touchdowns. A lightning-quick back with a strong frame at 220 pounds, Rivera stormed past any punches that the Bulldogs threw on Friday night. He’s going to be a challenge to hold down this year and might be the spark the ‘Hawks need to surprise in an ultra-competitive Region VIII-3A.
In his first action as Hilton Head’s unquestioned starter, Jackson Bibee Jackson Bibee 6’5″ | 215 lbs | QB Hilton Head | 2024 State SC put on a show at Battery Creek, throwing for 206 passing yards and three touchdowns to go along with a quarterback sneak. He showed his ability to escape pressure and throw accurately on the run, as evidenced by his second-half touchdown pass to Jake Huggins. Bibee should give the Seahawks an extra edge and skillset at quarterback this year to compete in a tough region.
Highlights
Tristen Simmons
Tristen Simmons
There were quite a few Seahawks to pick from on the defensive side of the ball, but junior Tristen Simmons stood out in a big way. He was on the forefront of being first to the ball-carrier and shutting down the run game, making nine tackles including two behind the scrimmage. His hustle was noticeable from start to finish, pouncing on a loose ball for a key fumble recovery. He’s an underrated piece of a defense that could surprise this fall under BJ Payne.
Christian Tilton
Christian Tilton
When the lights are the brightest, John Paul II’s Christian Tilton finds a way to bring that extra gear on the field. He was the difference in the opener Friday night, accounting for all four Golden Warrior touchdowns in a 28-21 victory over rival Thomas Heyward. An electric playmaker any time the ball is in his hands, Tilton has the potential to propel his new squad to a dangerous one in SCISA 3A under new head coach Shayne Milligan.
In the first-ever game for new program Hampton County, running back Zion Dobson Zion Dobson 5’10” | 175 lbs | RB Hampton County | 2024 State SC provided the spark for the Hurricanes. Dobson was lethal in limited work, totaling 106 rushing yards and the first Hampton County touchdown on 15 carries. An experienced back at the high school level who can burst through holes and break tackles for big gains, Dobson will be critical to setting the tone on offense in the Hurricanes’ first year.
Highlights
Markellis Asbury
Markellis Asbury
In a tough matchup for Philip Simmons against an always-solid Andrews team, Markellis Asbury stepped up for the Iron Horses. Asbury took advantage of the work he got in the ground game, racking up 135 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries. A big and strong back with excellent acceleration down the sideline, Asbury will be tough to hold down in his senior season.
A beast up front on Friday night, Bryce Smalls Bryce Smalls 5’11” | 200 lbs | LB Philip Simmons | 2024 State SC dominated defensively for Philip Simmons in its 52-28 win over Andrews. Smalls created havoc in the backfield all night, making 12 total tackles including three for loss totaling -12 yards. Smalls’ explosive play will be enormous for a loaded Region VIII-3A schedule this year.
In his freshman debut, quarterback Henry Rivers Henry Rivers 5’11” | 160 lbs | QB Berkeley | 2027 State SC put up a sensational performance for the Berkeley Stags. Rivers went 15-of-31 passing for 207 yards and four touchdowns while adding 41 more yards on the ground and a rushing score. He’s a poised young quarterback who knows how to produce in key plays and make good reads. Expect to see Rivers continue to grow in what could be a busy year for the freshman.