WHAT WE SAW: Hilton Head Seahawks Start Strong at Battery Creek

Wes Kerr

August 19, 2023 @ 09:08 PM

Compared to some other Lowcountry squads, there was a quieter buzz throughout the preseason when it came to BJ Payne's Hilton Head Seahawks. But if Friday night is any indication, this team might have what it takes to surprise come region play. Fueled by a four-touchdown game from senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='464809' first='Jackson' last='Bibee'] and a five-turnover game from the defense, Hilton Head downed Battery Creek 39-6 on the road Friday to open its 2023 campaign.    With [player_tooltip player_id='790404' first='Owen' last='Bayes'] now over at Bluffton, the starting job officially belonged to Bibee. He showed his potential for what he could do to ignite the passing game, throwing for 206 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. His improvisation and mobility in the pocket was impressive, and he took advantage of a missed Creek assignment for a deep touchdown pass to Javarian Hamilton. And he shined under pressure late to put the game away, escaping a host of Dolphins and throwing on the run to find Jake Huggins in the end zone. He proved he has the poise and experience to make the routine throws and some higher-degree plays as well. It wasn't the flashiest game for running back [player_tooltip player_id='1013024' first='Troy' last='Timko'], but he was effective in the second half to wear down Battery Creek's front. Hilton Head's offense was excellent all night, but it was the defensive side that really stole the show, forcing five turnovers throughout the game.   With [player_tooltip player_id='448980' first='Shaikh' last='Thompson'] setting an ever-present tone up front, we saw a number of other Seahawks making plays. X-factor Connor Weindl was everywhere defensively, anticipating the play and making quick and efficient stops. LJ Morgan turned in a breakout game with an interception and a fumble recovery including a game-ending scoop-and-score, while Tyler Wiedemann came through with an enormous forced fumble to give the Seahawks a short field in the second half. Hilton Head's special teams also got in on the action, picking up a first-half scoop-and-score from Nathan Apy.    It was a challenging night for Battery Creek, but the front seven was a bright spot for the Dolphins, holding Timko to under 3.5 yards per carry and completely stymieing the run game in the first half. Christian Fess had a terrific night for the Dolphins with his strength and hustle up front. Fess' relentless play was rewarded with a forced fumble, finding an open lane to the ball carrier and knocking the ball loose to cause the turnover. The offense may need a little more work, but Battery Creek's defense should allow the Dolphins to stay in some more games this year and potentially make some Region VII-3A battles more interesting.

Compared to some other Lowcountry squads, there was a quieter buzz throughout the preseason when it came to BJ Payne's Hilton Head Seahawks. But if Friday night is any indication, this team might have what it takes to surprise come region play. Fueled by a four-touchdown game from senior quarterback Jackson Bibee Jackson Bibee 6'5" | 215 lbs | QB Hilton Head | 2024 State SC and a five-turnover game from the defense, Hilton Head downed Battery Creek 39-6 on the road Friday to open its 2023 campaign.