WHAT WE SAW: Porter Powers Beaufort Academy In Season Opener

Photo: Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

Wes Kerr

August 13, 2023 @ 12:11 PM

When Nic Shuford first announced his move to Beaufort Academy last winter, the hype began to grow immediately on Lady's Island. The Eagles lived up to it and then some in an impressive season-opening win on Saturday.    In the first official high school football game in South Carolina this fall, senior Beaufort Academy running back Jaxen Porter stole the show, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns in the Eagles' 30-14 victory over Trinity Collegiate at Charleston Southern University.   Porter's exceptional quickness and power were too much for the Titans to contain, taking advantage of running room on the outside. He showed why he's incredibly tough to wrap up and to anticipate his direction. His best play came on his third and final touchdown of the night, outrunning a host of Trinity defenders before trucking another on his way to the end zone for what proved to be the game-sealing score in the fourth quarter. It wasn't just offense that Porter excelled at; he also added six total tackles defensively including one for loss.    [player_tooltip player_id='268686' first='Dietrich' last='Shuford'] showed some rust early, but the junior quarterback elevated his play in the game's biggest moments. He orchestrated a tremendous two-minute drill for a touchdown to go back ahead before halftime and converted a key fourth-and-8 in the second half by recognizing open room in front of him and picking up the first down with his legs. He followed it up with a sensational throw on the run to Devin Fripp before taking it in himself on a sneak. He loves to go for the flashy play sometimes, but more often than not he makes the right read and finds a way to move the sticks. Against a very strong Trinity defense, there's a lot of great to take away from Shuford's first game as an Eagle.  [player_tooltip player_id='976400' first='Devonte' last='Green'] also showed out for BA, finishing with just over six yards per carry and forcing a fumble on defense. Beaufort Academy's defense forced three turnovers in all, including one on an athletic interception in the end zone from Jace Paulk. It was a complete effort for a BA team that looks like the real deal in SCISA 2A.   [player_tooltip player_id='267473' first='Courtlyn' last='Brunson'] carried the load offensively for the Titans and was excellent running up the middle behind his strong offensive line. It was a solid outing for young eighth-grader Cade Amell at quarterback, going 12-for-20 for 124 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He lobbed a beautiful ball to the left corner of the end zone for the only TD but couldn't quite find the touch on the deep ball that he needed to mount a comeback. But the poise and effort he showed on a big stage under the lights was outstanding. [player_tooltip player_id='272703' first='James' last='Herbert'] was a dominant force on both sides of the ball for the Titans and should be a great security valve for Arnell going forward this season.

When Nic Shuford first announced his move to Beaufort Academy last winter, the hype began to grow immediately on Lady's Island. The Eagles lived up to it and then some in an impressive season-opening win on Saturday.