Week 5 Lowcountry Game Balls
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Each week of the regular season, we’ll recognize the top players in the Lowcountry who took their game to another level. It’s time to give out our game balls for Week 5 of the 2023 season. Jadyn Andrews Jadyn Andrews…
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Continue ReadingEach week of the regular season, we’ll recognize the top players in the Lowcountry who took their game to another level. It’s time to give out our game balls for Week 5 of the 2023 season.
The Beaufort Eagles lost a lot from their spectacular ground game last season with Kacy Fields and Colton Phares, but they’ve found a solid new addition to the backfield in senior Jadyn Andrews Jadyn Andrews 5’9″ | 190 lbs | RB Beaufort | 2024 State SC . He was unleashed on the Bluffton defense on Friday, scoring five rushing touchdowns including on a 66-yard scamper in a victory over the Bobcats. Andrews has shown his abilities to break tackles and pinpoint the holes to run through to break into open space. He’s a dynamic workhorse back who’s become the focal point of the Eagle offense in 2023.
Bluffton fell short 42-36 in a high-octane offensive clash with Beaufort on Friday, but Brandon Bryant turned in a monstrous game out wide for the Bobcats. It was a record-breaking performance for his side, as Bryant reeled in 15 catches for 334 yards and four touchdowns on the night. His crisp route-running and breakaway speed provided the difference for Bryant to get separation and outrun his defenders to the outside. He’s been part of a high-powered Bluffton attack that can make big plays happen quickly when the defense isn’t ready.
Highlights
Bradford Thompson
Bradford Thompson
Bradford Thompson is normally used to making plays on the defensive side, but on Friday night he did it on both ways. In addition to his stout play on the line, Thompson did some work carrying the rock, turning five carries into 101 yards and a touchdown as the Warriors rolled past Battery Creek. Thompson dominated with his elite strength and momentum to plow through defenders and display a terrific motor to pick up more yards in the open field. He added to his big night with another textbook effort on defense, making eight tackles and getting to the quarterback three times for sacks. He’s an all-around playmaker for a Whale Branch team that is rolling on both sides in Class 1A.
The stellar season of Philip Simmons’ KJ Asbury continued on Friday night in a dominant 58-10 win over Bishop England. Asbury was untouchable on the ground, going for 208 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries of the football. It’s his sixth straight 100-yard game to begin the 2023 campaign, and it puts him at a whopping 1,062 yards and 15 touchdowns midway through the season. His strong frame and power help him break tackles on his way down the field, and he hits open holes hard with an impressive burst of speed. Asbury is just 170 yards away from a career mark of 2,000 as he prepares for a home matchup with Beaufort on Friday.
The partner in a loaded backfield for Asbury, Sharod Williams has been racking up yards himself for the Iron Horses. Williams delivered another excellent showing to complete the stellar Iron Horses running-back tandem, posting 140 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Another talented and strong back, Williams can win with his physical running up the middle or his quick acceleration through open lanes. He’s been an amazing complement to Asbury so far this year and is also approaching the 2,000-career yard milestone. They’ll have a stiff challenge next week against a tough Beaufort run defense to open region play.
It was a tough loss for Fort Dorchester against a loaded Gaffney squad on Friday, but Charles Watson Charles Watson 6’2″ | 185 lbs | QB Fort Dorchester | 2024 State SC was impressive for the Patriots. He did his job against a strong defense, going 14-for-26 for 213 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Watson didn’t throw it a ton, but he was efficient and took advantage of open spots in coverage to quickly hit his receivers. He spread the ball around to five different targets, showing his excellent vision and trust in his playmakers. He looks to have emerged as the winner of a tight two-man competition and should be in line for a strong season in Class 5A.
Leading the charge offensively in a strong win for Ashley Ridge, running back
Jayden Acosta
Jayden
Acosta
5’8″ | 185 lbs | RB
Ashley Ridge | 2025
State
SC
excelled on Friday night to take down Wando. Acosta’s explosiveness on the ground was too much for the Warriors, rushing for 132 yards and four touchdowns on 16 carries. A talented playmaker with the ball in his hands, Acosta did an excellent job of slashing through open lanes and has the quickness and agility to make defenders miss. He’ll have a chance to prove himself next week on the road as the unbeaten Swamp Foxes travel to Fort Dorchester.