WHAT WE SAW: Bluffton 44, Frederica Academy 13
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After a two-week wait, it was all systems go for the Bluffton Bobcats on Thursday night. Powered by a three-touchdown night from quarterback Owen Bayes Owen Bayes 6'3" | 180 lbs | QB Bluffton | 2024 State SC and a…
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Continue ReadingAfter a two-week wait, it was all systems go for the Bluffton Bobcats on Thursday night. Powered by a three-touchdown night from quarterback Owen Bayes Owen Bayes 6'3" | 180 lbs | QB Bluffton | 2024 State SC and a stellar defensive showing, the Bobcats rolled visiting Frederica Academy 44-13.
It’s the second time in three games that the Bobcat offense crossed the 40-point mark this season, and Thursday night may have been the best overall performance yet. Gregory turned to power running back Jake Ridgway on the ground early to help set the tone, and Bayes found wideout Brandon Bryant Brandon Bryant 5'11" | 165 lbs | WR Bluffton | 2024 State SC for a 7-0 lead on the Bobcats’ first possession. It was the start of a solid night for Bayes, who managed the game well at the start and hit the open man on short and intermediary routes. Ridgway was a difference maker on the ground, using his size and strength to plow past defenders on the ground including for a 15-yard touchdown on a delayed handoff.
But the defense was the star of the show, as Gregory’s hungry front seven held down dangerous Frederica quarterback Jordan Triplett. There was little room for Triplett to operate and use his sneaky agility with the defensive line surging forward. Shane Whittaker did an excellent job creating leverage up front and helping his defensive front slow the Knights’ dangerous weapon down. Chris Doyle asserted his presence up front with his terrific footwork and hustle on the line, and Ashton Chambers was flying to the football all night from his spot at defensive back.
Bluffton’s offense kept rolling thanks to a growing core of skill position players and a dynamite effort from the line. Carnell Warren Carnell Warren 6'3" | 170 lbs | WR Bluffton | 2026 State SC showed off his elusiveness on a screen 42 yards out for his first of two touchdowns on the night. It was Bryant’s turn for another explosive play after halftime, torching the defense for a 85-yard touchdown after getting a short pass in space. Bayes put up 302 total passing yards with three touchdowns with two interceptions and was solid in managing the offense and getting it to his playmakers. If he can take his deep-ball touch to the next level, this offense could be even more dangerous thanks to the speed and explosiveness of Warren and Bryant. Both showed off their ability to take it to the house on any play and make defenders miss, combining for 290 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Gregory even got Jeremiah Curry Jeremiah Curry 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Bluffton | 2024 State SC in the action on offense, converting a 45-yard score by finding a lane and outhustling a horde of Knights to the end zone. He’s a built athlete and will be used on both sides in addition to his excellent play at linebacker. It’s a massive momentum-building win for Gregory’s Bobcats, who will use these next two weeks to fine-tune before a loaded Region 7-4A schedule awaits.
OTHER NOTABLE BOBCATS
Eitan Golphin- WR 2024
A running back turned wide receiver this year, Eitan Golphin has a quick first step and should be a nice change-of-pace and depth piece in a strong Bluffton offensive core. Golphin came into some important spots a year ago and has the trust of Gregory to make key conversions with his grit and hustle on the field.
Devon Grant- OL/DL 2024
Devon Grant is a hard-working two way lineman who will do just about anything for Gregory’s squad with a high motor and stamina on every series. He’ll be key down the stretch to open up holes for a dynamic Bobcat rushing attack.
Barrett Lanese- DB 2024
Barrett Lanese brought a nice blend of quickness and physicality to the Bobcat defense Thursday night, picking up a couple of strong open-field stops. He plays with confidence and is becoming a key piece of a growing secondary.