2024 Preview: Hilton Head Christian Eagles

HILTON HEAD ISLAND | [player_tooltip player_id='1395087' first='Reid' last='McCollum'] (pictured) was a starting outside linebacker who backed up quarterback Dylan Clark as Hilton Head Christian won its third SCISA title in four years.   As the Eagles enter this season with an 11-game winning streak carried over from last season after an 0-2 start, McCollum looks to continue his dual role. Only this time, he'll do so as the Eagles' starting quarterback in addition to his linebacking duties.   “Obviously, we have big shoes to fill with 18 seniors leaving,” McCallum said. “So, we have a whole new offense and defense.   “We have big shoes to fill in, but the coaches will get us right and I feel like we'll play good as a team.”   Motivation to repeat as SCISA Class 3A champion has helped galvanize the team, according to assistant coach John Houpt, as well as looking to accept the mantle of leadership passed down by the graduating seniors.   “Everyone is going to expect them to be young and inexperienced, but they forget they played underneath those guys for a whole season. They got to see how to go out and perform and they're ready to fill in those shoes and do the same thing those seniors did.”   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='1395087' first='Reid' last='McCollum'] QB, 2026 - The 6-foot-3, 205-pound rising junior was second on the team in sacks (9) to go with 78 tackles. He also appeared in six games at quarterback, going 12-19 for 246 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.     Jack Guarisco OL, 2025 –He's played on all three SCISA championship teams. Along with experience, he brings a rugged toughness to both guard positions and center. At 5-foot-8 and 240 pounds, he relies upon strength and disciplined technique to get an advantage with his short, stocky frame.     [player_tooltip player_id='1822730' first='Finn' last='Ussery'] LB 2026 – Played in nine games last season. A two-sport athlete, he exhibits quickness in providing pressure from the outside linebacker spot. He's also expected to see time at wide receiver.   Hamilton Butler OL 2025 – A versatile player who will see action at wide receiver, tight end, and defensive end. One of the few returning starters from a defense which graduated eight players.   FILM REVIEW   Ian Kelly K 2025 – As the third-ranked high school placekicker in South Carolina, the rising senior is not exactly under the radar. A near automatic on PATS (42-43 last year) whose range goes as long as 50 yards, Kelly also serves as a weapon on kickoffs. It's a near-guarantee that teams will have to drive 80 or more yards after one of his many touchbacks.    BIGGEST LOSS (es)   Dylan Clark QB – The heart and soul of the Eagles' offense with just over 3,000 total yards and 25 touchdowns last season.   AJ Houpt WR – Last year's leading receiver with 57 receptions, 924 yards and 13 touchdowns.   Zane Wilson LB - Led the defense with 144 total tackles and five sacks.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Joseph Houpt WR, 2025 – He spent the summer working with older brother AJ as he looks to replace him at wide receiver.   Jackson Richardson DB, 2027 – As a freshman, he collected 37 tackles and three interceptions at cornerback and safety.    As a freshman, he performed like a seasoned veteran at right guard. His lateral foot movement and quickness for someone his size made it difficult for defenders to get around him. His long reach enables him to push aside defenders or prevent them from grabbing him for an advantage.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND | Reid McCollum Reid McCollum 6'3" | 210 lbs | QB Hilton Head Christian | 2026 State SC (pictured) was a starting outside linebacker who backed up quarterback Dylan Clark as Hilton Head Christian won its third SCISA title in four years.