Beaufort’s Playoff Drama Unfolds with Mixed Results
In the picturesque coastal city of Beaufort, excitement and disappointment were on full display as local high school football teams battled it out in the playoffs this weekend. From thrilling touchdowns to nail-biting moments, here’s a recap of how our teams fared and what lies ahead.
4A Action: Hartsville Takes Down Beaufort
It was a challenging night for the Beaufort Eagles as they faced off against the Hartsville Red Foxes in the first round of the CLASS 4A state playoffs. After a spirited effort, the Eagles fell short with a final score of 45-21. The highlight of the night came when senior running back Samari Bonds broke free for a remarkable 48-yard touchdown run, leveling the game at 14 late in the third quarter.
However, the joy was short-lived as the Red Foxes responded swiftly, returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and taking control for the remainder of the game. The final seconds echoed with cheers from Hartsville fans as their team secured a spot in the next playoff round. Despite the loss, Beaufort concluded its season with a record of 2-9, showing flashes of talent throughout the year.
3A Roundup: Dillon Dominates Battery Creek
On a different field, the Battery Creek Dolphins faced off against the powerhouse team from Dillon in the CLASS 3A playoffs. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they found themselves in a significant hole early on, trailing by three touchdowns just after the first quarter. The final score read 42-7, marking a tough outing for the Dolphins, who finished their season with a 3-7 record.
Junior standout Derrick Smalls Jr. managed to bring some excitement to the field, scoring Battery Creek’s only touchdown with a kick return. However, without their injured quarterback Chase Olsen, the offense struggled to gain momentum against Dillon, who is ranked in the top five teams in the state.
SCISA 1A: Beaufort Academy’s Tough Battle
In private school action, Beaufort Academy faced the Williamsburg Academy Stallions in the SCISA 1A playoffs. Despite a resolute defensive effort that kept the team competitive, the Eagles were unable to find the end zone, ultimately falling 21-0. Key performances came from Micah Balder, who rushed for significant yardage but couldn’t break through the strong Stallions’ defense.
With this loss, Beaufort Academy concluded its season with a record of 8-5, providing a bright future as they look to regroup for the next year.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Matchups Await
As the playoffs continue to shape up, local fans can look forward to thrilling matchups in the upcoming rounds. In CLASS 5A, teams like Boiling Springs and River Bluff will be moving on, and eyes are on Keenan and Dillon as they aim for success in the next rounds.
The excitement continues to build as our local teams play their hearts out on the field. With every touchdown, the dreams of playoff glory keep alive the spirit of competition and community pride in Beaufort. Stay tuned as we follow our teams’ journeys through this electrifying playoff season!
