South Carolina High School Football: Stellar Performances and Injuries Highlight Second Week

High school football players in an action scene during a game

South Carolina, August 31, 2025

News Summary

The second week of South Carolina high school football showcased impressive performances, notably from Bluffton’s quarterback Aedan McCarthy. While McCarthy led his team to victory, there were concerning injuries, including a serious situation for a Palmetto junior player. Teams like Greenwood, James Island, and Bethesda also delivered significant performances, with standout players making headlines. Despite the challenges, the competitive spirit of high school football remains vibrant across the state.

South Carolina High School Football: Stellar Performances and Injuries Highlight Second Week

Bluffton secured its second win of the season in a thrilling display of athleticism, when quarterback Aedan McCarthy led the team with an impressive performance, throwing for over 300 yards and rushing for over 100 yards. McCarthy completed 25 of 31 passes for 315 yards and recorded three touchdowns. He also contributed to the team’s ground game with 12 rushes for 106 yards and two additional touchdowns. Alongside McCarthy, Aaiden Howell added 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Roman Benjamin notched six receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

In other games across the state, Greenwood showed dominant form, as South Carolina commit Triston Lewis threw for 125 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another touchdown, leading the team to victory over Beaufort. Notably, Beaufort’s lone touchdown resulted from a pass thrown by Braydon Moyd-Smalls to Keandre Jennings after Moyd-Smalls stepped in for injured quarterback Anthony Kahler.

James Island triumphed over their opponent with quarterback Connor Dantzler throwing touchdown passes to Sam Crumpton and Jordan Kendrick. They were supported by a 50-yard field goal from Thomas Lorentz and a defensive touchdown from Jayseyvion Brown, who returned an interception for a score. In a closely contested matchup, Hilton Head Island fell short against West Ashley, despite a touchdown contribution from Derrick Raniszewski.

May River also faced a defeat against West Ashley, with scores from Sean Mitchell and Andrew Johnson. Jadon Inabinett scored the go-ahead touchdown for West Ashley and propelled the team to a late-game win, converting a pivotal two-point conversion to finalize the score at 19-14. Meanwhile, John Paul II experienced their own victory with a critical fourth-down stop and contributions from Andrew Boyden with a touchdown run and Jackson Reilley with a long field goal.

In a noteworthy comeback, Jermon Bowers of Whale Branch scored four touchdowns to lead his team back from a 14-0 deficit, showcasing resilience alongside an interception performance on defense. Hardeeville‘s Camari Brown scored three touchdowns, but the team ultimately lost to Bethesda. Bethesda’s star Nych Underwood shined with a stellar performance, rushing for 181 yards and scoring five touchdowns.

In a more tactical display, Colleton overcame Thomas Heyward with reliable plays including a touchdown by Cale Evans and a defensive score from Everett Temple. Thomas Corbett also caught a pivotal touchdown pass for Colleton, helping secure the win. Additionally, THA’s Tony O’Banner had a notable game, scoring two rushing touchdowns.

Tragically, an unnamed junior player from Palmetto sustained a serious injury during a game against Crescent and was airlifted to the hospital. The district prioritized the wellbeing of the athlete, and updates from the family indicate that the player is recovering, with the ability to talk, move limbs, and eat.

The week had its share of striking scores, with teams such as Aiken defeating Airport significantly at 44-0 and Dutch Fork overcoming Spartanburg with a score of 54-21, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent across high school football in South Carolina.

Top Performers of the Week

  • Aedan McCarthy (Bluffton) – 315 yards passing, 106 yards rushing, 5 total TDs
  • Triston Lewis (Greenwood) – 125 yards passing, 1 rushing TD
  • Nych Underwood (Bethesda) – 181 yards rushing, 5 total TDs
  • Jermon Bowers (Whale Branch) – 4 total TDs, 1 interception
  • Connor Dantzler (James Island) – 2 touchdown passes

Conclusion

As high school football continues to thrive in South Carolina, teams exhibit noteworthy performances and strength on the field while also emphasizing the importance of safety following the unfortunate injury incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the standout performers in South Carolina high school football this week?

Standout players include Aedan McCarthy from Bluffton, who had a total of 5 touchdowns, and Nych Underwood from Bethesda, who rushed for 181 yards and scored 5 touchdowns.

What happened to the player from Palmetto?

An unnamed junior player from Palmetto was airlifted to the hospital after sustaining an injury during a game. Thankfully, the player’s condition is improving with positive updates from their family.


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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD

The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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