Hilton Head Island, September 7, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling high school football matchup, the Hilton Head Island Seahawks bested the Aiken Hornets with a decisive 36-17 victory, marking Aiken’s first loss of the season. Jayvin Risher starred for the Seahawks, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 131 yards, while quarterback Derrick Raniszewski passed for 144 yards, including a remarkable 92-yard touchdown connection. Despite strong efforts from Aiken, including quarterback Tanner Padgett’s touchdown run, turnovers hindered their performance. This game highlights the growing rivalry as both teams prepare for future contests.
Hilton Head Island Dominates Aiken Hornets in High School Football Showdown
The Hilton Head Island Seahawks triumphed over the Aiken Hornets with a commanding final score of 36-17, marking Aiken’s first loss of the season. The game took place on a Friday night during the third week of high school football action in 2025.
Leading the Seahawks, Jayvin Risher was instrumental in the victory, scoring three total touchdowns and rushing for an impressive 131 yards. Risher returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. His performance was highlighted as a key factor in the Seahawks’ success.
Quarterback Derrick Raniszewski for Hilton Head Island contributed significantly by passing for 144 yards and connecting with Jeremiah Walters on a stunning 92-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter, pushing the score to 29-7 before Aiken managed to respond.
Aiken’s Challenge and Response
Aiken Hornets fought back, with quarterback Tanner Padgett scoring on a four-yard touchdown run that narrowed the score to 29-14 with only 2:31 left in the second quarter. Despite Aiken’s struggle to tackle Hilton Head Island’s running backs—allowing the Seahawks’ run game to accumulate 225 yards on 34 carries—the Hornets demonstrated tenacity and resilience throughout the game.
Just before halftime, Aiken managed to force a punt leading to a 36-yard field goal by Hugo Diaz, which capped off the first half at 29-17. However, the Hornets turned the ball over three times throughout the game, hampering their offensive efforts.
In the second half, Aiken had promising moments, coming within nine yards of cutting the deficit to one score late in the third quarter. Unfortunately, a fumble thwarted their chances, and the Seahawks maintained their lead, ultimately finishing the game at 36-17.
Outlook for Both Teams
The loss dropped Aiken’s record to 2-1, ending their strong start to the season, where they achieved their first 2-0 record in 15 years. The first-year head coach Steve Hibbitts emphasized the growth of his players, encouraging them to not dwell on past performances and to recognize their progress despite this setback. Fans applauded the Hornets for their efforts, acknowledging their improvement on the field.
As the Seahawks celebrate their victory, they will look to build on this success in their next matchup. Aiken will aim to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming games.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Hilton Head Island Seahawks vs. Aiken Hornets game?
The final score was 36-17 in favor of the Hilton Head Island Seahawks.
Who was the standout player in the game?
Jayvin Risher was the standout player, scoring three total touchdowns and rushing for 131 yards.
How did Aiken perform despite the loss?
Aiken showed resilience and had moments of success, managing 57 rushing yards each from Michael Francis and Darius Walker, but struggled with turnovers.
What was Aiken’s record after the game?
The loss brought Aiken’s record to 2-1.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Final Score | 36-17 in favor of Hilton Head Island Seahawks |
| Jayvin Risher’s Performance | 3 touchdowns, 131 rushing yards, 55-yard interception return for a touchdown |
| Derrick Raniszewski’s Passing | 144 passing yards, 92-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Walters |
| Aiken’s Turnovers | 3 turnovers during the game |
| Aiken’s Record After Game | 2-1, first loss of the season |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Seahawks Secure 36-17 Victory Over Aiken
South Carolina High School Football Week 3 Recap: Record-Setting Performances
Hilton Head Island Volleyball Team Suffers Seventh Consecutive Loss
Hilton Head Island Dominates Aiken in Football Match
Hilton Head Island Showcases Walter Czura’s Film ‘The Final Run’ at Cannes Film Festival
Porter-Gaud Cyclones Claim Victory Over Seahawks
South Carolina High School Football Rankings for September 2
James Island Trojans Triumph Over Hilton Head Seahawks
Hilton Head Island Seahawks Suffer Fourth Consecutive Defeat
Hilton Head Island Seahawks Volleyball Team Faces Challenges
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Dominates Aiken Hornets
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- MaxPreps: Hilton Head Island Wins Against Aiken
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Seahawks Football
- Post and Courier: Aiken Falls to Hilton Head Island
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island Football Team
- WRDW: Aiken High Falls to Hilton Head Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- MaxPreps: James Island Wins Against Hilton Head Island

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.


