News Summary
The Hilton Head Prep Dolphins are determined to improve their performance this football season following a challenging last season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Doug McFadden, the team is emphasizing enhanced run defense, conditioning, and teamwork as they aim for victory in their upcoming home games. The Dolphins have also celebrated recent athletic successes in various sports, showcasing their competitive spirit and determination as they pursue their ultimate goal of a State Championship.
Hilton Head Island – The Hilton Head Prep Dolphins are gearing up for a promising football season, aiming to improve from a challenging 3-7 record from the 2024 season, their first winning season since 2021. With a renewed spirit and dedicated coaching staff under second-year Head Coach Doug McFadden, the team is focused on several key areas to enhance performance in the upcoming 2025 season.
The Dolphins’ season opener is scheduled against Beaufort Academy on August 15th. Last year, the game highlighted significant weaknesses in their run defense, an area Coach McFadden has prioritized for improvement. To address this, the team’s training regimen emphasizes conditioning and overall physical fitness, aiming to bring a more robust performance on the field.
While the Dolphins made the playoffs last year, they are determined to build on this success by winning more games during the regular season and advancing further in the playoffs. Senior player Davis Cargill has articulated the team’s aspirations to clinch more conference victories and secure a home playoff game. The ultimate goal remains the coveted State Championship.
The season will start favorably for the Dolphins, as they have three consecutive home games lined up, which could provide them an advantage as they pursue an early winning streak.
In addition to their football aspirations, the Dolphins have recently celebrated significant achievements across multiple sports. In baseball, the team triumphed in the SCISA 3A championship series against Orangeburg Prep, clinching the title with a decisive 5-3 victory in the final game. This championship marked a high point in a period where Hilton Head Prep also secured titles in boys basketball, boys golf, and girls soccer.
The baseball championship series was highly competitive. Hilton Head Prep won the first game 3-0 but faced a tough challenge in the second game, losing 6-5. The deciding game showcased the resilience of the Dolphins, who overcame a 3-1 deficit in the sixth inning by scoring four runs to take the lead and ultimately win the championship. Key players in the final game included standout pitcher Brandon Espinoza, who delivered a complete game and struck out five batters, and Sammy Middleton, who contributed two RBIs to the team’s success. Despite a solo home run from Eli Pantaleon of Orangeburg Prep, the team could not secure the championship win.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins are taking the lessons learned from last season into the new football season, emphasizing teamwork, strategic improvements, and physical preparation. Coach McFadden’s leadership is seen as a cornerstone for the team’s growth and success, as he instills a competitive spirit and discipline among the players.
As the Dolphins embark on this new athletic year, they carry the hopes of their supporters and the determination to transform past challenges into opportunities for victory.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Prep Dolphins Preview
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Lowco Sports: 2025 Lowco High School Football Schedule
- Google Search: Hilton Head Prep football
- The State: South Carolina High School Football News
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Prep
- Island Packet: Dolphins’ Athletic Achievements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina high school football
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.
