It easily could have been billed as a matchup between a returning SCISA Class 2A champion playing in the backyard of a defending SCISA Class 3A champion,
However, Bethesda and Hilton head Christian have begun the season heading in the opposite direction. The Blazers (0-2) are experiencing some growing pains, while the host Eagles (2-1) appear to be in midseason form.
Such was the case that emerged in the Eagles' 34-14 victory.
Yet, Bethesda stayed within striking distance in the opening half. Trailing 14-0 midway in the second quarter, the Blazers failed to convert a fourth down on the Hilton Head Christian 11-yard line.
It was the difference between an established team and a growing one.
"We were right there , and we either could have been up or down three points when they later kicked the field goal," said Bethesda veteran head coach Antwain Turner. "We made it a little bit closer going into the second quarter. We're still working through situations like that one."
But the Blazers did take advantage of their best field position on the night after a 20-yard punt that placed the ball on the HHCA 34-yard line,
From there, senior running back Assir Best broke free on a 34-yard scamper, and he also scored on the two-point conversion that closed the gap to 14-8 with just over six minutes remaining in the opening half. Best later added a 77-yard romp and finished the game with 152 yards rushing.
Hilton Head Christian went into halftime with a 17-8 lead when Ian Kelly booted a 44-yard field goal. Kelly earlier justmissed from 50 yards, but he later boomed a 33-yard field goal..
Turner knows it will be a process. The Blazers dropped a 41-34 decision to Thomas Heyward Academy in their opener last week.
"We have a good young team, but we're going to have to go through these games," added Turner. "We knew these first two games were going to be an opportunity for us to find out who we are, work with our mistakes, and then turn the corner.
"I believe we will be on the rise and did a lot of good things tonight. We turned the ball over twice, and that hurt us really bad. We missed a lot of tackles, and we have to do a better job of wrapping up.
"We saw some good stuff. We played well in spots, and they controlled the clock and kept us off the field."
Still within reach beginning the third quarter, Blazers' quarterback Luke Larson's pass was intercepted on the second play of the half. Three plays later, HHCA quarterback Reid McCollum flipped a 15- yard pass to Kres Langhals that pushed their margin to 24-8.
Turner knew it could have changed his team's anticipated course.
"Coming out of halftime, we talked about driving the ball down the field and scoring," stated Turner. "That would have put us in a one-possession game. Sometimes, interceptions can deflate you as a team.
"But all of the things we are going through right now are important for our learning."
Bethesda did have trouble dealing with McCollum all night, as the junior had time to throw and scrambled out of situations under pressure. He guided the Eagles on an opening, 11-play, 65-yard drive and scored on a six-yard jaunt and later an 11-yard sprint. McCollum threw for 313 yards with a pair of touchdowns and ran for 74 yards. Joey Haupt was his favorite target, with 13 receptions for 136 yards.
Best, who spent last season at Memorial, has enjoyed the quick transition,
"I got here really late in the summer, and they welcomed me with open arms," beamed Best. "Coach Turner has so many gracious plans for me. It's hard when you're not the starting running back, but I love (starter Jordan) Cheever. He's going to be dominant, and I would like to coach him up with me being a senior.
"As long as he eats out there, and my team does, that's all I care about. At Memorial, we had a winning mentality, but we didn't have a winning team. Here, we're still young and developing, but we're going to come back and win. We can win a state championship if we do the small things right."
Turner expects Best to adapt and produce in his new environment.
"He was phenomenal tonight, and he has a lot of potential he hasn't realized yet," stressed Turner. "He can have a sensational year on the offensive and defensive side. We're still getting to know him, but I'm excited about him.
HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN 34, BETHESDA ACADEMY 14
| Bethesda | 0 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 14 |
| HHC | 7 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 34 |
|
RECORDS: HHC 2-1, BA 0-2 |
|||||
First Quarter
HHCA - Reid McCollum six run ( Ian Kelly kick
Second Quarter
HHCA - McCollum 11 run (Kelly kick)
B - Assir Best 34 run (Best run)
HHCA - FG Kelly 43
Third Quarter
HHCA - Kres Langhals 15 pass from McCollum ( Kelly kick)
HHCA - FG Kelly 33
B- Best 34 run (run failed)
Fourth Quarter
HHCA - Harry Cunningham five pass from McCollum (Kelly kick)
RECORDS - HHC 2-1, BA 0-2
FINAL SCORES
Week 3 - Aug. 30
Richmond Hill 45, Everglades, FL 0
New Hampstead 47, Effingham County 44
Toombs County 49, South Effingham 0
Benedictine 43, Burke County 14
Oceanside Collegiate, SC 16, Calvary Day 15
Jenkins 58, Groves 0
SE Bulloch 43, Islands 7
Long County 42, Johnson 0
Liberty County 20, Windsor Forest 19
Savannah Christian 45, Providence Christian 0
Porter Gaud, S.C. 23, Savannah Country Day 3
Central Fellowship Christian 24, St. Andrew's 20
Memorial Day 24, Grace Christian 0
Hilton Head Christian 34, Bethesda 14
Cathedral Academy, SC 35, Coastal Homeschool 14
PHOTO CREDIT: Prep Sports Report
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