Chris Cox covers high school sports and tennis in Beaufort County. | I tried to come up with some sort of catchy name for this week’s games for Bluffton and Hilton Head High — but Judgment Week was the best I could do. I give up.
Anyway, it’s an important week for both the Bobcats and Seahawks. Bluffton probably faces its toughest region challenge when Cane Bay visits Bobcat Stadium. Both teams may not admit it, but they likely believe they are playing for a region championship.
Hilton Head High hosts Lake Marion in a game that in my mind will decide the fourth and final playoff spot in Region 7-AAA.
Read on for my predictions, and feel free to add your own in the comments section.
Cane Bay (4-2) at Bluffton (6-0)
1. Don’t change a thing : This is one of the few times I can recall having “don’t” in one of my keys, but I think it’s important for the Bobcats to remember why they’re 6-0. Yes, I expect Cane Bay to provide the toughest test yet, but Bluffton it still the favorite. Make the opponent adjust and stick to what you do well.
2. Protect C.J. Frazier: The Bobcats’ quarterback has ridiculous numbers this year — 22 touchdowns and only two picks. A big reason for that: Bluffton’s offensive line had done a superb job giving him time to find receivers Dimitri Lowry, Eric Boyles, Marquis Webber and Jerry Scott.
3. Make speed beat power: Expect Cane Bay to try to overpower the Bobcats’ defense Friday night. Bluffton has a defense built on speed, but they will need to be both fast and strong. They have surpassed every test this year, but the Cobras will likely show formations they have yet to see.
My prediction: Bluffton 48, Cane Bay 14
Lake Marion (2-4) at Hilton Head High (2-4)
1.Stay poised: The Seahawks likely realize the implications of this matchup — the loser will be in a dogfight to make the playoffs while the winner will need only one more victory to grab a spot. I thought the Seahawks got caught up in the moment while leading 7-0 last week. They need to learn from that experience and stay in control with a lead this time around.
2. Win the turnover battle: The defense has played much, much better over the past few weeks than it did the first three. It played well again last week, in my opinion, but it wasn’t helped by the offense turning the ball over in its own territory. In a game that could swing either way, look for the team that turns it over the fewest times to come out with a win.
3. Play better on special teams: The Seahawks gave up big plays on special teams last week — including a kickoff return for a touchdown — that changed the momentum of the game on a couple of occasions. Special teams isn’t usually the most noticeable unit on the field, but games can be won or lost on big special teams plays.
My prediction: Lake Marion 20, Hilton Head High 14