Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
All in all, the first-round of the state football playoffs turned into a pretty good night for area high school teams on Nov. 7. One of the more impressive showings was turned in by the James Island Trojans, a team that entered the postseason with a 9-1 record. The Trojans picked up their 10th win, defeating Wando 48-0. James Island quarterback Connor Dantzler tossed three touchdown passes in the first half as the Trojans built a 35-0 halftime lead and were never threatened. Dantzler threw for more than 200 yards in the first half, tossing scoring passes to Raphael Puiu, James Hurteau and Jordan Kendrick. Malachi Washington and Zamarius Gladded added rushing scores. James Island coach Jamar McKoy was able to get some backups key playing time in the second half. Gladden returned an interception for a touchdown on Wando’s opening drive of the second half to push the lead to 42-0. “Every win is sweet, so congratulations to our coaches, our players and our fans,” McKoy said. “Our expectations here are to win. Play hard, play good football and win each week.” James Island held Wando to less than 100 total yards and will travel to Sumter (9-1) in next Friday’s second-round game. Sumter ended James Island’s 2024 season with a third-round win. Hanahan also won its first-round game, knocking off Waccamaw 38-21. Sophomore quarterback Tripp Gallus returned from a late season injury and tossed three touchdown passes and 138 yards. Quamell Grant caught two of the touchdown passes and finished with 101 yards on seven catches, and Grayson Mathes caught the other pass. Isaiah Snodgrass added 152 yards rushing and three touchdown runs as the Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter. “Biggest turnaround was right before the half to go up two scores, and we finished the game with two massive drives,” said Hanahan coach Milan Turner. “Our offensive line was outstanding tonight. They played as a unit. Great night for those guys.”
