Augusta, GA, August 18, 2025
News Summary
High schools in the Augusta region have begun their football season with jamboree events and rivalry games. As the South Carolina High School League prepares for the competitive season commencing soon, teams are adjusting to recent developments and weather challenges. The jamborees showcased thrilling matches, including a victory for Swansea over South Aiken with a last-minute touchdown, and a competitive rivalry game where Westside defeated Laney. Community members are also dealing with the recent loss of a state trooper and a significant fire incident at a local treatment plant.
Augusta, GA – High schools in the region have kicked off their football season with jamborees and rivalry games, as the South Carolina High School League gears up for its competitive season starting next week. Georgia high schools have already initiated their football operations this week. The multi-school jamboree hosted by Thurmond and Silver Bluff featured five mini-games among seven participating teams, although Swansea did not compete. An hour delay pushed the start time of the jamboree to 7 p.m.
The mini-games were formatted with two 12-minute halves, with South Aiken taking on Swansea in the opening match. Swansea clinched victory over South Aiken with a dramatic last-minute touchdown. In another notable game, Aiken faced off against Wagner-Sally, following a similar structure. The other teams participating in the jamboree included Silver Bluff, Ridge Spring-Monetta, and Blackville Hilda, engaging in three games that each ran for one 12-minute period.
Challenges surrounding player development and scheduling were highlighted by Silver Bluff’s head coach, who noted difficulties arising from recent weather interruptions. The week also saw many community members mourning the loss of a South Carolina state trooper who tragically lost his life in a crash the previous weekend.
In another pivotal local matchup, Westside triumphed over Laney with a score of 21-12 in a rivalry game that showcased intense competition. Laney’s senior quarterback, Trevon Griffin, was a key player during this heated contest. The game took a crucial turn when Jaylen Stone of Laney threw a late interception that allowed Westside to score again. Following a failed two-point conversion attempt by Laney, Westside solidified their victory with a near 70-yard touchdown run by Tamari Curry. The coach of Laney, entering his fifth year, was leading a squad with 20 senior players, including returning quarterback Jaylen Stone.
Last season, Westside’s offense averaged 25 points per game, highlighting their offensive capabilities which played a vital role in their success over Laney. Meanwhile, the start of the official games for high school football teams is set for August 15, as the local area steps fully into the athletic season.
Adding to the recent events in the community, a significant fire incident occurred at the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant on Friday afternoon, raising safety concerns among residents.
Upcoming Season Insights
As the South Carolina High School League prepares for the official season commencement on August 15, coaches and players are focused on making necessary adjustments following recent jamborees and developments. The games not only serve to prepare teams for upcoming challenges but also unveil talent among the coaches, such as Geremy Saitz of Blackville Hilda and Steve Hibbits of Aiken, who are coaching their teams for the first time in this competitive atmosphere.
Rivalry Games and Performance Trends
The excitement surrounding rivalry games continues to build, with both teams striving to establish early dominance in the season. The competitive spirit displayed during the jamborees sets the stage for an electrifying high school football season in the Augusta and surrounding areas.
FAQ
When does the official high school football season start in South Carolina?
The official high school football season in South Carolina starts on August 15.
What were the outcomes of the jamboree games?
Swansea won against South Aiken with a last-minute touchdown, while Aiken played Wagner-Sally in a similar format. Silver Bluff, Ridge Spring-Monetta, and Blackville Hilda also participated in various games.
What significant events are affecting local high schools recently?
Recently, there has been mourning in the community due to the death of a South Carolina state trooper, and a fire incident occurred at the Horse Creek Water Treatment Plant.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Jamborees | Hosted by Thurmond and Silver Bluff; included five mini-games. |
| Team Participation | Seven teams involved, with Swansea absent. |
| Key Matchup | Swansea vs. South Aiken; Swansea won with a last-minute touchdown. |
| Rivalry Game | Westside defeated Laney 21-12. |
| Upcoming Season Start | South Carolina season kicks off on August 15. |
| Community Events | Mourning for a fallen state trooper and a fire incident at the water treatment plant. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Aiken high school football schedule: Homecoming, Senior Night & Weeknight Games
Severe Thunderstorm Alert Issued for Aiken Area
Local High Schools Kick Off Football Season with Jamborees
Aiken high school football schedule 2025: Key Dates, Venues & Printable Calendar
Aiken high school football schedule: Week-by-week 2025 Hornets guide
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Westside Defeats Laney
- Wikipedia
- WJBF: Football Friday Night 2025
- Google Search: High School Football 2025
- The Augusta Press: CSRA High School Football Scores
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- Augusta Chronicle: Highest Paid Coaches
- Google News: High School Football Augusta
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. 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.
