Silver Bluff, SC, August 24, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling season opener, the Silver Bluff Bulldogs secured a narrow victory against the South Aiken Thoroughbreds with a final score of 34-31. The game showcased intense competition as Silver Bluff celebrated its first win on the newly installed artificial turf. The highlight was a game-winning touchdown catch by Jessie Shelley, solidifying Silver Bluff’s redemption after a previous loss to South Aiken. Quarterback Trellis Riley’s performance was crucial, along with impressive contributions from Drelyn Brown, who rushed for 97 yards and three touchdowns.
Silver Bluff, SC
The Silver Bluff Bulldogs celebrated a thrilling season opener on Friday night, narrowly defeating the South Aiken Thoroughbreds with a final score of 34-31. The match held at Silver Bluff’s home ground marked a significant victory as it was their first win on the newly installed artificial turf.
Tension ran high throughout the game, which displayed an exhilarating back-and-forth as both teams shifted momentum. The decisive moment occurred when Jessie Shelley caught the game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Trellis Riley with just 24 seconds remaining on the clock. This victory not only adds to Silver Bluff’s early season success but also marks a redemption from their previous matchup with South Aiken, which they lost 35-18 in August 2024.
Initially, it appeared that South Aiken was poised for victory when Kyson McLeod caught a 55-yard touchdown pass from Tommy Burns, putting South Aiken ahead 31-28 in the fourth quarter. The Thoroughbreds had executed their comeback with a strong performance after trailing 28-13 midway through the third quarter.
Riley displayed impressive quarterback skills, completing 15 of 20 passes for 166 yards and the critical game-winning touchdown pass. Meanwhile, Shelley contributed significantly with 67 receiving yards and a touchdown catch. The Bulldogs’ running game was anchored by Drelyn Brown, who rushed for 97 yards and secured three touchdowns on just ten carries, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy.
On the opposing side, South Aiken’s quarterback Tommy Burns achieved notable individual success, throwing for 344 passing yards, marking the third-highest single-game passing total in the program’s history during his first starting appearance. The Thoroughbreds also saw outstanding performances from Kaeleb O’Berry, who led their rushing efforts with 74 yards on 14 carries, and from McLeod, who set a single-game record with 11 catches and 200 receiving yards.
Defensively, Silver Bluff capitalized on key moments, including critical sacks delivered by players such as Keyaideen Williams. However, both teams faced challenges with errors; South Aiken’s special teams struggled, indicating areas that require considerable emphasis and improvement moving forward in the season.
As the teams look ahead, Silver Bluff is set to face Strom Thurmond next, while South Aiken prepares to host Lakeside. This season opener not only established Silver Bluff’s dominance with a hard-fought win, but it also promises exciting prospects for both teams in their upcoming matches.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Silver Bluff vs. South Aiken game?
The final score was 34-31 in favor of Silver Bluff.
Who scored the game-winning touchdown?
Jessie Shelley caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Trellis Riley.
What were the standout performances in the game?
Drelyn Brown rushed for 97 yards and three touchdowns, while Tommy Burns of South Aiken passed for 344 yards.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Silver Bluff 34, South Aiken 31 |
| Game Winning Touchdown | Jessie Shelley from Trellis Riley |
| Trellis Riley’s Stats | 15 completions on 20 attempts, 166 yards, 1 TD |
| Drelyn Brown’s Rushing Stats | 97 yards, 3 touchdowns on 10 carries |
| Tommy Burns’ Passing Stats | 344 yards (3rd highest in program history) |
| Upcoming Matches | Silver Bluff vs. Strom Thurmond, South Aiken vs. Lakeside |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Silver Bluff Beats South Aiken in Opener
- Wikipedia: Football
- WRDW: Silver Bluff Hosts Aiken County Football Jamboree
- Google Search: Silver Bluff football
- WJBF: South Aiken’s Jevon Edwards Signs to Play Football at Coastal Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- MaxPreps: Football Recap South Aiken Starts Season with Defeat
- Google News: South Aiken football
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.
