Silver Bluff, August 24, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling season opener, the Silver Bluff Bulldogs edged the South Aiken Thoroughbreds 34-31 in a closely contested game. The Bulldogs secured their victory in the final seconds with a touchdown pass from Trellis Riley to Jessie Shelley. Despite being down, Silver Bluff showcased resilience throughout the match, with Drelyn Brown’s key rushing performance and significant contributions from their defense. The matchup highlighted the athletic prowess of both teams and set an exciting tone for the rest of the season.
Silver Bluff Bulldogs Triumph Over South Aiken Thoroughbreds in Thrilling Season Opener
The Silver Bluff Bulldogs edged the South Aiken Thoroughbreds 34-31 in a highly competitive season opener filled with dramatic twists and turns. The game took place on Silver Bluff’s new artificial turf, marking a significant milestone for the team.
In the final moments, Trellis Riley connected with Jessie Shelley for a go-ahead touchdown, solidifying the Bulldogs’ comeback with only 24 seconds left on the clock. This decisive play capped off an action-packed game that saw multiple lead changes, reminiscent of a rollercoaster ride.
Game Highlights
The game initially appeared to favor Silver Bluff as they held a 28-13 advantage in the third quarter. However, South Aiken fought back resiliently. In a pivotal moment, South Aiken’s quarterback Tommy Burns threw a spectacular 55-yard touchdown pass to Kyson McLeod, allowing the Thoroughbreds to take a brief 31-28 lead with just over a minute and a half remaining.
Despite the setback, Silver Bluff maintained their composure, ultimately reclaiming the lead with Riley’s critical touchdown pass. Trellis Riley completed 15 of 20 passes for a total of 166 yards, contributing significantly to the victory.
In addition to Riley’s performance, Drelyn Brown was instrumental in the ground game, rushing for 97 yards and scoring three touchdowns. On the other side of the field, South Aiken’s Burns had a stellar outing, finishing with 344 passing yards—the third-highest in the program’s history. McLeod also had a record-setting night, making 11 catches for an impressive 200 yards.
Defensive Plays
Key defensive contributions from Silver Bluff included an interception by Zykee Williams, which came at a crucial juncture in the game, helping to thwart South Aiken’s momentum.
After the final whistle, both teams acknowledged they have room for improvement, especially with South Aiken’s special teams showing particular areas that could use refinement.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Silver Bluff is set to face Strom Thurmond in an away game on August 29, while South Aiken will host the Lakeside team on the same date.
Conclusion
This thrilling encounter not only showcased the athletic prowess of both teams but also highlighted their determination and mental toughness on the field. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances from this electrifying opener.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Silver Bluff vs. South Aiken game?
The final score was Silver Bluff Bulldogs 34, South Aiken Thoroughbreds 31.
Who scored the winning touchdown for Silver Bluff?
The winning touchdown was scored by Jessie Shelley on a pass from Trellis Riley with only 24 seconds remaining.
How did Tommy Burns perform for South Aiken?
Tommy Burns had a standout performance, finishing with 344 passing yards, which is the third-highest total in South Aiken program history.
When do Silver Bluff and South Aiken play next?
Silver Bluff will play an away game against Strom Thurmond, while South Aiken will host Lakeside on August 29.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Silver Bluff 34, South Aiken 31 |
| Winning Touchdown | Trellis Riley to Jessie Shelley |
| Leading Rusher (Silver Bluff) | Drelyn Brown – 97 yards, 3 touchdowns |
| Leading Passer (South Aiken) | Tommy Burns – 344 yards |
| Record Reception (South Aiken) | Kyson McLeod – 11 receptions, 200 yards |
| Next Match (Silver Bluff) | August 29 against Strom Thurmond |
| Next Match (South Aiken) | August 29 against Lakeside |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Silver Bluff Bulldogs Triumph Over South Aiken in Season Opener
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Silver Bluff Beats South Aiken in Opener
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- WRDW: Silver Bluff Hosts Aiken County Football Jamboree
- Google Search: Silver Bluff Football
- MaxPreps: Football Recap Silver Bluff Starts Off Right
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- WFXG: Silver Bluff Defeats South Aiken on Their Home Turf
- 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.
