Aiken, SC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The high school football season in Aiken, South Carolina, kicked off with thrilling games including a nail-biting finish where Silver Bluff defeated South Aiken 34-31. Aiken High ended their long losing streak with a 27-7 victory over Aynor. Other teams like Midland Valley and North Augusta also celebrated impressive wins. Significant upgrades include new artificial turf fields at local high schools, enhancing the playing conditions for the teams. Fans can look forward to upcoming matchups as the season progresses.
Aiken, South Carolina – The 2025 high school football season for South Carolina High School League teams officially kicked off this past weekend, showcasing thrilling matchups and historic victories that set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
In one of the most anticipated games, Silver Bluff triumphed over South Aiken with a final score of 34-31, a showdown that is already being touted as a contender for Game of the Year in the area. The game saw Silver Bluff secure the win with a last-minute touchdown pass from Trellis Riley to Jessie Shelley after South Aiken had grabbed the lead at various points during the contest.
It was a significant milestone for Silver Bluff, as this game marked the first time they played on their new artificial turf field. On the opponent’s side, South Aiken put up a commendable effort but fell short in the end to the determined Silver Bluff squad.
In another exciting match, Aiken High School defeated Aynor 27-7 for their season opener, signaling a positive turnaround for the team. This win is noteworthy as it ends a 25-game losing streak, not counting a victory gained by forfeit, marking Aiken’s first win on the field since September 29, 2022. Aiken’s current record stands at 1-0 for the first time since 2010, and they look forward to their home opener against Airport, aiming to gain momentum early in the Region 4-AAAA race.
Midland Valley experienced a weather-related schedule change but performed impressively, moving their season opener to Saturday and winning 46-21 against a Class AAAAA opponent. Meanwhile, North Augusta displayed strength with a convincing 33-7 victory over Thomson, transforming a tied game at halftime into a dominating second-half show.
Strom Thurmond breezed past McCormick with a staggering score of 55-6, having scored an impressive 41 points in the first half alone, while Barnwell propelled their victory over Blackville-Hilda with a strong run game, finishing 22-6. In contrast, Ridge Spring-Monetta opened their season on a less fortunate note, suffering a 19-7 loss to Dixie. Wagener-Salley celebrated a successful start, achieving a 34-6 win over Denmark-Olar for the second consecutive year. The action also included Williston-Elko, who faced a rain-shortened defeat of 35-0 against Pelion, while Fox Creek had a bye week, anticipating the start of their season soon.
Looking ahead, Barnwell is set to visit Williston-Elko on August 28, with several local matchups on the schedule for August 29.
In addition to these games, high schools in Aiken County are seeing significant improvements with the installation of multi-million dollar artificial turf fields at Aiken High, Midland Valley, and Silver Bluff. This $3.9 million project, funded by a 1% sales tax approved by Aiken County voters in 2014, aims to enhance the playing conditions and reduce long-term maintenance costs. The new fields will be wider, benefitting both football and track and field events. Ridge Spring-Monetta has also been approved to install artificial turf, expected to be ready for the 2025 season.
Upcoming Games
- August 28: Barnwell vs. Williston-Elko
- August 29: Local schools in various matchups
Key Features of 2025 High School Football Season
| Team | Opponent | Score | Game Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Bluff | South Aiken | 34-31 | Last-minute touchdown win |
| Aiken High | Aynor | 27-7 | First win since 2022, ended 25-game losing streak |
| Midland Valley | Class AAAAA Opponent | 46-21 | Season opener victory |
| North Augusta | Thomson | 33-7 | Strong second-half performance |
| Strom Thurmond | McCormick | 55-6 | 41 points in the first half |
FAQ
When did the 2025 high school football season start?
The season officially started over the weekend, marking the kickoff of high school football action in South Carolina.
What significant improvements are happening at high schools in Aiken County?
High schools in Aiken County are installing new artificial turf fields, funded by a 1% sales tax approved by voters, totaling $3.9 million.
Which teams achieved significant victories in their opening games?
Silver Bluff, Aiken High, Midland Valley, North Augusta, and Strom Thurmond all achieved noteworthy victories in their opening games.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Aiken high school football schedule: 2025 varsity, JV & feeder calendar
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Aiken County Prepares for Fall Events
American Legion Post 26 and Comcast Enhance Digital Access for Veterans
Silver Bluff Bulldogs Triumph Over South Aiken Thoroughbreds
Silver Bluff Bulldogs Triumph Over South Aiken in Season Opener
Aiken high school football schedule: Weekday Game Times, Bus Routes & Tailgates
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: High School Football Season Off and Running
- WRDW: Silver Bluff Hosts Aiken County Football Jamboree
- WJBF: Artificial Turf to Be Installed at 4 High Schools in Aiken County
- Post and Courier: Aiken Area High School Football Teams Play Season Openers
- WRDW: Aiken Football Begins New Era Under New Head Coach
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Google Search: High School Football 2025
- Google Scholar: High School Football Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: High School 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.
