The James Island Trojans will challenge the Ashley Ridge Swamp Foxes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
James Island took a loss when they played away from home last Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They breezed past Fort Dorchester to the tune of 48-7. With the Trojans ahead 28-7 at the half, the game was all but over already.
Raphael Puiu
| 10/17/25 vs Fort Dorchester | 3 |
| 09/19/25 @ St. James | 2 |
| 09/12/25 vs Cane Bay | 2 |
| 10/03/25 vs West Ashley | 1 |
| 09/05/25 @ Goose Creek | 1 |
A big part of James Island's win came down to the chemistry between Connor Dantzler and his top target Raphael Puiu. Dantzler threw for 272 yards and three TDs while completing 71.4% of his passes while Puiu gained 184 total yards and four touchdowns. The dominant performance also gave Puiu a new career-high in receiving touchdowns (three).
James Island didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Fort Dorchester to a completion percentage of just 40%. The Trojans have been improving in that area: they had allowed a completion percentage of 0.62 earlier this season, but they've only allowed one of 0.62 in their last three games.
Meanwhile, Ashley Ridge hadn't done well against Summerville recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Swamp Foxes blew past the Green Wave 42-19. The victory was familiar territory for the Swamp Foxes, who have now won three matchups in a row.
James Island better keep an eye on Trevor Kalisz. He was instrumental in Ashley Ridge's win, rushing for 131 yards and one score on only 14 carries, while also throwing for 120 yards and one touchdown while completing 75% of his passes. Kalisz's passing game has become a key predictor of the Swamp Foxes' success: the team is undefeated when his passer rating is 100 or higher, but only 2-3 otherwise.
Ashley Ridge's win bumped their record up to 5-3. As for James Island, their victory bumped their record up to 7-1.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. James Island has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 153.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Ashley Ridge struggles in that department as they've been averaging 284.5 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
James Island was able to grind out a solid win over Ashley Ridge in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, winning 30-20. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Swamp Foxes' Jayden Acosta, who picked up 19 receiving yards and a pair of TDs, and also rushed for 79 yards. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for the Trojans to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.
