After an undefeated state championship season, Thomas Heyward knows it will have the proverbial target on its back in 2019. Finally, a fair fight, the Rebels say.

“Everybody’s got a target on their back with us,” senior lineman Dalton Hayes said. “We don’t really think of ourselves as special. Every week is a new opponent, and we’re going out there and trying to destroy somebody.”

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They left plenty of destruction in their wake last season, outscoring their 13 opponents 604-175 en route to the SCISA 1A state title. Although they graduated 14 seniors off that team, the cupboard is far from bare. 

All but one of the offensive linemen who paved the way for a prolific running game are back, along with dynamic running back JR Patterson. Peyton Bennett takes over at quarterback for Jake Masters. 

The Rebels have five starters back on defense, but the secondary will be inexperienced and face tough early-season matchups against pass-happy Hilton Head Christian Academy (Aug. 23) and Hilton Head Prep (Sept. 13). Both are non-region games, though, so the Rebels are prepared to endure some early-season bumps on the road back to the state championship.

“The goal’s still the same,” coach Nic Shuford said. “Now we know how great it feels to get there, so we’re determined to make sure we get there again.”