BLUFFTON, S.C. () — The Hilton Head Island football team sets its sights on the 2025 campaign after experiencing its highest win total since 2015.

They won nine games the previous year. This came after four straight three-win seasons.

Last season, Hilton Head advanced to the second round of the playoffs, where they lost to eventual Class AAAA state champion South Florence.

They have to replace an outstanding senior class, which included Troy Timko. This year, the Seahawks will have approximately seven seniors. Not to worry, they started 10 sophomores last year.

“Would you rather start a junior with tons of experience or a senior as a first-year starter,” Payne asked rhetorically. “You know, I’d err on the side of the younger kid with the experience.”

“We’ve been working our tails off like always,” senior middle linebacker Will Jimenez said. ” Something I love is we get doubted a lot. A lot of guys say we’re missing pieces. But like you Payne said, we’re young, but we’re experienced.”

Hilton Head Island opens the season on Aug. 22 at home against Stall. Last season, these teams met in Charleston, S.C. with the Seahawks winning, 65-0.