May River High School Football: Stats, Coach & Schedule 2024

By Sarah Miller · May 1, 2049

May River High School football, located in Bluffton, South Carolina, competes in Class AAAA Region 7 of the SCHSL and has rapidly developed into a competitive program since its 2018 founding, showcasing strong community support and athletic growth.

Overview of May River High School Football Program

Established in 2018, May River High School (MRHS) is part of Beaufort County School District and fields a varsity football team that quickly gained recognition within South Carolina high school athletics. The Sharks compete under the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) in Class AAAA, Region 7, facing regional rivals such as Battery Creek, Whale Branch, and John Paul II.

Key Features of the Program

Founded: 2018 (first varsity season)
Mascot: Sharks
Stadium: May River High School Stadium (capacity ~2,500)
Head Coach: Currently led by Coach Jermaine Smith (as of 2024 season)
Conference: SCHSL Class AAAA, Region 7
Colors: Navy Blue, Silver, and White

Season Performance and Historical Record

The May River football program has shown steady improvement over the years. While early seasons presented challenges typical of new programs, the team achieved notable milestones by 2022 and 2023, including winning multiple region games and developing standout players.

Year	Overall Record	Region Record	Playoff Appearance	Head Coach
2018	2–9	1–4	No	Ben Hill (inaugural season)
2019	3–8	2–3	No	Ben Hill
2020	4–6	3–2	No	Ben Hill
2021	5–6	3–2	No	Jermaine Smith
2022	7–5	4–1	Yes (lost in first round)	Jermaine Smith
2023	6–5	3–2	Yes	Jermaine Smith
2024*	4–3 (through Oct 2024)	3–1	Pending	Jermaine Smith

Table data source:1, 2, 3

Data shows consistent upward trajectory in win totals and region competitiveness from 2018 to 2022, with May River achieving its first playoff berth in 2022 after going 7–5 overall and dominating Region 7 at 4–1. Though 2023 saw a slight dip, the team remained playoff-eligible. As of October 2024, they are on pace for another winning region record, indicating sustained program strength.

Coaching Staff and Player Development

Under Head Coach Jermaine Smith, who took over in 2021, May River has emphasized discipline, player development, and college recruitment. The coaching staff includes experienced assistants with backgrounds in collegiate and professional football, contributing to improved on-field execution and youth engagement.

Player Recruitment and College Commitments

Multiple players have earned All-Region honors since 2020.
In 2023, linebacker Jalen Brown committed to play at South Carolina State University.
The program actively partners with local middle schools to build a feeder system.
Summer camps and 7-on-7 events help identify and train emerging talent.

Community Support and Game Day Experience

May River football enjoys growing fan support, particularly during rivalry weeks and homecoming games. The stadium features lights for Friday night games, concessions, and student sections that enhance game-day atmosphere.

Notable Rivalries

Battery Creek High School: Close geographic proximity fuels an intense matchup each season.
John Paul II High School: Competitive games often decide playoff positioning.
Whale Branch Early College High: Regional showdown with another rising program.

Frequently Asked Questions About May River High School Football

What classification does May River High School football play in?

May River competes in Class AAAA in the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL), specifically in Region 7. This classification is based on school enrollment size and is reviewed every two years by SCHSL for potential reclassification.

When was the first May River High School football season?

The inaugural varsity football season for May River High School was in 2018. The team finished with a 2–9 record but laid the foundation for future growth under then-head coach Ben Hill.

Who is the current head coach of May River football?

As of the 2024 season, Jermaine Smith is the head coach. He previously served as an assistant and took over leadership in 2021, leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 2022.

Where do May River Sharks play their home games?

The Sharks host home games at May River High School Stadium, located on the campus in Bluffton, SC. The field is turf-surfaced and equipped with stadium lighting, bleachers, and concession stands for Friday night matchups.

Has May River High School ever made the playoffs?

Yes, May River qualified for the SCHSL Class AAAA playoffs for the first time in 2022 after finishing 7–5 overall and 4–1 in Region 7. They lost in the first round but returned to the postseason in 2023, marking back-to-back playoff appearances.