Hardeeville High began its football season with a 28-12 loss Thursday night to Savannah-based Beach High. The game was played at Memorial Stadium in Savannah.

The Hurricanes played without quarterback Philip Harris (suspension) and fullback/linebacker Michael Kinlaw (hernia operation).

Hardeeville struggled on offense. Charlie Morrison-Ford started at quarterback and Donald Scott played QB most of the second half. The Hurricanes had four first downs in the first half and trailed 12-0. Beach scored on a blocked punt in the first quarter and a 26-yard scoring pass on fourth-and-12 in the second.

Jarrell Knighton rushed for 94 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown run on the game's last play.

Hardeeville's defense cut the lead to 12-6 in the third after Landon Johnson rushed up the middle and Gabriel Washington rushed around the right corner to hit quarterback Larry Murray and force a fumble. Washington recovered the ball in the end zone for the touchdown. 

The Hurricanes host Bluffton Friday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Read more about Hardeeville's defense and its offensive adjustments in next week's Jasper County Sun.