2022 Preview: Beaufort Eagles

He may not have his talented signal-caller back, but Bryce Lybrand couldn't be more excited about his defending Lower State champs in 2022.    Sure, Tyler Haley may be gone, but the Eagles have the talent and depth across the field- alongside a promising young quarterback - to light up Class 3A this fall.    After a magical run to the 4A state title game in 2021 including victories over Myrtle Beach and West Florence before their eventual defeat to South Pointe, the Eagles will head down to 3A with a litany of offensive weapons alongside a still-dangerous defensive core.   Despite losing the services of dynamic receivers Zyrin Odom and James Dennison, Beaufort will bring back a multitude of studs at the skill positions. Lybrand expects the bulk of the offense to stay the same, especially with the return of speedy and explosive senior [player_tooltip player_id="336146" first="Kacy" last="Fields"]. And there was no one more reliable in last year's run than McLeod Reichel, who always found that extra gear to make the play when his team needed it the most. He'll be back for one more run at a title. Lybrand is also excited to see tight end [player_tooltip player_id="262689" first="Michael" last="Dennison"] back on the field, who will be a key target with excellent hands and an unrivaled football IQ that is always one step ahead of his defenders.    Beaufort fans saw a preview of sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1254143' first='Samari' last='Bonds'] in parts of last season, and Lybrand will let him take the reins this fall. Bonds looks confident in the pocket and has improved his decision-making during practice as he steps into his game-manager role in a high-octane offense. Look for Bonds to move the ball with his legs thanks to his stellar athleticism in addition to his growing abilities through the air. He'll have a playmaker in the backfield with a ton of potential, as Caleb Ulmer should make waves this fall after catching Lybrand's eye at the end of last year and into the offseason.   Beaufort's success last year started up front on the defensive line, and the Eagles will have a key leader of that unit coming back. Senior Jack Sumner will be back to anchor a defensive line that lost do-it-all Alvin Wilson from last year's team. Lybrand has been impressed by middle linebacker Jamar Knight's effort this summer alongside strong safety Lamar Knight. And the Eagles will return the sensational [player_tooltip player_id="336140" first="Colton" last="Phares"], who brings both speed and toughness to Beaufort's secondary. Phares' game has been noticed across the state and beyond, and he recently committed to play at Appalachian State.   There's no substitute for playoff experience in high school football, and the Eagles have the confidence and the hunger to win their way back to the state's biggest stage come November. It'll be a new challenge in a new classification, but Lybrand's mentality remains the same: put his team in the best position to win when it counts.   2021 Results (12-3, 4-1) Lost SCHSL 4A State Championship    8/20 vs. Richmond Hill (W 28-8)   8/27 at Effingham County (W 24-3)   9/3 vs. Benedictine (W 33-23)   9/10 vs. West Ashley (W 38-7)   9/17 at Oceanside Collegiate (L 17-31)   10/1 vs. Hilton Head* (W 38-14)   10/8 at James Island* (W 16-0)   10/15 vs. May River* (L 21-24)   10/22 at Bluffton* (W 45-12)   10/29 at Colleton County* (W 44-6)   11/5 (1st Round) vs. South Florence (W 30-14)   11/12 (2nd Round) at North Augusta (W 42-10)   11/19 (Lower State Semifinals) at Myrtle Beach (W 20-19)   11/26 (Lower State Championship) vs. West Florence (W 42-10)   12/2 (State Championship) vs. South Pointe (L 7-41)   Key Losses to Graduation   QB Tyler Haley   WR Zyrin Odom   LB James Dennison   DE Alvin Wilson   Players to Watch   [player_tooltip player_id="336146" first="Kacy" last="Fields"], WR, 2023   It should be another productive season for one of the most dynamic wideouts in the Lowcountry. [player_tooltip player_id="336146" first="Kacy" last="Fields"] is a speedy threat who can make plays in open space with his standout agility. He became a go-to target of Tyler Haley's throughout his junior season, reeling in 37 catches for 657 yards and four touchdowns. Expect Fields to play both ways this season and bring his quickness and high energy to the defensive side.   [player_tooltip player_id="262689" first="Michael" last="Dennison"], TE, 2023   A terrific athlete with a nonstop drive to improve his game, [player_tooltip player_id="262689" first="Michael" last="Dennison"] is looking poised for a memorable 2022 season with the Eagles. The senior tight end is an exceptional blocker who can use his strong frame to win matchups downfield and storm past defenders. Dennison should also see time on both sides of the ball and will be a warrior on Bryce Lybrand's squad from start to finish.   [player_tooltip player_id="336140" first="Colton" last="Phares"], DB, 2023   There's no question that [player_tooltip player_id="336140" first="Colton" last="Phares"] has quickly become one of the most talented defensive backs in the state. Phares plays with a terrific blend of quickness and physicality that is rarely seen in the area. He also possesses an elite football sense on the field and always knows where he needs to be to make a play on the ball. The Appalachian State commit will be the cornerstone of what should be a strong secondary in Lady's Island.   Jack Sumner, DE, 2023   An indispensable piece of Beaufort's dominant defensive line down the stretch and in the postseason last year, Jack Sumner will be back to lead the Eagles' front seven. Sumner can use his strength and footwork to penetrate the backfield, making 52 tackles and adding 6.5 sacks over his junior season. Expect the Beaufort High leader to be used on both sides of the ball to help protect his young quarterback and open up holes for Caleb Ulmer.    More Names To Know   Jamar Knight LB 2023   Lamar Knight DB 2023   Carter Bowersox LB 2023   Caleb Ulmer RB 2024   [player_tooltip player_id='1254143' first='Samari' last='Bonds'] QB 2025      2022 Schedule/ Games To Circle   8/19 vs. Cane Bay   8/26 at Fort Dorchester   There's no doubt that Beaufort's challenging gauntlet through Georgia paid dividends in the postseason last year, and the Eagles will be tested early again with a daunting trip to SCHSL Class 5A Fort Dorchester. The Patriots came a whisker away from topping Dutch Fork in the Upper State title game in 2021 and will return top-ranked senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="89345" first="Zolten" last="Osborne"]. We'll learn a lot about a still-talented Eagle defense early in the season, and it should give Lybrand's squad a golden opportunity to take that next step against one of the state's most complete teams.   9/2 vs. Hilton Head Island   9/9 vs. Goose Creek   9/16 at May River   9/23 vs. Bluffton   9/30 vs. Philip Simmons*   The Eagles are in a new region this fall, and their first matchup will certainly be one to circle on the schedule. Philip Simmons put up an impressive 11-win campaign a season ago and will travel to Lady's Island in a matchup that could very well decide the region title. A strong performance from the Eagles on their home field should set the tone for a successful run through the rest of the regular season and a favorable spot for when the playoff brackets come out.    10/7 at Battery Creek*   10/21 at North Charleston*   10/28 vs. Hanahan*

He may not have his talented signal-caller back, but Bryce Lybrand couldn't be more excited about his defending Lower State champs in 2022.