Class Of 2023 Rankings: Lowcountry
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For the first time since 1945, the Lowcountry has an SCHSL state title. The historic season was headlined by the Beaufort Eagles, but we saw other area squads make strong improvements with high-end stars on both sides of the ball.…
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Continue ReadingFor the first time since 1945, the Lowcountry has an SCHSL state title. The historic season was headlined by the Beaufort Eagles, but we saw other area squads make strong improvements with high-end stars on both sides of the ball. Let’s highlight the seniors that made 2022 a memorable one in the Lowco.
A breakout star over the last two seasons for BJ Payne’s Seahawks, Chris Marable has vaulted himself to the top of the state’s 2023 rankings. The Wake Forest commit used his tremendous strength and power to clog up the opponents’ run game, finishing the year with a team-high 68 tackles. His special drive and commitment under Payne should continue for the Demon Deacons in the coming years.
The sensation that unlocked Beaufort’s high-powered offense that propelled the Eagles to the 4A state title, Kacy Fields delivered a historic season at running back for Bryce Lybrand’s squad. After starting the year at wide receiver, Fields moved to the backfield and took it by storm, rushing for 2,236 yards and 32 touchdowns on 277 carries. His lethal quickness and initial burst off the snap were nearly impossible to match, and he brought the same intensity to the defensive side. A gifted athlete with the fire inside him to elevate his game to a high level, Fields will never be forgotten for his special career as an Eagle.
Arguably the most important factor to Beaufort’s state championship win, Colton Phares excelled on all three phases to put his team over the top in 2022. Primarily a defensive back throughout his career, Phares made contributions everywhere for Lybrand’s squad this year, including as a complimentary running back and a weapon out wide. He also starred on special teams, taking back a game-changing kickoff return in the lower state semifinal against Gilbert. His defensive awareness and elite athleticism combined to make Phares one of the state’s best at his positions, and he’ll take that same level of intensity and hard work to the college game at Appalachian State.
One of the most underrated linebackers in the state, JaQuinn Williams capped off his Bluffton career with a terrific senior season. A high-motor player with the quickness and physicality to make open-field stops and tackles for loss, Williams was a key contributor in the heart of Hayden Gregory’s defense alongside junior teammate Jeremiah Curry. A tackling machine with hard-nosed intensity each series, Williams’ energy will be challenging to replace for Bluffton in 2023.
One of the best all-around athletes on his team, Michael Dennison‘s work on the line was paramount to Beaufort’s success in 2022. A prolific blocker with his nonstop power in the trenches, Dennison helped set key blocks to ignite a juggernaut rushing attack this past season. He also served as a reliable target for his quarterback at tight end, using his excellent hands and strength to convert catches and break through tackles. He’ll continue his football career this fall at MIT.
Highlights
An unheralded star on Beaufort’s roster this year, Aaron Lamb led a spectacular effort on the Eagle offensive line. With his unrelenting work, Lamb propelled his team to over 3,500 rushing yards this season. Lamb’s excellent technique and overpowering strength set an outstanding example for his teammates and was enormous in pushing Beaufort towards its ultimate goal.