April On Campus: AC Flora Falcons
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COLUMBIA | Few programs have enjoyed as much recent championship success in the South Carolina High School League than AC Flora. The athletics program has racked up its high share of region and state titles. Most recently, the football program…
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Continue ReadingCOLUMBIA | Few programs have enjoyed as much recent championship success in the South Carolina High School League than AC Flora.
The athletics program has racked up its high share of region and state titles. Most recently, the football program entered the championship conversation with five straight region titles, were a Lower State runner-up last year and claimed the Class 4A title in 2020.
“Our athletic program, in general, is strong here and it has been for a long time,” said head coach Ken Floyd, who’s entering his second year at the helm. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve won numerous titles in basketball and baseball. We always win in golf and tennis and now, we’ve won in football. This is a place known for its winning traditions. It’s all over our athletic program.”
AC Flora looks to continue its winning ways in football despite having lost its two biggest offensive contributors to graduation. Running back and Mr. Richland County Football Player of the Year Markel Townsend Markel Townsend 5'8" | 170 lbs | RB AC Flora | 2023 State SC accounted for 2,660 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns and quarterback Carey Bates tallied 1,935 total yards and 30 touchdowns in leading the Falcons to an undefeated regular season.
Floyd is more certain about replacing Townsend with what he called a “dynamic” backfield in seniors Noah Kelson and Aiden Mosley Aiden Mosley 5'11" | 175 lbs | RB AC Flora | 2025 State SC .
Kelson showed promise after rushing for 351 yards in his first four games before suffering a season-ending fractured thumb. Blessed with breakaway speed, an ability to run through open holes in a defense and improved lower body strength, Kelson looks to use his tutelage behind Townsend to maintain the Falcons’ running attack.
Mosley is also seen as a ‘home run threat’, according to Floyd. He also possesses 4.4 speed like Kelson and AC Flora looks to utilize him at wide receiver and even special teams.
Defensively, the Falcons’ linebacking corps is expected to be a strength. Senior Eric McClain led the team in tackles (95) and, along with Albert Perkins and Jermonte Williams, who was moved from defensive end, are expected to further boost AC Flora’s interior defense.
The past two seasons has witnessed a dogfight for the top spot in Region 5-4A. Floyd expects an even more intense race this season.
“This is a tough, tough region,” he said. “I think this next season is even probably going to be the toughest region in 4A, in my opinion. Between Irmo and Ridge View and Richland Northeast and Lugoff(-Elgin), all those guys are good football programs and very talented.”
Albert Perkins
Albert Perkins
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- Made an immediate impact in his first year on the varsity level with 63 tackles and two sacks last season
- Showed versatility in playing both at inside and outside linebacker with equal effectiveness
- At 6-0 and 205 lbs. and with 4.7 speed, Perkins provides an effective extra defender upfront against the run
- A verbal leader on defense who’s always looking to uplift teammates
- Furman and Limestone have shown interest
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Noah Kelson
Noah Kelson
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- Showed promise in rushing for 351 yards in the first four games before suffering a season-ending fractured thumb
- Spent past two seasons learning the position backing up All-State running back Markel Townsend Markel Townsend 5’8″ | 170 lbs | RB AC Flora | 2023 State SC . He is anxious to put that knowledge into a starting role
- Has increased his speed over the past two seasons to a 4.4 level and used his time following thumb surgery to increase his lower body strength
- An elusive runner who has proven difficult to tackle with one player and has worked to improve his field vision
- He has received interest from Furman, Miami (Ohio) and Air Force Academy
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Colby Ridgell
Colby Ridgell
- Provided another downfield threat for the Falcons (six receptions, 127 yards, 2 TDs), especially during the second half of the season
- An effective run blocker who can create space for himself on passing routes as well
- Currently bench presses 245 lbs. and squats 345 lbs.
- Uses criticism from football program naysayers to motivate himself during games
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- Along with Noah Kelson, one of the Falcons’ “home run threats” in the backfield who look to provide similar running numbers produced by Markel Townsend Markel Townsend 5’8″ | 170 lbs | RB AC Flora | 2023 State SC
- With 4.4 speed, the Falcons plan to utilize Mosley both at running back and wide receiver. He produced 601 total yards and 11 touchdowns (9 rushing) last season
- Unafraid of contact and uses strong field vision to elude tacklers
- Puts team goals first before focusing on individual accomplishmentsr
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Jermonte Williams
Jermonte Williams
- After losing 40 pounds as a junior, the now 215-pound Williams was moved from defensive end to a more natural position of linebacker
- Possesses strong hands, lengthy arms and shows explosiveness in making tackles
- Displays strong instincts while attacking the line of scrimmage and not afraid to get physical
Eric McClain
Eric McClain
- Led the Falcons in tackles (95) last season to go with two fumble recoveries
- He has shown an ability to react quickly from either the inside or outside linebacker position
- Uses his vast knowledge of the team’s defensive schemes to lead verbally on the field. He also leads by example
- Looks to play more physical having gained 15 pounds (now at 200 lbs.) during the off-season
- Displays a quiet demeanor off the field and is very coachable
Tracy Broden-Bryant
Tracy Broden-Bryant
- Showed promise in his first year on the varsity level with 23 tackles while playing at defensive tackle. He will be moved to defensive end this season
- Effective defending the run with his long wingspan, he’s also showed an ability to pass rush with seven quarterback hurries last season
- Grew an inch and gained 30 pounds (now at 280 lbs.) in the off-season
- Currently bench presses 255 lbs. and squats 410 lbs.