2023 Preview: Byrnes Rebels

Jed Blackwell July 19, 2023 @ 01:43 PM

Don't look now, but Byrnes is loaded.   The Rebels battled injuries and a little bit of bad luck in 2022, but went on the road to win two playoff games and finished on a high note. Byrnes finished 9-4, but their 2-2 record in Region II-5A sent them to a fourth-place finish and those playoff wins at Hillcrest and at Blythewood before they fell to Gaffney in the Upper State semifinals. Now, they return a ton of talent, particularly at the skill positions, and are poised to make another deep playoff run.   "Our expectations are always the same," Byrnes head coach Reggie Shaw said. "We want to build men; to become the best versions of ourselves that we can become in the classroom, on the field, and in the community; to win the region; and to win the last game."   The Rebels hope to do that behind a strong nucleus, particularly on the defensive line, at wide receiver, and on special teams, where the bulk of their returning talent resides.   "We have depth and experience at those positions, so we will depend on those facets early on as we develop the other positions and areas," Shaw said.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='267454' first='Chris' last='Foster'] DL, 2024 - Foster's a monster up front, and he's backed up the hype with his play. He had 64 tackles a year ago, despite missing the playoff stretch. He notched 12 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and seven hurries, and generally terrorized opposing backfields.   [player_tooltip player_id='272708' first='Chamarryus' last='Bomar'] ATH, 2025 - Bomar (pictured) is one of the Rebels' most dynamic playmakers. Last year he notched at least one of each of the following: carries, passes, receptions, kick returns, tackles, tackles for loss, interceptions, and pass break-ups. He'll play all over the place for the Rebels.   [player_tooltip player_id='809749' first='RJ' last='Livingston'] RB/DB, 2025 - While Shaw is excited about what Livingston will bring to the Byrnes LB group, he's already a proven commodity at RB, where he rushed for almost 900 yards and 10 TDs a year ago. Livingston is a strong, physical runner who keeps the pile moving, and he's got enough speed to pull away.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='272705' first='Armoni' last='Weaver'] ATH, 2025 - It's difficult to effectively communicate what Weaver does well, because he does SO MUCH for Byrnes. Defensive back, receiver, back, kick returner - he's excelled at all of that. He's a guy whose talent shines through.    UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   [player_tooltip player_id='1036721' first='Tre' last='Segarra'] RB, 2027 - Segarra is vying for time in a deep, talented Byrnes backfield as a freshman, and is turning heads.   Kailin McDowell WR, 2026 - McDowell is another of several newcomers who Shaw said have been consistently putting in work for the Rebels.

Don't look now, but Byrnes is loaded.