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.

Kacy Fields may be the talk of the regular season, but Colton Phares Colton Phares 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC deserves some love too for Beaufort High. The senior star does a bit of everything each night for Bryce Lybrand’s squad, and he went off again on Friday. He began his outing with a swift 69-yard rushing score on a reverse from Fields and then showed his explosive video-game-like moves on an eye-popping 75-yard punt return. Oh, and he also made three solo tackles on defense and forced a fumble. An anchor in the secondary with the speed and hustle to contribute on all three phases, Phares could be the difference that propels the Eagles to another deep November run.

A hidden gem that has emerged as a factor everywhere on the field for Beaufort, Colton Phares Colton Phares 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC has taken the start of the 2022 season by storm. Originally a defensive back, Phares has made impacts on all three phases of the game this year. Alongside his quickness and lockdown coverage defensively, Phares has taken his talents to the offensive side as well, becoming a go-to target for new quarterback Samari Bonds Samari Bonds 6'1" | 160 lbs | QB Beaufort | 2025 State SC while racking up yards in the run game on some carries to the outside including a reverse touchdown on the first play two weeks ago against Hilton Head. He also filled in as the kicker against Goose Creek and provided all the scoring with a pair of field goals. A leader with the athleticism and versatility to do it all, Phares will bring lots of electric potential to the Appalachian State Mountaineers next year.

Is there anything that Colton Phares Colton Phares 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC can’t do on the field? The standout Beaufort senior did a bit of everything on the field Friday to power the Eagles to a shutout win of Goose Creek at home. He provided all the points his team needed with his leg, nailing a pair of 24 and 35-yard field goals in the 6-0 victory. And his defensive effort was extraordinary once again, making five tackles and breaking up a pass. He plays his best in the biggest moments and his intensity is nonstop no matter the position. Quite possibly the most valuable component of this Beaufort team, Phares’ play could be the difference to put the Eagles on top of a tight Region 8-3A. 

A tremendous difference-maker on both sides of the ball, Colton Phares Colton Phares 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC is shining for the Beaufort Eagles in his senior year. Phares got the home crowd roaring on his team’s first offensive snap, racing 59 yards to the end zone on a reverse handoff from Kacy Fields to set the table for a dominant win over Hilton Head. He went right back to work on the defensive side, plowing to the line to swallow up a ball-carrier. His excellent quickness and tenacity on the field are hard to rival at the high school level, and he’s committed to excelling at any role to surge the Eagles towards another playoff run. His stock continues to be on the rise as he gets ready to play at Appalachian State next fall. 
 

One of the most underrated defensive backs in the state, Colton Phares Colton Phares 6'1" | 185 lbs | DB Beaufort | 2023 State SC excelled again in a close defeat to Fort Dorchester. The senior veteran has excellent quickness and hustle to break up passing routes and make tackles, recording 10 stops on Friday alongside two pass breakups. Phares could also see a bigger role as a receiver this year, providing another dangerous Beaufort threat for opposing defenses to cover. He brings terrific leadership for the entire unit and will be counted on to make key plays if the Eagles want to make another deep postseason run.