Rebels advance to state semi-finals….again
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Duncan – While the faces may change, the results stay the same when it comes to Byrnes High football.
After losing several Division I signees to graduation off a team that played for the Division I-AAAA state title, some may have expected a letdown of sorts in 2010. While the Rebels did lose three games during the regular season, they continually improved and played better as they gained experience.
As the state playoffs reach the semi-final level this weekend, the Rebels are one of four teams still standing in Division I with a chance to win a state title.
This marks the ninth time in the last 10 years that Byrnes has reached the state semi-final level. Entering the game on Friday against Lexington, the Rebels have won nine of 10 games at the semi-final level.
More importantly, due to Lexington’s upset win of Summerville in round two, Byrnes is playing the semi-final round at home where they rarely lose. In fact, Byrnes entered the game with a 69-game winning streak at Nixon Field, including 21 straight playoff victories.
The Rebels have been solid on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Rebels have shown good balance between run and pass, which is normally the case. Senior quarterback Zack Blair has completed 205-of-346 passes for 2,686 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.
The top receiving threat has been sophomore prospect Akia Booker, who has 61 receptions for 925 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running back Shakeem Wharton has 39 receptions for 536 yards while Greg McHam has 33 catches for 242 yards. Evan Suddeth (17-144) and Craig Weick (16-270) also provide key targets for Blair.
Wharton is the team’s leading rusher with 1,224 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Byrnes averages 156 yards rushing per game and 5.3 yards per attempt.
On defense, the Rebels allow 225 yards per game and 14.5 points per contest. Byrnes has forced 79 punts this season.
Michael Eadie has been one of the defensive leaders this season. The linebacker has 87 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Jamaal Johnson has 73 tackles with 17 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while Darion Scott has 75 tackles, 16 for loss, and seven sacks.
Other key defensive leaders include Devin Lindsey (65 tackles) and Rashad Dillard (56 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks).
Senior Kaleb Patterson has been one of the top placekickers in the state this season. His kickoffs have also been a threat as he has posted 50 touchbacks this season.
