Thomas Heyward’s O’Banner ends stellar career
Thomas Heyward's Tony O'Banner closes his high school FB career with 8,019 all-purpose yards and 96 career TDs.
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Ridgeland – A stellar playing career for Thomas Heyward Academy standout Tony O’Banner ended with a playoff loss to Williamsburg Academy in the SCISA Class A semi-finals.
O’Banner has been one of the top players in SCISA since earning a starting nod as an eighth-grade sensation. He rushed for 848 yards that season and added 695 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman.
Things really took off as a sophomore when the 6-1, 215-pounder rushed for 2,369 yards and 37 touchdowns. He added 1,970 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior and this season he rushed for 1,220 yards and 11 touchdowns in eight games.
O’Banner was a part of two state championship teams, finishing his career with 7,102 rushing yards and 96 career touchdowns. He averaged 10.6 yards per carry over his career. Add in receiving and return yards and O’Banner totaled 8,019 all-purpose yards.
“He’s a once in a lifetime type of player,” coach Daniel Bryan said in August.
This season, the Rebels finished with a 4-6 record but did notch a playoff win over Carolina Academy before the loss to Williamsburg, the eventual state champion.
O’Banner was part of a solid senior class that enjoyed championship success during their career. Another key senior this season was Josh Gibson, who played several positions during the year. Gibson finished with 980 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging a whopping 13.7 yards per carry.
Senior Tyler Hymon was the team’s leading receiver with 16 receptions for 215 yards. Seniors Dodge Peeples, Miles Stanley, Mackie Bowers, Tanner Reed and Antonio Grether were key performers along the offensive and defensive lines. Owen Palazzo performed as a linebacker and receiver. Drew Willis was a multi-purpose athlete and Jace Bessinger worked in the secondary and also at running back.
Thomas Heyward compiled a 31-16 record over the last four seasons.
