As we continue the countdown to the end of “Talking Season”, our weekly high school football previews also continue, as this week we will look at the James F Byrnes Rebels.
Last season, the Rebels proved a lot of doubters wrong with a remarkable run all the way to the 3rd round of the playoffs, defeating Hillcrest and Blythewood in 2 hard-fought 1 score battles before eventually succumbing to Gaffney in another 1-score game 34-28. The Rebels went 9-4 on the season, including a perfect 5-0 at home in Nixon Field, and made it to the 3rd round in spite of a 4th place finish in region 2-5A, which was enough to earn them the 4th and final playoff bid from the region.
Under the leadership of senior quarterback Colby Shaw and senior wide receiver Kyai Cook, the Rebels’ offense outscored opponents by 187 points and averaged 368 yards per game. They were particularly effective in the passing game, averaging 248 yards per game through the air.
That offense will see a new leader calling the signals from out of the gun (likely junior Boiling Springs transfer Zy Landrum), as Colby Shaw graduated. The Rebels also lost their key weapon in Kyai Cook. Despite that, Coach Reggie Shaw is still very confident in this upcoming season, as he has a ton of talent returning at the skill positions.
Other notable losses from 2022 include DB/WR Rashard Wright, and Defensive End/O lineman Caleb Melton, and linebacker Miguel Dingle..
Among the returnees are senior defensive end Chris Foster, Junior D lineman Sharrod Wilkins, and senior Offensive Lineman Garrett Hall.
As far as newcomers to the roster, aside from Zy Landrum, Reggie Shaw says to look out for Freshman Running Back Tre Segarra.
Shaw is most excited about three things on his 2023 squad – his defensive line, the team chemistry and their work ethic, as well as the team speed and athleticism demonstrated throughout the course of the spring and summer workouts.
It’s no secret that playing in region 2-5A, you have to bring your A-game every week. As Reggie Shaw put it, “You have to be ready every week. There are tons of athletes in our region that love the game and play with passion.” That will also ring true of the Rebels this season, despite a few new faces and names. Coach Shaw seems confident in the ability of this group to compete at a high level as they look to build on the momentum of the 2022 playoff run and try to get back to the top of region 2-5A.
