The evolution of Beaufort High football continues with the Eagles’ entering a second consecutive season with a new head coach, and after a rare losing campaign a year ago, first-time head coach Bryce Lybrand has made it a focal point to incentivize giving maximum effort.
Lybrand noticed an improved work ethic during the offseason — an observation his players confirmed — and hopes to see if pay off in the form of more victories in 2019.
“The kids have really bought into what we’re doing and why we’re doing it that way,” Lybrand said. “They’ve kind of bought into the concept of earning everything you get, and I’m really pleased with the effort.”
After a 3-0 start a year ago, Beaufort lost five straight during a brutal stretch that included games against two Georgia powerhouses. The Eagles believe they are better prepared to face that difficult schedule this year, and they hope to do a better job of limiting the damage when things go wrong.
“It’s all about weathering the storm,” Lybrand said. “Sometimes those games that we lost last year were because we didn’t handle adversity well. The biggest thing for us is making sure that when something bad happens it doesn’t affect us the next two or three plays down the line.”
The Eagles have loads of talent back on offense, including most of their offensive line and standout running back James Dagin, but the defense is a work in progress as players adjust to new and expanded roles.
BEAUFORT HIGH EAGLES FOOTBALL (click for team page)
Coach: Bryce Lybrand
Record at BHS: 0-0 (1st season)
2018 record: 5-6 overall, 2-1 region (lost in first round of Class 4A playoffs)
Returning starters: 6 offense, 3 defense
Offensive scheme: Spread
Defensive scheme: 4-2-5
Top returners: RB James Dagin, WR Matt Haley, OL Toby Strawderman, OL, Henry Manley, OL Terrance Wilson, OL Caleb Hagood, LB/TE William Winburn, LB George Williams, S Kaedin Grissom
Notable losses: LB Will Kelley, QB/S Jeffrey Smyth, OL/DL Chase Guynup, DL Dexter Ratliff, WR Reed Reichel, WR Trae Heyward
PLAYER TO WATCH
Tyler Haley, QB: The Eagles made it a point to get Haley playing time behind center in meaningful situations last season, and they hope to see the growing pains he experienced a year ago pay off now that he has fully taken the reins of the offense. The southpaw signal-caller has the potential to be a difference-maker, and his continued development could be the key to the Eagles’ success.
BURNING QUESTION
Who will step up on defense? The Eagles have a handful of starters back on defense, but they also have some gaping holes to fill, including the one previously occupied by All-Lowco Defensive Player of the Year Will Kelley. Stefan Wechsler steps into Kelley’s spot, while massive freshman defensive tackle Eamon Smalls figures to be an effective run-stopper at some point but will need to adjust to the Class 4A schedule after playing 8-man football at Beaufort Academy last season. The Eagles have plenty of talent to plug the holes, but it might take a few games for the defense to hit its stride.
REGION AND BEYOND
In a region without a clear-cut favorite, the Eagles believe they have as much claim to being the frontrunner as anyone. With an experienced offensive line blocking for an explosive running back and a promising quarterback, the offense should be potent. If the defense rounds into form, the Eagles could be a factor in the postseason.
SCHEDULE
8/23 — at A.C. Flora
8/30 — vs. Battery Creek
9/6 — at Effingham County
9/13 — at Wayne County
9/20 — at Valdosta
9/27 — vs. Blythewood
10/4 — Open
10/11 — vs. Bluffton*
10/18 — vs. May River
10/25 — at Hilton Head High*
11/1 — at Colleton County*
*region opponent
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Photo by Andrea Fabian