From the moment the final whistle blew on Beaufort High’s turf-adorned field last November after a narrow defeat to Myrtle Beach, Tyler Haley was itching for another shot at a deep playoff run. With a group of tremendous receivers and a lockdown defense at his side, the senior quarterback will look to take his Eagles even further in 2021.
It’s been an impressive start to head coach Bryce Lybrand’s tenure in Beaufort, with region championships to his credit in each of his first two seasons. But he knows that this roster has the capability of doing even more. They went toe-to-toe with Myrtle Beach in the second round of the playoffs last year, one of the few consistent powerhouses in Class 4A. Just a few plays separated the two sides, giving the Eagles the strong notion that they can take it deep into the postseason in 2021.
In order to reach that pinnacle at the end of the season, Haley must continue to shine under center. Coming off an injury-shortened season in 2019, the star quarterback dazzled with both his arm and his legs to help Beaufort earn a second straight region crown. Deep receiving threat Marcus Goodwater may be gone, but the Eagles return an exceptional junior wideout in Kacy Fields, who put together a breakout campaign in 2020 with a Lowco-high 430 receiving yards. McLeod Reichel has showcased his impressive skills and versatility as a reliable pass-catcher, and Eagle basketball star Zyrin Odom is primed for what could be a spectacular season on the gridiron. Beaufort’s one-two punch of the running and passing game was uncontainable for any Lowco opponent last season, and leading rusher Amariee Morris returns to set the table on the ground behind stellar offensive lineman Hart Cushman.
The defensive side of the ball will be anchored by junior defensive tackle Eamon Smalls, a monstrous run-stuffer who can completely shut down an opponent’s plans at the point of attack. Alvin Wilson returns at Smalls’ side on what still should be a dangerous defensive line that overwhelmed Ahmad Green and May River a year ago. The secondary should make a large leap forward this year, as Colton Phares and Daryl DePass have elevated their skills to another level over the summer.
With Haley back for another run at a state title and an explosive arsenal of skill position players returning, the Eagles’ offense should carry them to the top perch of what should be a very competitive Region 7-4A. But the potential is certainly there for something even bigger. If the defensive line continues its elite play from a year ago and the secondary takes that next step, the sky is the limit for a talented Beaufort High squad.
BEAUFORT HIGH EAGLES FOOTBALL
Coach: Bryce Lybrand
Record at BHS: 9-8 (3rd season)
2020 record: 5-2, 4-0 region (2nd round of 4A playoffs)
Top returners: QB Tyler Haley, RB Amariee Morris, WR Kacy Fields, OL Hart Cushman, DL Eamon Smalls, DL Alvin Wilson, DB Daryl DePass, DB Colton Phares
Notable losses: LB Daniel Phares, LB William Winburn, OL Terence Wilson, DL Theo Washington
Breakout candidates: WR/TE Zyrin Odom
BURNING QUESTION
Can a young Eagle defensive front step up?
Beaufort High’s defensive line was nearly uncontainable last year, and the return of Smalls and Wilson should still provide problems for the competition. But the loss of proven and veteran linebackers William Winburn and Daniel Phares alongside lineman Theo Washington will raise some doubts about the capabilities of the heart of the defense. Lybrand will hope to use the first several non-region games to test out different looks and find a group that will support the stellar play that Smalls and Wilson will give to the unit.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Zyrin Odom, WR/TE
He’s made himself known as a fantastic scorer and rim protector on the basketball court. But this fall, Odom will take his athletic prowess under the Friday night lights. The 6-3 senior should quickly become a favorite target of Tyler Haley thanks to his tremendous height and strength, which should translate well to the football field. With catching high passes akin to pulling down rebounds, we’ve seen basketball players convert to extraordinary pass-catchers before, and we expect Odom to do the same.
Colton Phares, DB
Beaufort High will be counting on its secondary to make some game-changing plays this fall, and Phares should bring this team a major spark. With excellent hands and impressive abilities to read plays and cover receivers downfield, the junior has the potential for a phenomenal season. His hustle and motor that he brings to the defense are unsurpassed in the area, and he’s already shown some shades of what he can do earlier this summer. Look for Phares to rack up the interceptions and prove himself as a valuable component to Lybrand’s blossoming secondary.
REGION AND BEYOND
In a region that should be very competitive within its middle, Beaufort will be the clear favorite to claim its third straight crown. But the Eagles will have to earn it. May River will be hungry for revenge after last year’s blowout in the Shark Tank, and an underrated Hilton Head High defense could provide a tough matchup for Lybrand’s potent offense. It’s difficult to say that any game will be easy, but if the Eagles showcase what made them so dangerous to defend last year, Beaufort should soar to yet another 7-4A title. If they can take care of business against the Lowco competition, they’ll have their sights set on what should be a loaded group of Lower State contenders including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and North Augusta.
SCHEDULE
8/20 — vs. Richmond Hill
8/27 — at Effingham County
9/3 — Benedictine
9/10 — vs. West Ashley
9/17 — at Oceanside Collegiate
10/1 — vs. Hilton Head*
10/8 — at James Island*
10/15 — vs May River*
10/22 — at Bluffton*
10/29 — at Colleton County*
By Wes Kerr / Photo by Justin Jarrett