By Wes Kerr
LowcoSports.com
Two Whale Branch senior gridiron stars earned major accolades this week from the South Carolina Football Coaches Association, as quarterback Jaylen Reeves and placekicker Henry Tome were named to the prestigious Palmetto Champions All-Star Football Team.
The S.C. Football Coaches Association recognized 26 players and 10 coaches for their outstanding performances in the 2020 season. Each classification honored five players and two coaches, with an extra player added in Class AAA. One back and lineman were chosen for both the upper and lower state, and a single specialist representing the entire state was given the fifth spot.
Reeves was selected as the most outstanding back in the Lower State in Class 1A, and Tome was named the 1A state specialist of the year.
Reeves displayed his electric rushing ability all season long, gashing defenses to the tune of 607 yards and 13 touchdowns along with four TDs through the air to lead Whale Branch to its first-ever perfect regular season. The senior and Bluefield State signee always came through in the clutch, tossing a majestic game-winning touchdown pass on the final play against Baptist Hill en route to a region championship.
Tome delivered a phenomenal performance for Whale Branch at placekicker. The senior was nearly flawless on the entire season, drilling an amazing 28 of 29 PATs and knocking through all five of his field goal attempts. He also filled in admirably at quarterback, providing contributions all across the field with a pair of rushing touchdowns. Tome’s remarkable season earned him a spot on the Palmetto Champions All-Star Team as the best specialist in all of Class A.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual banquet to recognize the honorees was cancelled. Certificates and plaques for the winners will be mailed to the recipients.
Pictured at top: Jaylen Reeves
