JOHNSTON - Strom Thurmond wrapped up the season last week with a heart-breaking loss to Central Pageland, but the outstanding coaching, talent and athleticism of this team did not go unnoticed as there were 36 total players selected from the six region schools.

Thurmond sent 10 players which left the other five schools to battle for the remaining 26 slots. 

Rebel head coach Lee Sawyer (North/South All-Star Coach) was selected as the Region III Coach of the Year for his outstanding performance this season.

Sawyer took a young group of players to the quarterfinals of the AA playoffs with an overall 10-3 record. Many didn’t give the Rebels much chance at competing for the region crown since Newberry and Batesburg-Leesville were so senior heavy and the Rebels returned only 15 seniors in 2009.  But Thurmond ran through Region 3-AA play, going 5-0, and capturing the region crown.

In six seasons at Strom Thurmond, Sawyer has won 5 region titles, 1 state title, four 10+ win seasons, and has an overall record of 62-16.

Player Selections:
Raleigh Yeldell (quarterback) sophomore – rushed for 742 yards with 11 touchdowns and passed for 950 yards with four more touchdowns. Yeldell only threw one interception the entire season.
 
Nick Williamson (running back) senior – rushed for 1,124 yards, 16 touchdowns and averaged 5.6 yards per carry.

Jonathan Williams (offensive line) senior – North -South All Star, 6’4” 240lbs, multiple pancake blocks and strong blocker with athletic ability that allowed him to play both ways.

Chris Herrin (offensive line) sophomore – master of the pancake block, tremendous pass/run protector, 2 time offensive player of the week as voted by his coaches and teammates.

Octavius Brown (defensive line) junior – nearly unblockable defensive lineman forcing offenses to double team him the entire season, 2 sacks and many tackles.

Marcelis Thompson (linebacker) senior – 102 tackles, 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns, 1 fumble recovery, 5 blocked PAT’s and 1 blocked field goal. Thompson was selected as a North-South All-Star player also.

Nick Clark (linebacker) sophomore – led the team with 109 tackles.

Tony Stepney (linebacker) junior – 101 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery on defense and a powerful running back on offense.

Deikory Williams (defensive back) senior – led team with 4 interceptions. Deikory also had 80-plus tackles on the season.

Martinez Gallman (defensive back) senior – 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 2 touchdowns and 60-plus tackles.