Jackets honor fall sports standouts

Ernie Rowell

Buford High School junior tight end-defensive lineman Marcus Brown (30) had a solid season for the Jackets and earned the team’s MVP at the annual Jackets fall sports awards night.

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The maroon and gold spotlight was on a host of athletes who shined in fall sports at  Buford High School this season.

BHS athletes in cheerleading, volleyball and football were honored at the Lancaster County Class AA school’s annual fall sports awards night on Wednesday.

The 3-7 Jackets football team honored a host of standouts.

Junior tight end-defensive lineman Marcus Brown, one of six players to reap all-region honors, was named the BHS football MVP. He led the Buford tackling points with 174.

Junior Eric McPhearson, also an all-region pick, was named BHS’s Best Offensive Lineman. Junior Scott Catledge, who led the BHS ground attack with 580 yards and four touchdowns, was selected as the Jackets’ Best Offensive Back and reaped all-region honors.

All-region picks Seth Chapman, C.J. Blackmon, and Donnie Duncan each earned an individual honor. Chapman was named BHS’s Best Defensive Back, while Blackmon earned the Most Improved Player Award. Duncan was presented the Best Defensive Lineman Award.

The Jackets Pride Award was presented to senior lineman Damon Wright.

In junior varsity football, the 6-3 BHS Junior Jackets honored two players. Josh Mullens was named the MVP and sophomore Garrett Thomas was selected as the Most Improved Player.

The Buford volleyball team saluted a host of players, including senior setter Lauren Bradburn, who was selected as the Lady Jackets MVP.

Senior Catie Rowell received the Jacket Pride Award and Kristen Melton, a sophomore, was named the Most Improved Player.

The Junior Lady Jackets’ honored its entire team as each was presented a medal for a solid season. BHS went 12-5 and won the Central of Pageland jayvee volleyball tournament.

The BHS cheer squads also were honored. The Class AA Lower State champion varsity team honored three top cheerleaders.

Captain Cierra Stinson, a senior, earned the Most Outstanding Cheerleader Award for the fourth straight season.

Sophomore Ragen Steele was named the Jacket Pride winner and sophomore Savannah Bailey was selected as Most Improved.

In jayvee cheer, two annual awards were presented.

Junior Christina Morales earned the Lisa Williams Most Outstanding Cheerleader Award and freshman Brittany Short was named as the Brandi Baker Most Improved Cheerleader.

In closing remarks, BHS principal Jonathan Phipps praised the work of the athletes and coaches as well as the support of the parents and fans.

He also praised the work of the Buford Booster Club which has presented $56,000 to the school since last January.

The BHS booster club will meet again on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. in the commons area of the school.