Photos and storyby Mike Maddock

Richland Northeast Cavalier Keyzelle Thomas (l) is presented the Richland County Player of the Year Award by South Carolina Army National Guard career counselor SSG James E. Rykbost. Thomas received a commemorative plaque, t–shirt, and National Guard football.

The Richland North-east Cavaliers had a dream season winning the Division II Class 4A Lower State Championship and finishing with a 13–2 record. The Cavaliers success was due in large part to the efforts of senior running back Keyzelle Thomas.

Thomas led the Cavaliers in four offensive categories including rushing, scoring, total offense, and all purpose yards. He completed the season with 1,339 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns.

Thomas had 192 yards rushing against Lexington August 26, and three touchdowns each against Lower Richland and Colleton County. He accounted for nearly one third of the team’s offensive yards and scoring.

Head coach Jay Frye said, “Keyzelle is a great kid and a great student. He’s worked hard in the weight room and the classroom. He’s one of the strongest young men on the team and he is very deserving of this award.”

Thomas powers through the Byrnes defense in the Division II Class 4A championship game at Williams–Brice stadium. Thomas is the inaugural winner of the South Carolina Army National Guard Player of the Year.

Starting in January 2006, the ANG will announce and award a high school player of the month to talented student athletes throughout Richland County. The ANG will announce another football Player of the Year selection in December 2006.