A.C. Flora’s Azel Banag receives a trophy and a $2,000 scholarship for being named Richland County High School Football Player of the Year.
A.C. Flora High School senior Azel Banag has been named the 2025 Richland County High School Football Player of the Year by the Richland County Recreation Commission. Azel was selected by a panel of voters from Columbia media outlets along with the 17 head football coaches from each high school in Richland County. He was announced as the winner during a December 8 ceremony at the Richland County Adult Activity Center on Parklane Road.
“It’s a blessing. I’m thankful for winning this award. It means a lot and shows the work that I put in and all the work that was put into me to get to this point in life,” Banag said.
As part of the award, Azel received a college educational bundle (including an iPad and gift cards).
As a defensive back on A.C. Flora’s football team, Azel had 75 tackles, five interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. On offense, he scored four touchdowns and caught 10 passes for 163 yards as wide receiver. Azel has committed to play for the University of Oregon.
“I just gotta keep doing what I’ve been doing, keep trusting in the Lord and keep working. All glory goes to God,” he said.
In addition to Azel, five other Richland One student-athletes were nominated for the award:
•Brandon Ashford – Eau Claire High School
•Chanson Evans– Dreher High School
•Jeremiah Johnson– C.A. Johnson High School
•Anthony King–W.J. Keenan High School
•Chad Wilson– Lower Richland High School
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