Seven Midlands players, one coach named to Palmetto Champions Team

It’s been a good week for Chapin quarterback Logan Bailey.

Bailey had 466 total yards and seven touchdowns in Chapin’s win over Dreher last Friday. On Monday, he was selected for the Touchstone Energy North-South game. He added another honor Thursday when he was named Class 3A Lower State Back of the Year as the South Carolina Football Coaches Association announced its 25-player Palmetto Champions Team.

“I’m absolutely honored,” Bailey said. “I couldn’t have accomplished this without my team and I couldn’t be any prouder of the job they’ve done this year getting open and keeping me protected. God has really blessed me and my team.”

Bailey was one of seven players and one coach from the Midlands to be selected to the team. The senior has 2,487 yards and 42 touchdowns this year, and 72 TDs in his career.

Lexington’s Josh Stepp was named Class 4A Lower State Coach of the Year, and Wildcats kicker Christian Kinsley the 4A Lower State Specialist of the Year. Kinsley’s averaging 40 yards a punt and is 7-for-9 on field goals, including a 46-yarder.

“Christian deserves all the acoloades and he has been a tremendous weapon for us,” Stepp said. “I think he is the best kicker in the state.”

It was the first coach of year honor for Stepp, who credited his players and staff.

Westwood’s Chris McCarthy was named Class 4A Upper State Lineman of the Year and is part of the RedHawks’ massive offensive line.

Spring Valley’s R.J. Bacon was named the Big 16 Specialist of the Year, and Swansea’s Mason Ray was Class 3A Upper State Lineman of the Year. Bacon is averaging 43.8 yards a punt and 4-of-6 on field goals, including a 43-yarder.

Ray leads Swansea with 54 tackles, including 13 for loss. Both Bacon and Ray were North-South selections.

Batesburg-Leesville’s Terrence Wilson was named the Class 2A Upper State Back of the Year, and Newberry’s Jaceree Caldwell was the 2A Upper State Lineman of the Year. Wilson became B-L’s all-time leading rusher last week and has 1,403 yards and 23 touchdowns this season. Wilson and Caldwell also were picked for the North-South Game

The Palmetto Champions team will be honored at a banquet on Dec. 3 at Seawells.Distinguished service awards also will be handed out to former South Carolina State’s Willie Jeffries and South Carolina’s Robbie Liles.

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 8:23 PM.