DUNCAN, S.C. — The Byrnes Rebels will christen their brand-new Nixon Field on Friday night when they host the T.L. Hanna Yellow Jackets, a program that has had their number in recent years.
Byrnes hasn’t beaten T.L. Hanna since 2015, and the Yellow Jackets opened last season with a 19-16 win in Anderson. The Rebels outgained Hanna on the ground in that contest — 232 rushing yards to 186 — but costly turnovers and penalties proved decisive.
Hanna enters the 2025 season with one of the most experienced lineups in the state. Head coach Jason Tone, in his seventh season, will lean on senior quarterback Gavin Magin to guide the Yellow Jackets’ Wing-T attack. Key playmakers include running backs Thomas Williams, Emari Nance and Keegan Strickland, along with receiver Mike Williams.
The Wing-T presents multiple challenges for opposing defenses. Hanna mixes the power run, fullback gut, trap and counter plays, often from identical formations. The counter in particular has served as the Yellow Jackets’ explosive “home run” play.
Byrnes head coach Reggie Shaw, entering his ninth season, will need a disciplined effort from his defense. Up front, linemen Jackson Delaney, Josh Kyerefo and Justice Hopkins will be tasked with controlling the line of scrimmage. Linebackers Wyquail Moss, Tyler Clark, Jonathan Montgomery and Octavius Davis anchor the middle.
Offensively, the Rebels will look to establish the run game behind junior tailback Tre Segarra. Offensive coordinator Jordan Durrah is expected to feature Segarra heavily while also getting the ball to wideout Chu Harris, a deep-play threat.
The matchup not only marks the season opener for both teams but also the long-awaited debut of Nixon Field. The new stadium has energized the Duncan community, but Shaw’s Rebels will need more than fanfare to reverse nearly a decade of frustration against Hanna.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.