In a week brimming with accolades, Jaquel Holman of Blackville-Hilda High School starts with an extraordinary honor and wraps up with a typical stellar performance. Holman earned a spot among 44 seniors chosen for the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas - a prestigious recognition that marks him as one of the finest in his school, region, and state. Demonstrating his prowess on the field, Holman celebrated by rushing for an astounding 206 yards with four touchdowns on just nine carries, propelling the third-ranked Fighting Hawks to a sweeping 50-6 victory over Wagener-Salley. This masterful display secured him the Aiken Standard Player of the Week title, once more highlighting his exceptional abilities.
Coach Kevin Jones of Blackville-Hilda extolled Holman's all-around talents. "He's an outstanding player," Jones reflected after the game. "His impact isn’t just in the long runs; it's also in the 12-yard carries where he fights off several defenders. That's the kind of athlete he is. He hits hard, plays relentless defense, and contributes on special teams. The Shrine Bowl coaches, when they saw him, reported: 'He's remarkably big and fast; he can effectively play receiver, running back, or linebacker.' Such versatility showcases an exceptional talent rarely seen."
Holman's first play showed promise with a 10-yard touchdown in the first drive, setting the pace for the game. On his fourth possession in the second quarter, he broke away for a 60-yard touchdown, quickly followed by a 43-yard run just over a minute later, and then a 47-yard dash at the start of the second half. By this point, the score was a commanding 43-0. Holman even added a two-point conversion and accumulated four defensive tackles, indicating his influence on both sides of the ball. With only one task left, Holman met his deal with Coach Jones by exceeding 200 rushing yards, earning the right to sport a coveted pair of white cleats. He spent the remainder of the game cheering for teammates while advocating to re-enter the game to help maintain a shutout in the final moments.
This game marked Holman's second 200-yard performance of the season, with 854 yards and 12 touchdowns amassed over the first six games, securing his position as a leading rusher. Sitting only behind Cross’ Karmello Jones in Class A rushing yards, albeit with significantly fewer attempts, Holman’s average of 10.2 yards per attempt and 142.3 yards per game is among the best in South Carolina, regardless of class. His selection for the Shrine Bowl, alongside prominent players like Kendall Walton from Lamar and Damarcus Leach from Abbeville, emphasizes his spectacular standing.
Coach Jones remarked, "Holman's achievement tells players everywhere that high performance can be recognized beyond big-name or private schools. His hard work and dedication both on field and in academics reflect a commitment to honing his craft." Blackville-Hilda's legacy in Class A football is illustrious, but individuals like Holman, who draw such noteworthy attention, are unique. Often, players from smaller schools don't receive chances at major all-star games, but Holman's performance makes exclusion implausible. As Coach Jones celebrated Holman's achievement with the team, he noted the program's rich tradition and the rarity of having a Shrine Bowler. "For Holman to earn this acclaim," Jones stated warmly, "is significant, and our pride in him cannot be overstated."
