CHARLEY B. PATTERSON JR.

Columbia — The South Carolina Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) announced its 2013 Palmetto Champions last week, and a Pickens County native has been named AAA Coach of the Year for the Lower State.

Charley B. Patterson Jr., son of Brackett Patterson of Liberty, earned the honors by leading his team, the Hanahan Hawks, to an undefeated regular season. The Hawks (11-1) made it through the first round of the Lower State playoffs before falling to Marlboro County 70-6 on Nov. 15 in round two. His team had a .917 winning percentage this season.

The Palmetto Champions, consisting of 25 high school football players and 10 high school football coaches, will be honored at a banquet on Thursday, Dec. 5, at Seawell’s in Columbia. This year’s banquet is sponsored by Founders Federal Credit Union. From this list, a Palmetto Champions All-Star Lineman, Back, Specialty Team Player, and Coach of the Year will be announced live at the banquet. Also, an award for Distinguished Service will be presented to a supporter of South Carolina high school football.