There were blaring omissions during the past month as rosters were announced for the state’s various bowl and all-star games for high school football — Michael Mebane.
Union County’s dependable and athletic runningback has racked up an impressive 1,024 yards on 44 carries and has scored seven touchdowns. And that was just nine games. He missed one due to a minor injury.
His efforts have led the Yellow Jackets to the second round of the state playoffs.
But when you read the rosters for such events as the Shrine Bowl, the Palmetto Champions All-Star Team and the North-South All-Star Football Game, not a single mention nor vote for the high school senior.
Now I know there are players around the state who have put up better stats. But stats don’t always show the entire picture.
Case in point, last Friday’s playoff win over Chapin. While Mebane only scored seven of the Yellow Jacket’s 38 points, he was the workhorse that brought the ball down the field to set up his teammates for scores.
Mebane is the type of player who raises the motivation of those around him. He is the reason Union County is playing in round two of the playoffs. He is the reason many are picking the Jackets to make it to the Upper State Championships.
Heck, Mebane can’t even get respect from The State’s top prep football listings for rushing. The Jacket’s leading scorer falls in the middle of the standings, but is not listed.
Despite being ignored by media and other high school football coaches, Mebane is being noticed by colleges and universities including Benedict, Wofford, Coastal Carolina and Alabama A&M.
I have a strong feeling Mebane isn’t all that interested in accolades and empty congratulations.
Friday night as the Yellow Jackets defense took the field Mebane was by himself standing on the sideline. Studying the game very intently, he looked like a caged tiger ready to pounce on Chapin.
The next time he touched the ball, he ran the ball 18 yards for a touchdown.
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