'Most decorated' kicker CJ Falotico joins other Iron Horses, Bishops on all-star teams
Philip Simmons and Bishop England both had solid seasons on the gridiron, and each school’s success was reflected in the recent release of the all-state and all-region teams.
Philip Simmons, which went 11-2, including 5-0 in Region 6-AA play, landed six players on the South Carolina Football Coaches Association’s Class AA all-state team, while another four players earned honorable mention all-state.
The Iron Horses also had seven players earn spots on the Region 6-AA team, while Iron Horse boss Eric Bendig was named coach of the year.
Bishop England, meanwhile, went 8-4, including 2-3 in Region 6-AAAA. The Bishops landed six players on the Region 6-AAAA team.
CJ Falotico concluded his stellar career at Philip Simmons with all-state honors and was selected to play in the 78th Touchstone Energy Bowl on Dec. 13 at Myrtle Beach’s Doug Shaw Stadium.
Falotico connected on 13 of 18 field goals and converted 54 of 59 PAT attempts. His 13 field goals ranked No. 42 nationally, according to MaxPreps.com and his 93 points were No. 43 in the nation.
“CJ was a huge asset for our team and program in his time here,” Bendig said. “We have had some great kickers, but CJ. will leave as the most decorated in school history and owns all of our kicking records for a season and career. His ability to punt and kick was a huge X factor against teams, especially in tight games.”
The Iron Horse all-state selections also included the dynamic pass-catch duo of quarterback Hayes Goddard and wide receiver Ashton Kellermann, defensive linemen Alex Tchoryk and Roman Hood, and defensive back Montrell Mungin.
Goddard, Kellermann, Tchoryk, and Hood are juniors and will form an impressive nucleus in 2026.
The honorable mention selections included junior Diavante Irving, senior Ethan Chisum, junior Omonte Taylor, and senior Yosi Mallett.
“We knew since these juniors were in the eighth grade that they were a special group,” Bendig said. “To see so many do so well this year for us was just a great testament to their hard work, talents, and our program’s coaches. It shows that the Philip Simmons football program is set up to continue to be one of the best teams in the state.”
Goddard was the Region 6-AA offensive player of the year. He showed improvement almost every week and finished with 3,196 total yards while accounting for 36 TDs. He completed 171 of 297 pass attempts for 2,675 yards and 30 scores.
The Iron Horses' other region picks included Kellermann, Hood, Chisum, Irving, Taylor, and Mungin.
Senior quarterback Quinn Mahoney heads the list of BE players who were selected to the Region 6-AA team. Mahoney, who was also selected to play in the Touchstone Energy Bowl, played in only nine games his senior year and completed 102 of 183 passes for 1,446 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Mahoney, who will matriculate to Campbell University, completed 272 of 488 passing attempts in his two years as a starter at BE for 3,907 yards and 37 scores.
The Bishops’ other all-region performers included Zach Balog, Chase Tonon, Hunter Alex, Trevor Tonon, and Matthew Ponkow.