For Byrnes senior offensive tackle Josiah Chambers, success comes in two forms.
On the football field. And in the classroom.
Chambers was recently named to the Touchstone Energy Bowl on Dec. 12 in Myrtle Beach while also maintaining his status as an honor student academically and preparing for a potential deep 5A playoff run with the Rebels.
And even with all of those obligations, Chambers still seems to have an infectious attitude around everyone he meets.
“I mean, where do I start with him,” Byrnes head coach Reggie Shaw said. “Four-year starter. Honor student. Captain. Always does things the right way. And always has a smile on his face.”
Two years ago, Chambers made the switch from defensive line to offensive line, which immediately paid off for the Rebels. Chambers was named All-Region in 2025 and got the news he was going to be part of this year’s Touchstone Energy Bowl last month.
“We got told after a workout one day,” Chambers said. “They pulled us aside and told us, then told the whole team. It was crazy. It was unexpected, like I didn’t expect it at all. But I appreciate them giving me the opportunity. I know I’ve put in the work, and I’m ready and excited.”
Chambers has helped Byrnes continue a tradition of strong offensive line play, which begins and ends with toughness.
“Being physical, dominating the line of scrimmage,” Chambers said of the group’s identity. “That’s what we focus on the entire time. Moving bodies.”
It also doesn’t hurt to have a Mr. Football candidate in the backfield in senior running back Tre Segarra.
Running behind Chambers and his fellow linemen, Segarra has 965 rushing yards this season, averaging 107.2 per game, with 18 total touchdowns. The senior tackle said his relationship with Segarra couldn’t be better.
“[Segarra] gives us love all the time,” Chambers said. “He makes our job so easy. We just give him a little crease and he’ll take it from there.”
Despite the Rebels’ incredible success down the stretch – the team went 5-0 in Region I-5A – Chambers and his teammates are aware that the playoffs are a different beast.
Byrnes defeated its second-round opponent Hillcrest once this year back on Oct. 2, but Chambers isn’t putting much stock in that 49-21 victory.
“They changed some things and we’re preparing for those, of course,” he said. “We’re not taking anyone lightly at all. They’re on a four-game winning streak, so they’re really hot right now. We want to keep our heads down and just keep on working, trusting in each other, loving each other, and playing for each other.”
Shaw said that it doesn’t surprise him that Chambers’ attitude remains focused despite everything, because that’s just who he is.
“He epitomizes everything you want your football program to be,” Shaw said. “Whether it’s high character, good grades, or a great person. But then he’s a dog on the field. When the lights come on, you better get out of his way.”
As for Chambers’ personal goals for the playoffs?
Well, as you’d expect, they’re not really just for him at all.
“I just want to help my team win state,” he said. “That’s honestly it. That’s the goal. Whatever it takes.”
