We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Worth County football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.
2021 Stats
- Overall Record: 4-6
- Points Scored: 270
- Points Against: 274
Key Losses
Worth County will head into the season without mammoth DL/TE Chris Manuel, a Region 1-AA First Team All Region performer who has signed with Georgia Military College. The Bulldogs are hoping the former Ram will produce like he did during his Worth County career. He had 70 tackles and 3.5 sacks from his spot on the Worth County defensive line, and as a TE, he hauled in three receptions for 84 yards and a TD.
OL Hayden Booth was a 1-AA All Region selection last season, and his presence on the offensive line will be missed. Other graduating Rams who will be missed include DB JJ Jackson, who leaves with 38 tackles and an interception during his time at Worth. RB Tman Toomer will not return, and he ends his Worth career with 395 rushing yards and six total TDs. WR Ben Jackson graduates with 11 catches and 119 yards receiving during his time as a Ram.
Who’s Back
Leading the Ram returners this season is the reigning Region 1-AA Player of the Year and one of the top QBs in the state in Chip Cooper. The senior signal-caller has flown under the radar statewide, but not those who root for the Rams. They know what this exceptionally talented young man is capable of, such as 3,129 passing yards and 31 TDs. He’s also a threat running the football, as his 1,236 rushing yards and 11 TDs illustrate.
Cooper will look to WR Parker Weaver as a top target this season. Weaver was an All-Region selection last season in 1-AA, also. He has six TD receptions to go along with his 319 receiving yards, and will be counted on again this year in special teams as a kick returner. He has 232 kick return yards as a Ram.
Another top returning receiver this year will be Owen Hancock. He too was an All-Region selection in 2021 and had 205 receiving yards with three TDs last year. Senior RB Hunter Barber is back, as is DL/TE Andrew Dixon. On defense, Hammond and staff will be counting on a couple of returning LBs who can get after the opposing QB pretty well. Jaylen Fluellen has 5.5 sacks and 125 tackles, while teammate Quentin Cole has 133 tackles and 2.5 sacks during their time at Worth.
What To Expect
Jeff Hammond takes over the Worth County program and knows that it will take hard work and a little bit of luck this season if the Rams are going to challenge for a region title. “I fully expect the 2022 season to be a challenge,” says the veteran football coach. “Competing in Region 1-AA is a difficult thing to go through yearly. We will compete and be physical.”
The first-year Rams coach says he is impressed with what he has seen so far. “We have a solid nucleus returning and our numbers are up, which should pay off in the long run,” Hammond said.
The Rams have one of the top quarterbacks in Georgia, so that should give them an advantage all season long, especially in region play. Cooper is another year stronger, and experienced, which is so important in high school football. Hammond is one of the finest offensive minds around, and Cooper being able to work under him this season will be a plus.
Prediction
Look for the Rams to enjoy one of their best seasons in years: 7-4 overall record in 2022.
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