We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Cairo 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: 7-4
- Points Scored: 253
- Points Against: 202
Key Losses
Cairo Syrup Maker fans and observers around the state were stunned when Steve Devoursney unexpectedly announced in early June that he would be stepping down from his post as the team’s head football coach. Defensive coordinator David Coleman was promoted to take over as Cairo’s head coach. He inherits a team that heads into the 2022 season without some key playmakers from last year’s 7-4 squad.
That group includes the team’s leading tackler last season, Gary Davis, who is now ready to make an impact on Savannnah State’s team. He ends his Syrup Makers career with 88 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions, one of which was a pick-6. Davis also showed his talent on offense, carrying the ball 26 times for 75 yards and eight TDs.
Also gone is the team’s part-time quarterback from a year ago, ATH Kevin Speed, who split time with Braylon Robinson at QB but was used in multiple ways by Cairo. His career stats reflect that diversity, as his winds up with 626 yards rushing, 51 receiving yards, 611 passing yards, and 70 kickoff return yards. He also contributed on defense with 28 tackles and an interception.
Punter/tight End Mo Wilson, a team leader in the locker room during his time at Cairo, as well as a talented player on the field, is off to Reinhardt College to continue his football career. Offensive lineman Javien Jenkins, an OL, graduates, too.
Who’s Back
Cairo will have some quality talent returning this season with senior QB Braylon Robinson back under center. He threw for 1,274 yards and 13 TDs last season. He can get it done with his legs too, as he rushed 68 times for 347 yards and a TD. Robinson will have one of his favorite targets back in Tyree Kelly. The speedy senior WR had 363 yards receiving last season along with three TDs. He has 505 total receiving yards for his career at Cairo.
Another offensive weapon returning this season is senior RB Amarion Byrden, who rushed for 704 yards with six TDs and added a receiving TD also. Returning to block for Byrden and Robinson will be junior OL Cade Puckett. Coach Coleman points out a handful of players who could make an impact on the defensive side of the ball, including junior DB Javeon Jones and senior DB Fabian Yarbrough, as well as a couple of linebackers in senior Jalon Davis and junior Jeremiah Williams. Finally, Coleman references a couple of younger players who could make an impact: TE/DE R.W. Jones and LB/RB Josh Jones, both sophomores.
What To Expect
Coleman says he is excited about his first head coaching job. “Cairo has always been a special place with a lot of tradition,” he said. “Cairo is where I graduated from, and I played high school football here, so to be able to now be the head coach of my alma mater is pretty exciting,” Coleman said.
Regarding any changes to the Cairo approach on offense and defense, Coleman said Syrup Maker fans can expect to see the same thing they’ve been used to seeing on Friday nights. “Cairo has had a long history of success, and I’m not looking to start changing things now,” he said.
The new head coach added that he really likes his starting 11 on both sides of the ball, as long as they can avoid injuries. “If we can stay healthy, I think we will be pretty good,” Coleman said. The coach also said he likes his schedule this year, and for good reason. The Syrup Makers open the season with five home games out of their first seven games, including a stretch of three straight at home against Monroe, Thomasville, and Godby. They will also host games against key region opponents Bainbridge and Westover. With Cairo having so many key starters back this season, Syrup Maker fans have reason to be excited.
Prediction
Could be a big year for coach Coleman in his first season overseeing Cairo: I see a 10-3 overall record.
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