We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Charlton 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: 7-4
- Points Scored: 255
- Points Against: 243
Key Losses
Head Coach Russ Murray didn’t suffer too many losses to graduation, and that’s good news for an Indians team that is looking to return to its glory days of football “in the swamp.” Last season was a big step in getting back there, with a 7-4 season, and with the losses at a minimum, Murray and his Charlton County team will try to capitalize.
Those players who did graduate and will be missed are defensive linemen Gage Renfroe and Asad Akbar. “Those two guys are going to be hard to replace on our defensive line this season, plain and simple,” Murray said. Other departed graduates include slot back/free safety Dalton Bradley, offensive linemen Ryan Murhee and VJ Lewis, and receiver/free safety Wyatt Crews.
Who’s Back
Key players who were a big part of last season’s seven-win season and the first winning season in three years include senior RB/LB Jaylen Lilley and senior QB Jaylen King. Lilley enjoyed a breakout season last year, scoring 22 TDs (21 on the ground and another as a receiver). He also converted five 2-point conversions. Lilley rushed for 1,431 yards, averaging over six yards every time he carried the football. Murray told ITG Next Georgia that Lilley has been a four-year starter at Charlton, and is a true team leader.
Other players Coach Murray says to look out for in 2022 are senior LB Dairion Jones and senior DB Kyler Williams, as well as sophomore DE/TE Elyiss Williams. Murray also points out a couple of All-Academic performers on the 2022 Indians squad, Jones and OL Collin Lloyd, who both sport a perfect 4.0 GPA while excelling on the football field.
What To Expect
Fans of Charlton County football are beginning to believe again. After so many years of watching dominant players take the field on Friday night in Folkston, including the famous Bailey trio of Boss, Champ and Ronald, everyone is ready for that brand of football to return.
Murray points to the key moment last season where his team took a big step towards getting the program back to its old ways. “The win vs Lanier last season was our sixth win of the year, and secured a playoff spot and winning season for us, which was the first in three years,” Murray said. With eight returning starters on offense and practically every member of the starting defense back, Charlton County has a great opportunity to go above and beyond last season’s win total.
Prediction
8-4 and a couple of playoff wins will make fans in Folkston smile again.
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