We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Oconee 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: 10-2
- Points Scored: 325
- Points Against: 169
Key Losses
Talk about big losses. Two players who were very important to the Warriors’ success the past two seasons will be missed. Quarterback Jacob Wright, who will play collegiately at Mars Hill, threw for 3,509 yards and 39 TDs during his time as the Warriors’ signal caller. He also added 448 rushing yards and seven TDs.
One of Wright’s favorite targets is off to Aggie land to play for Texas A&M. That would be star TE Jake Johnson, who finished his career at Oconee with 2,431 receiving yards and 33 TDs on 145 catches.
While those are the two main losses to graduation for Oconee County, not having WR/DB standout DariusJohnson back this season will hurt, as well. His impact included 70 receptions with 1,067 yards receiving and 11 TDs, along with 223 rushing yards and four TDs on 36 carries. On defense, Johnson had sevencareer INT and recovered two fumbles. He takes his football talent to Gardner Webb. Offensive linemen Jason Berko and Thomas Waters are also not returning, with Berko headed to play with the Mercer Bears.
Who’s Back
A few key returnees will welcome new coach Ben Hall in his first season at the helm of the Warriors. They include WR/OLB Dylan Manders, who returns with his 85 career tackles on defense, and 218 receiving yards with three TDs as a receiver. Senior WR Jack Ward has 213 receiving yards on 20 catches with twoTDs. He will also return to his kick returning duties this season.
Another kick returner who will also return to his DB duties is Billy Lewis. The senior DB is an absolute ball hawk, snagging eight interceptions, recovering a fumble, and forcing a fumble while patrolling the defensive backfield for the Warriors. He has also racked up 53 tackles, while returning 21 punts for 157 yards. His defensive teammate, returning LB Whit Weeks, is another Warrior with a nose for the football. He has 212 tackles, four INT and four fumble recoveries. DL Cam Eldridge will also return to the Warrior defense in 2022.
What To Expect
Former coach Travis Noland is off to Jefferson. Hall, who was previously at Flowery Branch, understands that he is coming in to a great program, and knows he needs to keep it going in the right direction.
“We are looking to build on the very solid foundation here at Oconee County,” he told ITG Next Georgia. “These kids are a hard-working group that are accustomed to winning a lot of football games.”
Despite having a pretty good grasp on the talent level at Oconee, Hall said spring practice allowed he and his staff to evaluate the talent in front of them and establish their depth chart in each area. The next step is summer workouts, and then onto the fall. Hall is just the right coach to keep things rolling along at Oconee County.
Prediction
Hall makes a solid debut: Another 10-win season for the Warriors.
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