We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Colquitt County football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Packers this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 13-1
- Points Scored: 564
- Points Allowed: 215
Key Losses
The Packers will lose some big-time talent to graduation, especially on the defensive side of the ball, starting with safeties Jack “White Lightning” Luttrell, who signed with the University of Tennessee; and strong safety Lyric Thomas, an All-Region defensive selection last season.
The Pack also lose a pair of linebackers with the departure of Quay McCoy, who collected 66 tackles with 6 sacks last year; and Kamal Bonner, who signed with NC State. Running back and special teams specialist Charlie Pace has taken his talents to Georgia State University.
Who’s Back
Returning for Sean Calhoun’s Packers this season will be a group of seniors intent on taking this talented team even farther than last season’s semifinal squad. The group includes playmaking wide receiver Ny “ScatPack” Carr, who is committed to UGA. You can bet Carr will be a primary target for returning QB Neko Fann. The Packers signal-caller will line up behind returning center Jay’Den Williams, and returning alongside him on the offensive line will be Ja’Quavion “Turk” Daniels. One of the best tight ends in the country is Landon Thomas, who flipped his original commitment from UGA to Florida State this offseason.
On defense, returning at safety is Nick “Headhunter” Pace, who had one of the more memorable hits of the Packers’ spring. Pace will provide needed strength with the loss of Luttrell and Lyric Thomas.
What to Expect
Calhoun, who was named our 2022 Hughston Clinic Coach of the Year, is one of the best motivators in high school football, and he’ll continue to bring out the best in an already-talented group in his second season as the Packers head coach. He told ITG Next that the team has had a good offseason getting faster and stronger.
“Our guys have worked really hard this preseason in the weightroom,” Calhoun said. He added that his team “has a lot of potential,” but it’s one of the intangibles that he thinks could make the difference. “This team has a ‘family feel’ that we hope can take us all the way,” Calhoun said.
Prediction
The Packers are going to be the favorite in practically every game this season, and will be one of Class 7A’s favorites to win it all. I like their chances – I see 13 or 14 wins in a season of 15 games.
Game to Watch
The Lee County rematch at Mack Tharpe Stadium will be a good one. (Date still TBD; will be announced in Week 4.)
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