We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Westwood football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Wildcats this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 6-4
- Points Scored: 331
- Points Allowed: 179
Key Losses
Head coach Earl Ford told ITG Next that he’ll have to replace some key guys who were not just really good players, but who were critical to the recent success of the Westwood program. That group includes a four-year starter who changed positions last season to help the team. Ben Shirah was a receiver who Ford moved to quarterback last year to replace the departed QB DJ Palmer, who was among the best ever to play at the tradition-rich Camilla school. Shirah performed quite well in his new spot directing the Wildcat offense, leading them to the GIAA 8-Man semifinals. Shirah also played CB and some SE last season.
Other players who have graduated are OL/DL Noah Spencer and Bo Holton, a key receiver, as well as the team’s kicker and punter, and his talent and experience as a four-year starter will be missed. FB/LB Ty Griner had returned to the team last season and was a key rusher and receiver for Westwood. OL/DE Grayson Stanaland is the other senior who will have to be replaced.
Who’s Back
Westwood and coach Ford will welcome back several key players this season, starting with senior halfback Weston Fears, a two-time All-Region player and an All-State selection last season. Fears had 792 yards combined rushing and receiving with 14 TDs last season. He will also return to play safety on defense.
Ford says the other key returning contributors include senior C/DL Luke Moss, senior OL/DL Jett Hinteregger, junior FB/LB Braxton Ethridge, and sophomore offensive guard Wes Swiley
What to Expect
Ford admits that this year could be a bit of a rebuilding project for his Westwood squad.
“We have got to replace our starting quarterback and receivers,” he said. “We must replace our entire kicking game. Right now, at this point of the offseason, we have no idea who will replace those guys.”
Ford added that the competition for those positions is wide open: “Right now any one of our 17 guys could do it. We must grow up and mature quickly with a roster of mostly young and inexperienced players.”
Westwood is two years removed from a state championship and two straight years of winning football. The last time Westwood was looking at this type of rebuilding situation was in 2019, when they finished with just one win. However, Ford is a state champion-caliber coach, not only in football but also in track, where he has won double-digit state titles for Westwood, so I’d bet that the veteran coach will find a way to lead this team to a respectable 2023 season.
Prediction
Coach Earl Ford and the 2023 Westwood football team find a way to get it done. 5-5 this season.
Game to Watch
Crisp Academy on September 29.
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