We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Coffee High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Trojans this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record:15-0
- Points Scored: 583
- Points Allowed: 100
Key Losses
Among the top players Coffee will miss in 2024 are team captains Patrick McCall and Tyriq Edwards. McCall played primarily at slot receiver, and Edwards played at receiver and defensive back.
Running back Fred Brown, the ITG Next 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, was the team’s offensive heartbeat all season with his 358 carries, 2,488 yards rushing, and 24 touchdowns leading the way.
Quarterback Maurice Hansley leaves with over 3,000 yards passing during his career at Coffee. In 2023 he passed for 16 TDs, rushed for seven TDs, and completed 71% of passes with just two interceptions.
Who’s Back
The Trojans welcome back James Jarrard and Bray Coe at receiver, along with Jaydon Vester, Tico Smith, Kyler Smith, and Jaylon Simpkins on the offensive line.
Running back Tyrese Hansley will step in to fill the void left by Brown’s departure.
Also returning to the offensive backfield are KJ DeBruce, Travis Adams, and Tyrese Woodgett, who will also return kicks and punts.
Coffee returns defensive lineman Iverson Gifford and linebackers Chris Reed, Jyarius Carter, and Mykevius Smith.
The defensive backfield will have Isaiah Johnson, Jayden Hancock, and Adams.
What to Expect
Head coach Mike Coe begins his third season at Coffee, and expectations are high after leading the Trojans to their first state title in 2023.
Coe said areas of concern are depth in certain areas of the team and the need to stay healthy this year, especially with Coffee heading into Region 2-5A, which includes opponents Lee County and Thomas County Central.
But even with Brown graduating, Coe said that depth at the RB position will be one of the team’s strengths, as will team speed.
“Getting Tyrese Woodgett back is huge,” Coe said. “He is a great return man and has legit 4.4 speed.”
As far as replacing Brown, Coe said it will be an RB-by-committee approach.
“Halsey will be the hammer, and the other three can fly,” Coe said.
Prediction
Coffee is now in a highly competitive region with great teams, and the non-region opponents on their schedule are nothing to laugh at either. Look for Coffee to make another deep playoff run with 12 or 13 wins.
Game to Watch
The final regular-season game at Thomas County Central on Nov. 1 could decide the region champion.
