We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Cairo football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Syrupmakers this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 8-4
- Points Scored: 350
- Points Allowed: 225
Key Losses
Cairo will no doubt miss their starting quarterback from the last three years, Braylon Robinson. The ITG Next Cairo High Offensive Player of the Year threw for 3,073 yards and 32 TDs as the Syrupmakers signal caller. The two-sport athlete is headed to Albany State to play college baseball.
Robinson’s primary target in the Cairo passing game was Tyree Kelly, who will play college football at South Florida. Kelly hauled in 70 receptions for 1,129 yards and 12 TDs as Cairo’s top receiver.
Others moving on to play collegiately are DB Fabian Yarbrough, who will play at Thomas University, and WR Justin Bryant, who is headed to Warner University in Lake Wales, FL. Jalen Davis, who played DE/TE and LB at Cairo is off to Georgia Military College. Landon Vickers, who converted 13 of 24 FG attempts, 69 of 78 PATs, and punted for a 34.7-yard average, has graduated.
Who’s Back
David Coleman, who wore the Interim Coach tag last year while leading Cairo to an eight-win season, was named the full-time coach this offseason. We congratulate coach Coleman as he returns to the Cairo sideline in 2023.
He’ll welcome back senior LB Jeremiah Williams and OL Cade Puckett. Joining them will be senior TE/WR Amari Powell, who has 27 receptions for 348 yards and 2 TDs, and senior WR/RB Cory Baker, who rushed for 133 yards and a TD last season while also catching 25 passes for 479 yards and 6 TDs. Junior TE/DL RW Jones also is back this season.
What to Expect
Coleman told us earlier this offseason that he’s really looking forward to being back at Cairo as the head coach, and he is looking forward to seeing which players can step up and fill some of the big shoes that graduation left him and the Syrupmakers.
“Offensively, we graduated some very productive skill players, but I am eager to see who’s ready to step up,” Coleman said.
Coleman said the defensive unit will need to find playmakers in the backfield, but otherwise, he likes what he has returning.
“We will have some experience coming back in the box [defensive line and LBs], but we will replace most of our secondary,” he said.
He added that with the graduation of Landon Vickers, Cairo will have a new kicker and punter this season.
Prediction
Look for another 8-4 season from the 2023 Syrupmakers.
Game to Watch
Cairo at Thomasville on September 1.
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