We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Carver Columbus 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:12-2
- Points Scored: 485
- Points Against: 184
Key Losses
Carver Columbus loses some major talent, many to the next level of college football. Included in that group are OT Elijah Pritchett, who committed to Alabama, and safety Antonio Watts, who had 170 tackles and seven interceptions, and is now at Louisville University. Two of those interceptions were taken to the house for a pick-6 by Watts.
DE Cameron Crowell and RB Jaiden Credle are both taking their talents to Northern Illinois University. Former standout QB Devin Riles, who threw for 5,455 yards and 56 TDs while running the Carver offense, is also at Louisville. In addition to his passing yardage, Riles also rushed for 2,087 yards with 22 TDs. The standout passer completed 67 percent of his passing attempts. WR/CB Cam Hudson will now be playing on Saturdays for the Saint River JUCO Scorpions.
Who’s Back
Returning to try to get Carver back to the title game is four-star DL Darron Reed, who is being sought after by seemingly everyone. An OL is also being highly recruited, and his name is Kelton Smith, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound guard. Senior Jvion “Skoot” Luster is another player who will be playing collegiately following his senior season this year. He picked off three passes last season, and had 66 tackles. He has 92 total tackles over the last two seasons as a CB/ATH.
DT Miquon Merriweather is a dominant 6-foot-3, 290-pound defender who has racked up 99 tackles in his last two seasons, including nine sacks. This is his final season at Carver. The primary RB for Carver this season will be senior Jamari Riley, who has 151 carries for 1,159 rushing yards and 17 TDs. Riley also has also hauled in 31 receptions for 362 yards and 5 TDs during his Carver career.
Senior ATH/DB Jacobi Hatter returns for his senior season, and he is one of the Tigers’ fastest players, with a 4.38 40-yard dash. He has 53 tackles and an interception on the defensive side, while over on offense he has seven TD receptions with 562 receiving yards, plus a rushing TD to his credit. OLB Tre’mon “Trey” Henry is back, and freshman WR KJ Miles may see some playing time this season.
What To Expect
It’s hard to imagine this Tiger team not at least making another run at the title game. This season, that would be in the 3A classification, where Carver has been reclassified to from 4A last season. But that’s a full season away, and Carver has to compete with new region opponents Crisp County, Dougherty, and Thomasville, along with neighboring Columbus High School and the Monroe Golden Tornadoes. No matter what class or region they are in, Carver has some big time play makers, and they have a new coach in Pierre Coffey.
Prediction
I see 13 wins and a playoff matchup with Cedar Grove.
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