We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Clay football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Blue Devils this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 3-7
- Points Scored: 197
- Points Allowed: 324
Key Losses
The Blue Devils enter the 2023 season with most of their key contributors back from last year, but there are some players who have graduated and will be missed. That includes two-way standout Dwonya “DJ” Williams, who had 55 tackles and an INT on defense last season, and who also rushed 18 times for 93 yards.
Another RB/LB standout will have to be replaced as Dominic Martin graduates. He was a defensive anchor during his Clay career, finishing with 133 tackles, including 6.5 TFL and 2 sacks. The offensive line will lose three quality players up front with the graduation of Brad Warren, John Johnson, and Ronan Carns.
Who’s Back
The Blue Devils bring back a lot of talent from last year’s team, and that’s a good thing for Clay fans. Returning on offense is starting QB Merrick Rapoza, who had an outstanding sophomore season with 1,219 passing yards and 16 TDs. He also had 269 rushing yards and 3 TDs, and he’ll only be better with the experience he gained last year.
Rapoza’s favorite receiving target will be back, and he’s a heckuva player. Senior Payton Dykas is one of the best wideouts in the state, as well as a pretty good defensive back. He has 1,338 yards receiving over the last two seasons with 16 TD’s, and defensively he made 31 tackles and had 2 INT last year. Dykas was an Honorable Mention All-State selection last season.
Senior RB Chandler Thomas had 66 carries last season for the Blue Devils, and he’ll be counted on as a primary ball carrier in the Clay offense again in 2023. Clay has one of the top K/P in junior Ethan Bellemare, who hit 14 of 17 PAT and was successful on 2 of 3 FG attempts in 2022, with his longest coming from 32 yards.
What to Expect
Coach Kennard has done an outstanding job since taking over the Clay football program, leading the Blue Devils to 10-2 and 7-3 records in his first two seasons before dropping to 3-7 last season with a very young team. But that group is now more experienced and ready to lead the team back to its winning ways.
There’s a lot of talent in key places, including QB, WR, and on both lines of scrimmage, so fans and followers of the Clay football program should fully expect a bounceback season for this group in 2023.
Prediction
Watch out for the Blue Devils: I’ll go with a 10-2 record.
Game to Watch
At Orange Park on September 8.
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