We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Cocoa 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: 11-2
- Points Scored: 435
- Points Allowed: 266
Key Losses
Undoubtedly the Tigers’ biggest losses come on offense, with the biggest being that of running back OJ Ross, who rushed for 1,883 yards and 37 touchdowns a year ago. Starting quarterback Davin Wydner has also moved on, as has a majority of the Tigers’ production at wide receiver in Jmariyae Robinson, Donte Cook, Damargio Grimes, and Eumari Dixon.
On the defensive side of the ball, Cocoa lost one of its leading pass rushers in Marcus Hopkins, as well as two top tacklers in Lavel Bryant and Virgil Marshall. The Tigers also have to replace names such as Malik Lewis, Timothy Passmore, and Victor Zidor, each of whom collected upwards of 40 tackles a year ago.
Who’s Back
Cocoa’s biggest returning names are on defense, led by the state’s top safety, Cedrick Hawkins. The Tigers’ 2022 defense also returns leading tackler Samadrae Hawkins, Loren Ward, Da Varrius Robertson, Dereon Walker, and D’Andrevius Dorsey in the front seven, while the secondary again features Jordan Holmes and Caleb Dobbs.
On offense, Cocoa’s biggest returnee is wide receiver Kyon Calhoun, the likely favorite to lead the Tigers in receiving this season. Among the other names to watch for on the Cocoa offense are Jaden Edgecombe, Alan Bailey Jr, and Jayvan Boggs.
What to Expect
Few teams statewide have consistently made more deep playoff runs in recent years than Cocoa. The Tigers continued that success with a Class 4A runner-up finish in 2021, and not surprisingly, they have everything needed to make a similar run again this season.
The defense has the potential to be one of the best in 2S-Region 3, and despite some questions facing the offense, Cocoa should be strong on that side of the ball again. Expect another solid season from the Tigers, culminating with them in the mix again come playoff time.
Prediction
Cocoa will win at least nine games and be a state title contender.
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