We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Cook football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Hornets this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 8-4
- Points Scored: 399
- Points Allowed: 304
Key Losses
Cook will lose a big presence on the offensive line with the graduation of Bryson Wilson. The 6-foot, 5-inch 320-pounder is one of two linemen that head coach Byron Slack mentions as key losses for the Hornets as they head into the season. Guard Cody Spencer is the other lineman.
Slack also said the Hornets will miss fullback/linebacker Nick Goodwin, along with wide receiver/linebacker Tyler Covington, who had 300 yards receiving and a TD and collected 29 tackles and an INT last season. Caleb Goins is another big loss – he had 43 tackles and 3 sacks as a Hornets defender last season.
Who’s Back
Cook will have several key pieces returning this season, starting with QB Drew Folsom. The senior threw for 815 yards with 8 TDs last season, and he added 4 rushing TDs. Handling most of the Hornets rushing duties will be returning RB Keshaun McKever. The senior ran for 1,247 yards and 18 TDs last year, and he’ll be a force in the Cook rushing attack this season.
McKever will run behind senior OL Keyshaun Pitts, who at 6 feet, 1 inches tall and 306 pounds gives defenders nightmares. Senior WR/DB Ny’Shaun Wallace is emerging as one of the region’s top receiving threats, and he’ll likely be a favorite target for Folsom.
On defense, Cook welcomes back safeties Reshaud Tippins and Jamarcus McCrae, along with LBs Terion Jones and Aiden Lester. Ja’Kori Jones will return along the defensive line for Slack’s Hornets.
What to Expect
Many think the Hornets are poised to take the next step towards mounting a threat to Fitzgerald for the region title and the #1 playoff seed. Last year, Slack’s first season as head coach, they finished 8-4, with victories over Brooks County and Clinch, two of the state’s top championship programs. They will have just about all of their experienced playmakers back this year, and with Slack settling in for his second season, the players and coach should be comfortable with each other.
Prediction
All of the ingredients are in place to give the 2023 Cook football team its best season in years. I’ll go with a 10-win season – at least.
Game to Watch
As always, the Fitzgerald game will be the game. Expect an overflow crowd for this one on October 27 at the Hornets Nest.
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