We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Crisp County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Cougars this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 7-5
- Points Scored: 329
- Points Allowed: 252
Key Losses
Crisp County and head coach Lawrence Smith will miss standout offensive lineman Barry Walker, who enrolled at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Walker was a key run-blocker and provided pass protection last season.
Other key members of the 2023 Cougars squad are also moving on to play collegiately.
Three-star linebacker Kevon Merrell enrolled early to start his next chapter of football at East Carolina University.
Athlete Carjarian Jones, who did a little bit of everything during his time at Crisp County, will likely see time at safety for Berry College.
Who’s Back
The Cougars bring back a lot of talent and experience this season, including junior wide receiver Deshaun Fedd, who had 42 catches for 790 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.
He’ll be looking to get the ball from junior quarterback Hagan Slimp, who passed for 1,305 yards with 12 touchdowns in just nine starts last year.
Slimp will line up under returning center Dustin Griffin, who started all 12 games last year and registered 26 knockdown blocks while grading out at 88%.
The defense welcomes back three-star defensive back Cayden Daniels, who had 38 tackles with six interceptions in 2023. Daniels, a senior, announced his commitment to Vanderbilt on June 10.
Defensive lineman and outside linebacker Zymarion Hudson returns for his senior year, and he enjoyed a junior season in 2023 with 50 tackles and six sacks.
Senior Traylon Felton is back at defensive tackle.
What to Expect
After advancing to the second round of the state playoffs in 2023, Smith and his staff are ready to go even farther in 2024.
“I am excited about this season with some great talent returning for us this year” Smith said. “Our expectations this year are to continue to improve and become a program that is mentioned with the top powerhouses in South Georgia as well as the state of Georgia.”
Crisp County moves to Class 2A for 2024, and their region will be tough to navigate with opponents like Pierce County, Appling County, and Cook.
“They will all present huge challenges for us, and we will have to bring our A-game every week,” Smith said.
The Cougars lost some top level talent, and finding playmakers to replace them could be the difference in Crisp County making that run once again in the state playoffs.
Prediction
Crisp County finishes 7-5 once again.
Game to Watch
Aug. 30 at Fitzgerald
