We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Crisp County football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Cougars this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 5-6
- Points Scored: 212
- Points Allowed: 259
Key Losses
The Cougars will have to replace several key members of not just last year’s team, but players who have made an impact over the last several seasons at Crisp County. That begins with ATH Ahmad Brown, who did it all, amassing 1,800 all-purpose yards and 31 TDs over his career. Brown played QB and WR, and rushed for 900 career yards with 12 TDs, too.
DL Amir Dwight leaves a huge hole to fill on the defense after amassing 131 tackles, including 10 sacks, while at Crisp. Trae Walker is another multi-purpose player; he ended his Crisp career with 15 TDs and 1,484 yards receiving; 56 tackles and 2 INT last season; and 6 special teams TDs on kick and punt returns. Kicker David Mitchell has signed with Louisiana-Monroe. DB/WR Latrevious Walker and OLB/RB Julian Fox will not return.
Who’s Back
Returning to the Crisp offense in 2023 will be junior QB Markevion Hartage, who threw for 651 yards, 5 TDs last season and 7 INT in 2022. He’ll look to improve in both areas this year. One of his top targets will be returning sophomore WR DeShaun Fedd. Sophomore offensive linemen Charles Black also returns, and joining him up front on the line will be seniors Ralphael Williams and Barry Walker.
On defense, senior linebackers Omarion Young and Ke’Von Merrell return, along with senior defensive back Carjarian Jones. Joining Jones in the defensive backfield will be returning junior Cayden Daniels, while junior defensive lineman Zymarion Hudson returns up front.
What to Expect
Crisp will lose a ton of talent. But despite having several playmakers on the roster last season, it did not translate to a winning season, as it did in the prior three seasons, when Crisp won 31 games, including back-to-back 11-win seasons in 2019 and 2020.
Perhaps what the Cougars and coach Lawrence Smith could use is more of a team approach this season. The offense will be young and inexperienced, but the defense is where most of the Cougars experienced playmakers will be this season. It’s really a wait-and-see situation with this 2023 Crisp County football team for coach Smith and his staff.
Prediction
I’m optimistic about this Crisp Cougar football team. I think they scrap out a seven-win season and surprise some folks.
Game to Watch
I think the opener against a talented Dooly County team will be one to watch.
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