We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Deerfield Windsor football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Knights this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 10-3
- Points Scored: 346
- Points Allowed: 281
Key Losses
The Knights were hit hard by graduation, with 16 seniors moving on, according to head coach Jake McRae. Gone from last year’s 10-win team that advanced to the GISA Class 3A state title game is starting quarterback Thomas Ray, who threw for 1,894 yards and 14 TDs over the past two seasons. Ray also rushed for 549 yards and 7 TDs in 2021 and 2022.
The Knights also lose top RB Ethan Johnson, who will continue his football career at Mercer University after signing with the Bears this offseason. The Knights’ other losses include WRs Boles Middleton, Chance Bacon, and Tillman Dew, and running back/defensive back Reed Martin.
Who’s Back
The team will be glad to welcome back FB/DE Cole Jones this year. The rising junior had 65 tackles last season from his DE spot, including 4 sacks. Offensively, Jones had 88 combined yards as a rusher and receiver. DE/TE Jackson Deriso, a 6-foot, 4-inch senior, will likely play an even bigger role than last season, when he had 31 tackles with 2 sacks on defense and 3 receptions for 64 yard on offense.
Senior LB John Allen Rigsby will return, and Deerfield is hoping he can have another strong performance as he did last season, when he had 85 tackles with 2 sacks. The special teams will get a boost with the return of senior kicker Waylon Marbury, who converted 33 of 36 PATs last year, along with 3 of 7 FG attempts, including a long of 48 yards.
What to Expect
Coach McRae knows that a repeat of last year’s 10-win season with a trip to the state title game may be a bit tougher to accomplish this year, with the Knights having suffered so many personnel losses.
“We are going to be a young team with only six seniors with varsity experience, and we will be relying heavily on our sophomore class to grow up fast,” the Knights head coach told us earlier this year.
But don’t think McRae and the Knights are going to sit back and feel sorry for themselves.
“We still have some good players and great leaders returning, and it’s going to be a fun year finding out exactly what we have,” he said. “We are excited about this season.”
Prediction
I think 7-5 will be a great season for this young Deerfield Windsor football team in 2023.
Game to Watch
A pivotal game will be the October 6 contest against Brookwood.
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