We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Fitzgerald High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Purple Hurricane this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 10-4
- Points Scored: 414
- Points Allowed: 223
Key Losses
Head coach Tucker Pruitt said the Purple Hurricane lost 22 seniors from last year’s squad, including the entire starting offensive and defensive lines.
Pruitt said they also graduated their top three rushers on offense, so gone are running backs Bill Boone, Diandre Paschal, and Tyler Williams. That’s huge because running the football is exactly what the Fitzgerald offense is based around.
Also gone is wideout Calvin Tillman, who was the team’s leading wide receiver in 2023.
Fitzgerald will be starting over and looking for offensive playmakers across the board as they head into the 2024 season.
Who’s Back
Fitzgerald has a few key players coming back in 2024, starting on offense with sophomore quarterback Wilson Davis, who will be counted on to lead the offense.
He’s joined by fellow sophomore Tyson King, who will line up at wing back and be counted on to lead the rushing attack, especially with the heavy losses in the backfield.
Quincy Deberry, a sophomore, returns at tight end to help with both run blocking and the passing game.
Returning on defense are linebackers Kingston Smith and Dewayne Westbrook, and returning in the secondary is cornerback Jason Ferguson.
What to Expect
Yes, Fitzgerald lost a lot, but Pruitt has been through it before. He returns for his eighth season as the Fitzgerald head coach, and his team will be as inexperienced as they have been in a few years.
“We will be very inexperienced, but there are some guys that have been working very hard this offseason, and I think they’re ready to step up and show what they can do,” Pruitt said.
Fitzgerald moves to Class 1A-Division I for the 2024 season, losing rival Cook and former region mates Dodge County and Sumter County. They pick up Thomasville as a new region foe, which Pruitt welcomes.
“We are looking forward to getting Thomasville back on the schedule,” Pruitt said. “We have enjoyed some great battles with them over the years.”
Prediction
I look forward to seeing Pruitt work his magic this year. He’s one of the best coaches at developing talent, and he’ll do it again. Look for another season with 10-plus wins.
Game to Watch
Oct. 11 versus Thomasville
