We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Houston County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Bears this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-3
- Points Scored: 444
- Points Allowed: 238
Key Losses
Houston County loses several key pieces on both sides of the ball heading into the 2024 season.
Among the departed on the offense are two big-time playmakers in receivers Kale Woodburn and Ricky Johnson. Together they combined for just over 4,000 yards receiving and 46 touchdowns during their careers with the Bears.
Up front, offensive lineman Kahlil House will be missed, as he takes his talents to Stanford University.
On defense, linebacker Xavier Ryan leaves behind a career that saw the defender rack up 86 tackles with three sacks over the past three seasons.
Fellow linebacker E.J. Nobles made the most of his final season as a HoCo Bear with 106 tackles and two sacks. He also had one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries as a senior.
Defensive back Darius Patterson with his 77 career tackles and five interceptions will be missed in the secondary.
Who’s Back
Returning to the offense this year is quarterback Antwann “AJ” Hill, a four-year starter who has made quite an impact on the Houston County program. Hill has thrown for more than 7,200 yards with 79 TDs so far as the HoCo QB, but perhaps one of his best attributes is his ability to protect the ball. Hill is one of the state’s most accurate passers with a 65% completion percentage as he enters his senior season.
He’ll have senior receiver Isaiah Mitchell as a top target this year.
Senior running back Amir Thomas is back.
Returning to pave the way up front for Thomas and Hill are offensive linemen Hayes Ellerbee and Peyton Joseph. Joseph, a four-star recruit, committed to Florida State in early July.
Returning to the defense as safeties this season are juniors Westen Ard and Jordan Smith.
On the defensive line, senior Jayden “Tank” Brown and Jordan Davis are back to give Houston County both size and experience up front.
What to Expect
Head coach Jeremy Edwards led the Bears to a 10-win season in 2022 and a nine-win season in 2023, but heading into the 2024 season, Edwards is concerned with the overall lack of experience on his team.
“Inexperienced players is one of our weaknesses,” Edwards said. “We lost 36 seniors to graduation, so some of our young athletes will need to step up and fill those shoes.”
The Bears have one of the state’s top QBs in AJ Hill returning this year, so Houston County fans have a lot to be excited about this season.
Prediction
Look for Edwards to lead the Bears to another season of 10-plus wins as they finish 10-3 in 2024.
Game to Watch
Aug. 17 season opener at Mercedes Benz Stadium versus Alpharetta in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic
