We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Houston County football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Bears this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 10-3
- Points Scored: 556
- Points Allowed: 328
Key Losses
Houston County did not lose many key players from last season’s quarterfinal team, which should make Bears fans smile as they look forward to the 2023 season. According to head coach Jeremy Edwards, HoCo will be without the services of former free safety and part-time wide receiver Arthur “AB” Brown, who signed with Charleston Southern University to continue his football career. Brown finished his HoCo career with 129 tackles and 5 INT.
Edwards said the other key losses on defense are DL Jaydon Phillips and Damian Martinez, along with LB Nick Jordan. On offense, the key loss Edwards points out is OL Kahlil House. OL Jeremy Blute is headed to Air Force.
Who’s Back
“We return just about everybody on offense this year,” said Edwards. Leading that group back will be junior quarterback AJ Hill, who has already shown ability and poise beyond where most QBs are at this point in their careers. This will be Hill’s third straight season as the Bears starting signal-caller.
Hill will have plenty of targets returning this season, including receivers Kale Woodburn and Ricky Johnson. Edwards said Woodburn has committed to Cincinnati, while Johnson committed to Stanford. Jaquari Brown and Recordo Tarver will also be back, and they’ll likely be headed off to play collegiately following their HoCo careers.
Edwards told ITG Next that in addition to the standout wideouts, the Bears have a solid group of returning tight ends, including Ryan Mackey, who also played LB last season but will be moved to play only on offense this year. Joining Mackey at TE will be Gavin Kurpis and Ty Waters.
What to Expect
With 34 seniors returning, including a lot of experienced players, hopes are justifiably sky high for Edwards, his staff, and the Bears in 2023. And Edwards isn’t exactly shy about what he thinks his team is capable of doing this year.
“I think we have a very good team returning,” he said. “I like this roster.”
One thing Edwards plans to do to make his team even better in 2023 is using a “two-platoon” system. That’s one reason for moving Mackey to play TE only this year, and he’ll do that with other positions to avoid guys playing on both sides.
“We got exposed some late in one of our playoff games as a result of just wearing down and getting tired, so we’re not going to play anyone both ways this season,” Edwards said.
That tactic should make an already talent-rich HoCo team even better in 2023.
Prediction
Look for Edwards and his 2023 Houston County football team to challenge for the 6A championship. 13-2 overall record.
Game to Watch
Any region game in 1-6A, but you definitely don’t want to miss the Lee County game on September 29.
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