We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Irwin County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Indians this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 7-6
- Points Scored: 293
- Points Allowed: 315
Key Losses
The Indians will miss several players who each had a big part in the team’s success during their high school football careers in Ocilla.
That includes running back Jaken Thomas, who rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, along with a receiving TD. Thomas is now playing at Georgia Highlands College in Rome, Georgia.
Defensive lineman Michael Joiner was a three-time All-State selection at defensive end for Irwin County, and in his senior season, he had 88 tackles with eight sacks. Four of those sacks came against Bleckley County in last year’s second-round playoff game. Joiner is now at Alabama State.
Offensive tackle Shyhiem Alexander and defensive tackle Malachi Williams are both now at Central Georgia Tech.
Defensive lineman Ulysses Tomblin will continue his career at Thomas University.
Who’s Back
Three-star running back Shane Marshall is a welcome returner to the offense after missing most of the 2023 season due to an ankle injury. He rushed for over 1,600 yards in his freshman and sophomore seasons before going down in his junior season last year.
Offensive guard Hudson Royal and tight end Brodie Suggs, another starter who was lost to injury last year, are also back.
Quarterback Luke Snyder returns for his senior season to run the Indians’ offense.
Irwin County has experience in the defensive backfield with the return of senior Javion Woodard, whom head coach Casey Soliday called “our team leader.”
Defensive back Zay Payne joins Woodard this year.
Tyon Jones returns at outside linebacker, and Elijah Fears takes back his spot on the defensive line.
What to Expect
Despite losing five key starters early last season, Soliday rallied the Indians to the quarterfinals. With much of his team healed and returning in 2024, Soliday has good reason to like his team’s chances this year.
“We have a chance to be pretty good,” Soliday said.
The key will be staying healthy, and if they can do that, Irwin County has as good a chance as anyone.
With Snyder back as the starting QB, a supporting cast of experienced talent surrounding him on offense, and Woodard in the defensive backfield, you can understand why Soliday feels optimistic heading into the 2024 season.
Prediction
Irwin County will be very good this year. Look for a 12-win season in 2024.
Game to Watch
Nov. 1 versus Brooks County in Ocilla
