We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Jefferson football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.
2021 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-2
- Points Scored: 373
- Points Against: 93
Key Losses
The Dragons lose some big-time talent, starting with quarterback Malachi Starks. The UGA commit was primarily a running QB, but he did it well, rushing for 2,418 yards with 36 TDs and passing for 725 yards and 11 TDs.
RB/OLB Jordan Perry leaves Jefferson after having amassed a solid career with the Dragons. He had 1,279 yards rushing with 13 TDs, plus five receiving TDs. He was similarly impressive on defense, recording 103 tackles, including 10.5 TFL. He also forced three fumbles and picked off five passes. He’s now off to play at Kennesaw State University.
Kadin Bailey and his 6-foot-4 frame will be missed by the Dragons; the standout LB/RB heads off to Syracuse University to play for the Orange. He had an amazing high school career with 172 tackles, nine sacks and three interceptions. The other big losses for the Dragons are DB Austin Redman (Virginia State University) and G/DE Brian Habeck (Kennesaw State).
Who’s Back
Returning for the Dragons in 2022 is junior RB/LB Sammy Brown, who had 58 carries last season for 753 yards rushing and 11 TDs. He also had 127 return yards on kickoffs, with 99 of that coming on one kick returned for a TD. Brown also made 35 tackles on defense.
Senior FB/LB Isaiah Copeland is returning this season, and if his performance over the past three years is any indication, the Dragons will be solid in the running game. He seven rushing TDs and averages six yards per carry. From his LB spot, Copeland has 55 tackles with 4.5 TFL. Other key returners include junior OLB Skylar Zimmerman, who came up with 25 tackles and a forced fumble last season for Jefferson.
Senior Chase Johnson is back in the defensive backfield, and also will handle kickoffs kick returns. Returning OL/DL Bryson Hill is back to provide the Dragons a run and pass blocker on the offense, and will be a run stopper and pass rusher on defense. His 6-foot-3 inch, 285-pound frame will make things tough for opponents on either side of the ball.
What To Expect
The Dragons welcome new head coach Travis Noland from Oconee County, where he spent the past eight seasons leading the Warriors to an overall record of 70-27, including last season’s 10-2 mark. He takes over a Jefferson team that has also enjoyed success as a member of Class 4A, but will be moving to 5A this season. As far for the competition, it’s a wash – the Dragons leave a region whose main foes were North Oconee and Flowery Branch and go to a region that will still include the Falcons and Clarke Central and Loganville.
Malaki Starks and Kadin Bailey are huge losses for sure, but Noland has a knack of getting the most out of his players, and there’s no question he’ll do just that with a group including Sammy Brown, Isaiah Copeland, Bryson Hill, Skylar Zimmerman, and Chase Johnson.
Prediction
Noland is a winner. I see 10 or 11 wins.
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