We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Johns Creek 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: 9-4
- Points Scored: 426
- Points Against: 321
Key Losses
The Johns Creek Gladiators lose 29 seniors from last season. Among them are standout RB Tylan Johnson, who has graduated after amassing 1,553 rushing yards, 14 rushing TDs and three receiving TDs. Johnson signed with Mercer University. DB Terian “TJ” Williams is off to Stanford, and his superior skills will be missed in the Johns Creek defensive backfield.
Other key losses include OT Tyler Gibson (Georgia Tech), WR/kick returner Josh Thompson (Georgia Southern), OLB Thaxton Gallagher (University of Charleston), TE Andrew Guth (Wofford), K/P McRae Ball (Hampden Sydney College), WR Brandon Palmer and LB Micah Gay (both headed to Tennessee State), and TE/WR Rowan Darnell (Kennesaw State). Gibson, Williams, and Thompson were each Class 6A All-State selections last season.
Who’s Back
Returning for the Gladiators in the middle of the defense in 2022 is senior MLB Sam Oppenheimer, who has 180 tackles so far in his Gladiator career. Other defensive starters returning from last season include a couple of junior defensive linemen in Sean Lyles and Alex Cunningham, as well as senior DB Jayden Dykes.
Returning to run the Johns Creek offense this season is quarterback Luke Richards. His primary target will be returning junior WR Kyle Vaka, a three-star recruit at the receiver spot. Another key offensive performer senior OL Will Lipitz, a 6-foot-1 All-Region performer who is also a Class 6A All-State wrestler. Four-star LS Mason Eaton will be back for his senior season. According to Johns Creek athletic director Jason Holcombe, all of these key returners are being recruited, and he expects them to all receive offers to play college football after their Johns Creek playing days are finished.
What To Expect
This will certainly be a season of transition for Johns Creek, with an entirely new coaching staff, installing new schemes on both sides of the ball, and finding a way to replace several key starters from last season that are a part of the 29 seniors the Gladiators lost to graduation. There will be stability within the 2022 squad, with starting QB Luke Richards, top lineman Will Lipsitz, and Richards’ top target, Kyle Vaka, all part of the returning group.
Prediction
Look for Johns Creek to stay in the hunt. 7-5 overall record.
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