We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Jones County 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: 10-3
- Points Scored: 562
- Points Against: 369
Key Losses
Quarterback John Alan Richter has graduated and is taking his talent to Toledo University. He racked up some amazing career numbers during his time as the Greyhounds’ signal caller, passing for 3,241 yards and 34 TDs. He ran for another four touchdowns.
One of Richter’s favorite targets, wide receiver Tucker Mix, is also headed off to play collegiately, at Mercer University. DB Jitavious Whipple was rewarded for his career accomplishments at Jones County, and has signed with Tusculum University. Whipple had 162 tackles with eight interceptions and a blocked field goal for the Greyhounds.
The defense loses another playmaker with the graduation of OLB Kaleb Wiggins, who had 113 tackles and eight sacks. The offensive line says goodbye to OL Grayson Duggar, who has graduated. Kicker Evan West leaves behind solid career numbers of 22-29 FG attempts, with a long of 50 yards, and 225 of 233 PAT conversions.
Who’s Back
The Greyhounds return some key playmakers for Head Coach Mike Chastain. Senior RB/S Javious Bond, a three-star recruit and the reigning Region Athlete of the Year for 2021, is back. He has 1,458 rushing yards on 199 attempts, with 18 TDs. He has also hauled in 58 catches for 590 yards and seven TDs. On defense, he has 230 tackles, along with four INT and four forced fumbles.
Five-star WR Zion Ragins, only a junior, returns with 101 catches and 1,646 yards with 13 TDs through the air. On top of that, he has 41 carries, good for 322 yards and four TDs. A couple more junior linemen return this season in DL Jamarion Parker and OL Derrick Cleveland. Senior S Connor Bass is back to bolster the defense.
Bass will have some company at the safety spot, as returning three-star safety Javion Clark returns after recording 60 tackles and an INT in 2021. The Greyhounds welcome newcomer QB Judd Anderson to the team. The 6-foot-6 two-sport standout comes to Jones County from Ridgeland High. He also plays basketball, and was the nation’s leading rebounder for the first half of last season with his former school. He is receiving numerous offers for his football abilities, with Ole Miss having offered him a scholarship. He should fit in nicely at Jones County and within Chastain’s wide open offense, just as Richter thrived.
What To Expect
There’s no reason to think Jones County, under the successful Chastain, won’t have another great year in 2022. There certainly is plenty of talent to do so. The team finished 10-3 last year, and ran the table in the region, finishing 7-0. They have moved from 4-AAAAA to 2-AAAAA, but that change is mostly in the region number only; the teams stay the same for the most part, with the exceptions being Warner Robins moving in.
Jones County has finished 32-9 over the last three seasons, and another 10-plus win season is very possible again. The big thing is the fact that although the Greyhounds lose a great QB in Richter, they have another great one moving in, with Judd Anderson poised to step right in and lead the offense in 2022.
Prediction
Another great year for Mike Chastain and his Greyhounds: 11-3 overall record.
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