We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Lowndes football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Vikings this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 5-6
- Points Scored: 287
- Points Allowed: 275
Key Losses
The Vikings will miss big-time playmaker Kevis Thomas, who played receiver and cornerback for the Vikings, in addition to returning kicks and punts. Thomas pulled down 427 receiving yards and 3 TDs, and he returned 2 kickoffs for TDs, too. Defensively, Thomas was credited with 25 tackles and 1 INT. He signed with the Maryland Terrapins after his Lowndes career ended.
Ronnie Davis was a major locker room influence with the Vikings, and on the field he got it done, too. Like Thomas, he played offense and defense, and he was awarded our ITG Next Community Involvement Award at last year’s annual football banquet. Other players who will be missed are LB Mekhi Crawford, CB Ja’khai Blair, and CB CJ Brown.
Who’s Back
New head coach Adam Carter is eager to welcome back several top offensive and defensive starters this season. That group includes junior QB Marvis Parrish, who will be back for his second year as the Vikings starter. Last season, he threw for 1,329 yards and 8 TDs, while rushing for 709 yards with 15 TDs. He’ll have the reliable senior RB Jacarre “Smoke” Fleming back with him in the offensive backfield. Smoke has rushed for 1,328 yards and 17 TDs over the last two seasons as the Vikings feature back.
Junior WR Jaylin Carter will return this season, as will senior TE Grant Lasky and OT Daniel Jones. Carter tells ITG Next that his top returning defensive players are junior LBs Coleman Lewis, Johnny Bebo, and Austin Williford, and junior DT Andres Contreras. He added senior LB Oshea Brooks to the group of top returning defensive players from last season.
What to Expect
Carter inherits a 2023 Lowndes football team that is still in a bit of a two-year rebuilding mode, with a lot of young talent.
Asked about his new team, Carter told ITG Next the following: “We are still a young football team that is learning everyday. 2023 will come down to our senior leadership, and we have some great kids who show up and work hard everyday.”
Carter said he really likes the Vikings offensive line, adding “our offense will go as they go.” He went on to say that “we must learn to start fast and play disciplined. We will need a physical brand of football to compete in Region 1.”
Prediction
Carter has proven he can build a team into a state champion contender. He did that very thing at Grayson, leading the Rams to the 2020 Class 7A state title. There’s no doubt he’ll get there with this Vikings team … eventually. My prediction for the 2023 Lowndes team: 8-4
Game to Watch
The Winnersville Classic against Valdosta on October 6. Lowndes wants the trophy back.
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