We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Mitchell 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: 6-4
- Points Scored: 186
- Points Against: 215
Key Losses
The Eagles will be without the services of a few receivers who were a big part of the Mitchell County offense last season, as well as a key member of the defense. According to head coach Dondrial Pinkins, his Eagles will miss JaMyez Thompson, a wide receive who averaged 20 yards per catch with 27 receptions, good for 539 yards and 6 TDs. He also contributed on defense. JaMyez will play collegiately at Fort Valley State University.
Another WR/DB whose production will be missed in the offense is Rod Fowler. He hauled in three TD passes for 309 yards. He too isn’t finished with football, as he is headed to play at Columbus State University. Joining him will be DT Tyrone Robinson, who has been solid along the defensive line for the Eagles. He had 22 tackles last season, and is also headed to play for the Cougars.
Desmeyan Daniels and his production on the offensive, defensive and special teams units will be missed. The 6-foot-4 WR/DB had 21 receptions for 237 yards, with five of those going for touchdowns. He also added 26 tackles, including a sack, and had two blocked FGs on special teams.
Who’s Back
Returning to lead the offense this season will be junior QB Jeremiah Jackson. As a sophomore, he threw for 968 yards and 10 TDs, and added 215 yards rushing with four TDs. He was perfect on 2-point attempts, converting his only two tries. Jackson was efficient on defense as well, picking off one pass and returning it for a TD.
RB/DB Tony Burkes is back for his senior season. In 2021, he ran for 450 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry with five TDs. He also caught two TD passes with 154 receiving yards. Senior Antwan Gilbert will be back at receiver and defensive back this season, and the Eagles are hoping to see a repeat of his performance from 2021, when he had 34 tackles and four interceptions.
Three seniors will be back this season on defense, including Al Childs, who returns to his DE spot. Last season he had 43 tackles with four sacks, and forced a fumble. He also had one blocked FG. Isaiah Mango was solid as a junior LB last season, averaging 8.7 tackles per game with a sack. Donterraus Dunlap will be back for his senior season, and will line up again at RB and CB. An up-and-comer to keep an eye out for is sophomore WR David Campbell, who saw limited playing time last year, including a brief time at QB.
What To Expect
The Eagles are coming off a solid six-win season that saw them finish 4-1 in the region, good enough for the #2 seed in the state playoffs. However, a first-round loss was disappointing, and Pinkins says he wants his Eagles to go further this year. “Our expectation this season is to claim the region title, and compete for the ultimate goal of winning the state title in 2022,” he said.
Mitchell County should know a lot about themselves fairly quickly into the season as a tough non-region schedule awaits them before they open the region schedule against Early County. Out-of-region opponents include Pelham, Worth County, Brooks County and Monroe to start the season.
In their spring contest, the Eagles played Berrien County, and Pinkins says he was pleased with the 10 days of spring workouts. He looks forward to his team getting in more work over the summer. “We will make the necessary changes as we enter the summer phase of our workouts,” the Mitchell County head coach said. With returning QB Jeremiah Jackson having had a season to grow and learn the ropes last year, he should be more mature and well-prepared heading into the season.
Prediction
Eagles fans will be happy with this team. Look for two more wins, and an eight-win season, including a couple of playoff victories.
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