We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Nease football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Panthers this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 2-8
- Points Scored: 286
- Points Allowed: 347
Key Losses
Replacing QB Marcus Stokes has no doubt been at the top of head coach Collin Drafts to-do list this offseason. The four-star standout has found his college home at West Georgia, and he leaves behind quite the successful high school career, having passed for 5,018 career yards with 39 TDs and rushed for 1,245 yards with 19 scores.
The graduation of Nick Severt, a 6-foot, 4-inch, 235-pound offensive tackle, leaves a big hole to fill – literally and figuratively – on the Panthers offensive front this season. Sterling Grimes is another big loss for Drafts and the Panthers. He was the team’s leading tackler with 184 tackles during his time as a hybrid nickel LB at Nease. Other key losses to graduation include RB Sam Milton and ATH Da’Von Patterson.
Who’s Back
The Nease offense will benefit greatly from the return of experienced skill position players and linemen in 2023. That group includes junior receiver Maddox Spencer, who was one of North Florida’s top receivers last season with 713 yards receiving and 6 TDs on 45 receptions. Returning at RB is senior Cam Smith, who had 94 carries for 503 yards – including two games with more than 100 yards – and 3 TDs in 2022. The returning offensive linemen are seniors DeMarco “DMO” Blackmon, Andrew Daveline, and Riley Mariani.
On the defensive side, Nease returns defensive linemen Noah Hellyer and Morris Halyard, along with standout LB Joe Miracle, who had 83 tackles and 3 sacks last season. The defensive backfield also will have returning starters Careal Carter and Elijah Luckett back in 2023.
What to Expect
Nease is hoping to repeat its success of two seasons ago when the Panthers won nine games and qualified for the school’s first playoff game in over a decade. Last season saw a young Panther squad scratch out just two victories, but those youngsters from 2022 are a year older and a year more experienced.
The big question will be who replaces Stokes at quarterback, with senior Zach Buttacavoli set to take over under center this season. There are a lot of returning players who saw valuable playing time last year, and that experience should carry over and help Nease get back to their winning ways in 2023.
Prediction
Look for this experienced roster to lead the 2023 Nease football team to a 6-4 record.
Game to Watch
The November 3 game against Tocoi Creek could be huge as far as the district is concerned.
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