We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 North Cobb football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Warriors this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-3
- Points Scored: 339
- Points Allowed: 195
Key Losses
Although he was injured for most of last season, Malachi Singleton’s presence will be missed around the North Cobb football program in 2023. The quarterback has recovered and is now at Arkansas. The Warriors will enter the new season without two of their top rushers, as RBs Ben Hall and David Mbadinga have graduated. Hall is now with the Big Blue at Michigan, and he made his presence felt right away with a 96-yard rushing performance and a touchdown in the Wolverines spring game.
Mbadinga signed with Georgia Southern. Offensive tackle RJ Grigsby is at North Carolina, while guard Marselle Felton and center Blake Ellsworth will remain teammates at the next level, at Western Carolina University. DB Quentin Ajiero is now a member of the Duke Blue Devils.
Who’s Back
Coach Shane Queen welcomes back a lot of returning starters from last year’s nine-win team, including QB Nick Grimstead. The junior stepped in last season when Singleton was injured, and he showed he can lead the North Cobb offense. He’ll have a host of seniors back with him, including RB David Eziomume and two-way contributors TJ Smith and Elijah Lee, who will play WR/DB. Returning at receiver is Zion Bryan. Coming back on the offensive line will be Zach Addison, two-way player Dom Moody, and Elvin De La Cruz.
Linebacker Grayson Hodges, who Queen calls “our quarterback of the defense,” will be starting his fourth straight season for the Warriors. Other key returnees include DB Zamaryion McCray and three defensive front starters, Orlando Wilson, Josh Keyes, and Moody. All have Power 5 offers. Queen said he expects new transfer Kam Cullins to make an impact on the defensive front line, also.
What to Expect
With eight starters back on each side of the ball this season, North Cobb will have a great opportunity for a deep run in Class 7A in 2023. The offense is full of returning skill position playmakers, and scoring points won’t be a problem this season. Grimstead returns at QB and Clemson commit Eziomume is back at RB, along with senior wide receivers Smith, Lee, and Bryan.
The line has experience returning, and the defense is loaded, too. This could be the most talented North Cobb team Queen has fielded in quite a while, but a tough schedule won’t afford the Warriors many easy weeks, with Westlake, Buford, Marietta, Northside Warner Robins, and Milton their first five opponents.
Prediction
Regardless of how their tough regular season schedule goes, North Cobb will be prepared for the caliber of opponents they will see in the playoffs, and that could be a key to how far the Warriors advance. My prediction is at least 10 wins and a deep run in the Class 7A postseason.
Game to Watch
Several could qualify as a key game to watch this year, but I think the Week 2 contest at home against Buford on September 1 is one you don’t want to miss!
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