We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Pelham 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: 7-5
- Points Scored: 194
- Points Against: 215
Key Losses
The Hornets lose quarterback Zane Touchton, who played one season last year after transferring over to Pelham from Colquitt County. In that one season, Touchton threw for over 2,000 yards (2,098) and 12 TDs. He also rushed for 124 yards with a TD. Serving as the team’s punter, Touchton finished the season with a 28.7 yds per punt avg. He is headed off to play collegiately for the Braves at UNC-Pembroke.
Another departing Hornet who will be missed is the reigning region defensive player of the year, All-State LB/RB Jayden Parker. He had 107 tackles during his career at Pelham, which included six sacks and 24 TFL. With a nose for the football, Parker recovered four fumbles, had two INT, and blocked a FG attempt. He is not finished with his football days, as he is attending Clark Atlanta to continue his career.
RB/LB Jermaine Johnson will leave a big void with his departure. Johnson made an impact in all areas for the Hornets, including defense, where he ended up with 96 tackles, three sacks, two INT, and two forced fumbles, including one that he returned for a TD. From his RB position, Jermaine carried the ball 168 times for 764 yards and eight TDs. He also caught 41 passes for 486 yards receiving and four TDs. On special teams, he returned 19 kicks for 347 yards.
Another Hornet who will be missed by the new coaching staff is WR/DB Lavoris Hines, who accounted for 962 all-purpose yards with nine TDs during his career at Pelham.
Who’s Back
Returning this season will be OL/DL Justin Wesley, along with WR/DB Treavon Clayton. As a defensive ball hawk, Clayton already has snatched five interceptions to go along with his 21 tackles. On offense, he has nine catches for 126 yards and a TD.
Another WR/DB who will be back this year is Cam Daniels. He has primarily been effective on offense, hauling in 31 receptions for 465 yards and four TDs. Daniels also handled the team’s kicking chores last season, converting 11-15 PATs, and he was successful on his lone FG attempt, hitting from 28 yards.
Jeremiah Battle, a returning RB/LB, gives the Hornets yet another defender with a nose for the football. Like his teammate Clayton, Jeremiah seems to be everywhere the ball is, with 41 tackles, including seven tackles for loss. He also has two sacks, a forced fumble with a fumble recovery and one INT.
Returning to fill the shoes of departing Touchton at QB will be Den Johnson, who played sparingly last year as a receiver, as well as returning kicks and punts. However, this year, he will be asked to run the new-look split-back veer offense being installed by Guyton.
What To Expect
With Leonard Guyton taking over as head coach at Pelham and installing a new offense, it will be interesting to see this Hornets team evolve in 2022. Guyton was the previous offensive coordinator under Bill Shaver at Thomas County Central, but has been in administration since leaving the sidelines.
Guyton said he is excited to see what his Hornets can do in 2022. “With our new offense, we expect to be able to run behind a young, but talented offensive line, with several returning skill position players able to contribute when called on,” he said.
He certainly has some exciting talent coming back this season, with players who have thrived on both sides of the ball. The key will be how well they do now with Brooks and Irwin in the same region as the Hornets this year.
Prediction
Look for another seven-win season in Coach Guyton’s debut season at Pelham.
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