We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Pelham football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Hornets this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 3-7
- Points Scored: 166
- Points Allowed: 385
Key Losses
The Pelham Hornets were a young team last year, which is one of the reasons for their record, but the good news heading into 2023 is that they lose only five seniors from last year’s team. That group includes RB/WR Eric Richardson and MLB/FB Jeremiah Battle. The latter had 83 tackles, including 8 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.
Two-way standout Tra’veon Clayton will be missed for his play on both sides of the ball. He is not done playing football, however, as he is headed to Indiana’s Manchester University to play for the Spartans. DE Ja Carrie Davis and WR Hunter Pedroza also will not return to the Hornets.
Who’s Back
Pelham and second-year head coach Leonard Guyton welcome back a host of starters and contributors from last season, including senior quarterback Berdendrick Johnson, Jr. The senior signal caller has offers from Furman, Air Force, and Army. Joining him in the offensive backfield will be senior RBs Ken Williams and Nate Walker.
On defense, Guyton said the Hornets will welcome back starting senior LBs Ja’Vin Jones and Jimmy Battle, along with senior DL Freddie Williams. The team also has seniors Jeremy Hampton and Justin Wesley back, along with junior Keegan Guyton.
What to Expect
Guyton said last year was a bit of a transition season for players and coaches alike, as a new staff, including Guyton himself, introduced a new offensive scheme.
“Going into our second football season at Pelham High School, our players and coaches have gained knowledge and experience with running the split back veer,” Guyton told us. “We know that inexperience was a weakness for us last season.”
That knowledge and experience, coupled with the fact that Pelham returns just about everybody on offense, should put last year fully in the rear view mirror. The Hornets will have Johnson back at QB to run the split veer, and with plenty of experience returning on defense, too, you can expect a turnaround season in 2023 for Guyton and his Pelham football team.
Prediction
Look for Pelham to more than double its 2022 win total and finish 7-4.
Game to Watch
Brooks County comes calling on November 3.
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