We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Pierce County football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Bears this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 11-2
- Points Scored: 522
- Points Allowed: 193
Key Losses
DJ Bell was one of the most impactful players in the state. One look at his career stats over his four years as the Bears’ primary rusher tells the story: 618 carries, 4,835 rushing yards and 64 TDs. He had 22 games of 100 yards or more rushing. To say he is a key loss is quite the understatement. He will be taking his incredible talents to Washburn University in Kansas.
Bell isn’t the only big loss, though. According to head coach Ryan Herring, other key players not returning are WR/DB Jaquez White, who also put up big numbers during his career at Pierce. He finished with 1,080 all-purpose yards as a RB/WR/KR and will join Bell at Washburn.
Center Henry Peagler is headed to Athens as a preferred walk-on at UGA. He was a four-year starter an All-Region selection. RB Jimarion Guyton is being rewarded for his stellar high school career with an offer to play collegiately at Independence Community College in Kansas. Kicker Jonah Allen is headed to Valdosta State to kick for the Blazers.
Who’s Back
Returning to the Bears this season will be senior All-Region LB/TE Carson Sloan, who is considering several offers from college programs to continue his career at the next level. He is a hard-nosed player who will be a welcomed presence for the 2023 Pierce County football team.
Joining Sloan among the key returnees are senior MLB/HB Wade Diabase, senior OL/DL Bryson Hutchenson, and Elijah Howard. Junior Dixon Morris will return to the Bears defensive unit this year.
What to Expect
The key will be replacing Bell, who was a one-man wrecking ball for Herring and the Bears. But Herring is one of the best coaches around, and he’s got a lot of talent to work with, so he’ll find a way to have Pierce County right back in the hunt again this year. Herring and his staff produced a state championship in 2020, and since then, he has his team have been in the hunt every season. Players come and go, but Bears fans can bet they’ll be right back in the mix again in 2023.
Prediction
11-2 overall record.
Game to Watch
September 29 against Appling County.
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