We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Spruce Creek football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Hawks this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 5-5
- Points Scored: 171
- Points Allowed: 189
Key Losses
There are years when a team loses a lot of talent but welcome back several playmakers also. 2023 is that type of year for coach Andy Price’s Spruce Creek Hawks. LB Jake Battillo has moved on, and in the process, he’s left behind some very impressive stats. Last year alone, Battillo had 111 tackles, including 11 TFL and 10 sacks. He also had 2 INT last season.
Jesse Smith is taking his talents to Lindenwood University after a season in which the 6-foot, 6-inch DE came up with 79 tackles and 9 sacks. Coach Price tells ITG Next that his defense will suffer the loss of its two cornerbacks with the graduation of Jarique Cooper and Ben Soard. Cooper had 31 tackles and an INT last season. The offense loses speedy WR Brody Effington to graduation.
Who’s Back
Coming back to direct the Hawks offense in 2023 is QB Luke Smith. The 6-foot, 3-inch senior played significant minutes last year after spending the previous season as the JV starter. Smith ended the season with 545 yards passing and 3 TDs, and with several offensive weapons coming back to this year’s team, he should feel even more comfortable.
That group of offensive returners includes RB Anthony Hayden, SB Cameron Ovendine, and WR Tony Kinsler. Kam Chamblee returns to give the Hawks help on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and if last season is any indication of the type of impact he’ll make, then Spruce Creek should be set on defense. Camblee had 5 INT last season, along with 27 tackles.
All eyes have been on returning junior DL Derry Norris, who has enjoyed a breakout offseason, running a 4.6 40-yard dash. On a 6-foot, 4-inch, 245-pound frame, that will get the attention of recruiters. Norris has several offers already, with two years still remaining. OL Truth Moody also is back.
What to Expect
Coach Price is kicking off his 10th season as the head coach at Spruce Creek, and with him acting as his own defensive coordinator and loaded with an abundance of talent, the Hawks should be really good on that side of the ball.
Hawks fans will be eager to see if the offense can rise to the level of the defense. They battled through some inconsistency last year, but the hope is that Smith can take charge and show everyone he’s more than capable of running the show. Last season the senior split time with Ezaiah Shine, who has since transferred to Mainland, so knowing he’s the guy should provide much more of a comfort zone for Smith.
Prediction
The 2023 Spruce Creek football team has looked good this offseason. I think that carries over into the regular season. Prediction: 7-5 overall record.
Game to Watch
August 25 season opener against Seabreeze.
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