We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Thomasville football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Bulldogs this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 9-4
- Points Scored: 331
- Points Allowed: 247
Key Losses
Gone is four-year starter DJ Thurman, who was a two-way standout for the Bulldogs during his time at Thomasville. He will continue his football career at Gordon State College. Also leaving a defense that was hit hard by graduation is a group of four linebackers, including MLB Monleth Perkins, who signed with Greensboro College in North Carolina. Fellow linebackers Kamarius Bradshaw, Jayden Alston, and Evan Wynn also leave the Bulldog program, with Wynn continuing his career at Clark Atlanta University. Offensive lineman Caden Shokat has graduated as well.
Who’s Back
The Thomasville offense will have a lot of firepower returning to offset some of the losses that the defense suffered. Coming back to help the Dogs in 2023 is sophomore QB Cam Hill, who took over the job exclusively after an injury to Parker Beckham. Hill would grow into the position rather quickly and throw for 1,529 yards and 16 TDs.
Senior ATH Jay Randall will return to give the Dogs a major weapon all over the field. He finished last season with 1,153 rushing yards and 12 TDs. Sophomore RB Lavonte Cole is back after rushing for 458 yards and 8 TDs as a freshman. The defense returns just three starters, all at end: Keshawn Jordan, Keymon Jefferson, and Geremiah Humbert. The Dogs also welcome back standout punter Andrew Bennett.
What to Expect
The key to Thomasville’s season will likely depend on an inexperienced defense growing up in a hurry, but coach Jonathan DeLay proved last season that he is a master motivator who can get the most out of his players, and he’ll do the same this season with the defense.
Offensively, Thomasville will have most of its top playmakers back, so they shouldn’t have any problems like last season, when it took the unit a few weeks to find its identity and get rolling. Once they did, there was no turning back. Expect that approach from week one this year.
Prediction
This Thomasville football team could challenge for a state title in 2023. I like these Dogs to finish with 12 wins and compete for the 3A championship.
Game to Watch
Right out of the gate, the Rose City Classic against Thomas County Central will give us an early assessment of the Bulldogs.
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