We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Tocoi Creek High School football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the Toros this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 6-4
- Points Scored: 275
- Points Allowed: 203
Key Losses
This group of talented Toros that are not returning were part of the first class of players to suit up for the new St. Johns County school two seasons ago. They now represent a part of the first class of seniors to graduate, so we pay tribute to the first Toros that we can say, “will not return and will be missed.”
They include RB Wendell Dean, who accounted for 20 TDs, including 674 yards rushing on 79 carries. He was an effective receiver, with 83 yards receiving and three TDs receiving. Offensive linemen Dylon Freet and Musa Shaban paved the way for Dean during their brief careers and will be missed.
On the defensive side of things, two Toros linebackers are leaving behind stellar careers: Charlie Alsup had 87 tackles over the first two seasons of Tocoi Creek football, while Antonio Juarez had 67 tackles with a sack, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery last season.
Who’s Back
The Toros and new head football coach Zack Harbison will welcome back a group of seniors and a junior that are all poised for breakout seasons in 2023.
Among the top returners, according to Harbison, is center Deshawn Blackmnon, a junior.
Joining him back in 2023 will be four senior defenders. LB Parker Webster, who had 34 tackles last season, including a QB sack, returns. Senior DB Micah Ragin is a key member of the Toros’ defensive backfield, and his 40-inch vertical will help him snatch passes from intended receivers. He and Webster are already receiving a lot of attention from college recruiters.
Defensive linemen Zack Chambers and Carson Collins are both returning seniors and have good speed with their large frames. Chambers is 6-foot-1, 246 pounds, and runs a 4.9-second 40-yard dash. Collins averaged 4.5 tackles per game last season.
What to Expect
The Toros kick off the third edition of Tocoi Creek football since fielding their first team in 2021. The very first Toros team finished a very respectable 3-6, while last season’s team made huge strides and finished 6-4. Last season was their first as a member of an official region within the FHSSA. They went 1-2 in Class 2S-District 6, so what lies ahead for the Toros in Year 3?
Coach Mike Kolowaski came out of retirement to help lead the brand new St. Johns County program through their first two seasons, but with the team up and running, the job now falls to former Englewood head coach Zack Harbison.
“We are a very young group but are led by a strong group that are excited to step into bigger roles,” Harbison said.
He added how much he and his staff are impressed by the team’s commitment this offseason.
“We love their effort and can’t wait to kick off the 2023 season,” he said.
Game to Watch
The game against Bradford on Oct. 13 will be a great measuring stick for the three-year-old Toros program.
Prediction
8-4 in 2023
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