We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Turner County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Titans this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 3-8
- Points Scored: 235
- Points Allowed: 353
Key Losses
Turner County loses last year’s starting quarterback, Carlton Brannon, who has graduated. He threw for 2,794 yards and 28 touchdowns last season.
Wide receiver and defensive back Kaleb Joiner was one of Brannon’s top targets last year with 713 yards receiving and seven TDs on 47 catches. He too has graduated and will not return.
Another top receiving target last year was Ke’Arrin Dawsey, who enjoyed a breakout final season with 890 yards and 10 TDs on 63 receptions. He had 1,296 all-purpose yards, which include his duties as a kick and punt returner.
Dawsey was also a force defensively with 66 tackles and an interception from his defensive back position.
Lineman Mitchell Phillips was a three-year starter on both sides of the line and will continue his career at Columbus State University.
Who’s Back
The Titans return several key players, including senior wide receiver and free safety Cedric Hillmon. Over the last three years at Turner County, the two-way starter had 82 tackles and an incredible eight interceptions from his defensive back spot. On offense he had 51 receptions for 607 yards and three touchdowns.
Curtis Grant returns for his junior season, and he’ll be expected to continue to make an impact in all areas. Over the last two seasons, Grant has rushed for 357 yards and two TDs on 72 carries to go with 306 yards receiving and another three TDs. On defense he has 119 tackles with 13 tackles for loss. Grant has also served as the team’s kicker and punter and has returned kicks as well.
He will be joined with returning wide receiver Octavius Terry, linebacker and defensive end Tyrone Perry, and strong safety Imerium Carridine.
What to Expect
The Titans have a new head coach this season as former Turner County standout player Demario Barber returns home to take over at the place he graduated from in 2007. He played collegiately at Fort Valley State, where he was a two-time All-Conference receiver and punt returner.
Barber will be looking to get the Titans back to playing winning football after a couple of seasons that produced just five total victories, and his plan is simple.
“I want to put a great product on the field and shock some people,” Barber said about what he hopes to accomplish in his first season as Turner County’s head coach.
He has some experienced talent back this year, but one of his top priorities will be finding a QB to replace Brannon.
Prediction
Barber will have the Titans improved this season with a 6-5 record.
Game to Watch
Aug. 16 season-opener at home versus Worth County
