We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Valwood School football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Valiants this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 7-5
- Points Scored: 293
- Points Allowed: 309
Key Losses
Coach Brad Wells will have to replace some key pieces of this Valwood team that were a big reason for their seven-win season in 2022. Among the players who have graduated are Worth Kimbro, who Wells describes as “a great player and even better kid.” Kimro was a slot receiver and played tight end, too. OL/DL Brooks Browning will be missed along both lines, where he served as a run stopper, pass rusher, and pass and run protector.
Another player who will be missed is receiver/defensive back Hayes Perry, who provided the Valiants with a weapon on both sides of the ball, with 412 yards receiving and 3 TDs on offense, while ending his career with 65 tackles and an INT on defense.
Who’s Back
New head coach Brad Wells will have a few key pieces returning to the roster as he takes over for former coach Justin Henderson, who left Valwood to start up the football program at the new Providence School in Valdosta. Senior Conner Hutto is a two-time All-State selection who will line up on the Valwood line as its starting LT again this year.
Hutto will have fellow senior center Jake Goff joining him as a returning O-lineman, while Triston White will be counted on for the same solid production he provided the Valiants last season as the team’s primary running back. White rushed for 1,369 yards with 15 TDs on 173 carries last season, so look for the junior rusher to get a ton of carries again as he leads the Valwood offense in 2023.
What to Expect
With seven offensive starters and nine defensive starters returning, Wells will have the luxury of not having to reinvent things. He’ll have a group who knows what’s expected of them, so he can focus on getting the team ready for a return to the prominence that Valwood has been known for in GISA.
The Valiants have a freshman quarterback to watch for in Marquise Fennell – “He’s gonna be good one; he’s a great athlete,” Wells said – and with him joining an already deep and experienced Valwood team, this could be the most talented Valiant team that fans have seen in quite a while.
Prediction
Valwood will have the team to contend for a state football championship in 2023. Look for a 10-win season and good things for the Valiants and first-year head coach Brad Wells.
Game to Watch
In what has become quite the rivalry, the Valwood vs. Frederica game on September 1 should provide an early test for Valwood.
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