We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 Valwood School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Valiants this season.
2023 Stats
Overall Record: 11-1
Points Scored: 584
Points Allowed: 203
Key Losses
Valwood loses four starters from the offensive line, including three-time All-State lineman Conner Hutto.
The Valiants also lose standout skill player De’Mar Riley, who was one of the offensive leaders at running back and receiver and was a top special teams player. Last season he finished with 2,213 all-purpose yards with 23 touchdowns.
Dallas Hatfield and Landen Ryan, both key members of Valwood’s 2023 linebacker corps, have graduated. Hatfield enjoyed a senior season with 81 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and an interception.
Hatfield and Riley will remain teammates as both have signed with the Shorter University Hawks.
Who’s Back
Valwood welcomes back several key members of last year’s state champion team, including quarterback Tayt Snellgrove. The junior threw for 1,148 yards and 15 touchdowns last year, while rushing for 525 yards with 10 TDs.
Three-star running back Triston White, a senior, is back along with juniors Ian Giddens and Jack Melendez, who return to the line on both sides.
Senior cornerbacks Andrew Belcher and Hudson Paylo return to the secondary. Belcher had 51 total tackles and two interceptions in 2023.
Defensive end Jackson Johnson returns to the Valiants for his senior season. In 2023 he had 61 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss, and four sacks.
Senior linebacker Mills Moorman will hope to build on his performances from the last two seasons, where he had a total of 92 tackles, including six tackles for loss.
What to Expect
Head coach Brad Wells returns eight starters from last season’s defense, which played a big role in Valwood’s 2023 state championship win.
Having Snellgrove back at QB is huge, and he’ll have some solid talent surrounding him again in 2024.
Wells said he sees the offensive line as the biggest challenge this year.
“We must rebuild the offensive line this year after losing four starters and a three-time All-State player in Hutto,” he said.
Valwood faces a tougher schedule this season than in 2023, but Wells said the goal is for his team to just “be in the mix” once again. That should not be a problem for the 2024 Valiants.
Prediction
Valwood will be in the hunt for a second straight state title. Look for a 10-2 season in 2024.
Game to Watch
Sept. 20 versus North Florida Christian
