We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 Veterans football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Warhawks this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 5-5
- Points Scored: 210
- Points Allowed: 353
Key Losses
Graduating from Veterans are some key players who have made their mark on the Warhawks football program. However, several are not done with their football careers. That includes LB Jaron Benjamin, who had a spectacular 2022 season, finishing strong with 83 tackles and 6 sacks. He’s headed to Reinhardt University.
Fellow LB Malik Holiday also has graduated and is off to Virginia University of Lynchburg, where he too will continue his stellar football career. Defensive back Anthony Morley has signed with Georgetown College, and DL Jalen Banks also has graduated. The Veterans offense will miss WR Damare Franklin, who is headed to Alcorn State. He leaves Veterans having put up 2,135 receiving yards with 13 TDs over the past two seasons.
Who’s Back
Returning this season is senior quarterback Jake Maxwell, who enjoyed a solid junior season that saw him throw for 2,428 yards with 15 TDs and a 63% completion rate (166 for 263). He’ll have one of his primary receiving targets back in senior Preston Bird, who has 88 receptions with 1,203 receiving yards and 6 TDs over the last two seasons.
Fellow receiver Chandler Thomas will be back to give Maxwell another talented target in the Veterans passing game. He has 37 receptions with 596 receiving yards and 2 TDs in his Veterans career. Junior DE Kane Byrd and senior RB/LB Kayleb Jackson are the other key returners to the 2023 Veterans football squad.
What to Expect
This offseason was a good one for the Warhawks, especially with their strength training program, according to head coach Josh Ingram.
“Our offseason has been really good,” Ingram said. “We won the GACA weightlifting championship in February for Class 6A.”
Ingram also is pleased with the player turnout this offseason.
“Our total numbers in the program with grades 9-12 are up to 170 kids,” he said.
Those are very solid numbers for any program, but especially a Class 6A team that’s in one of the most competitive markets in the state. With an experienced returning quarterback and a group of experienced receivers, Veterans could make some noise this season.
Prediction
It’s a tough region. The key will be to win one you’re not supposed to. 7-4 overall this year.
Game to Watch
Region opener against Thomas County Central at home on September 29.
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