We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Westwood football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.
2021 Stats
- Overall Record: 6-2
- Points Scored: 361
- Points Against: 270
Key Losses
The Westwood School Wildcats and coach Earl Ford will miss last season’s starting QB DJ Palmer, an All-Region and All-State selection last year. But, as Ford says, it’s about more than just the athletic abilities that Westwood will miss with Palmer’s departure.
“We will really miss DJ’s personality as much as anything,” said Ford.
As the Westwood starter the last two seasons, Palmer had just over 3,000 yards passing with 39 TDs. Palmer can hurt opponents with his rushing abilities also, as was evident in his over 2,000 yards rushing and 24 TDs in his two-year career. In his first season as the Wildcat QB, Palmer led his team to the state championship. He isn’t through, though, as he will be attending Midway University in Kentucky, where he will continue his football career.
Palmer’s favorite target over the past two seasons was Caden Godwin, who has also graduated.
“Caden was our number one receiver, plus our shutdown corner,” said Ford.
Along the line of scrimmage, Westwood will miss Trace Lamberth, who held down the NG position on defense and played both right and left guard along the O-line.
Who’s Back
The Wildcats will have several key players with experience returning in 2022, starting with four-year starter Ben Shirah, who will move from receiver to play QB this season to replace the departed Palmer.
“Moving Ben to QB will give us the best chance to win,” said Ford.
The coach mentioned that Shirah has attended several QB camps this offseason, and that shows the qualities the coach is looking for.
“He is a leader for us, and even though Palmer’s are big shoes to fill, I like our chances with Ben,” said Ford.
Three-year starter Bo Holton will return at WR/DB and will handle punting for Westwood this season.
The team welcomes back Ty Griner, who left at the beginning of last season to attend Crisp Academy, where he played last year. Ford said the Wildcat team welcomed Griner back with open arms.
“We are thrilled that Ty has rejoined our team,” Ford said, adding that Griner will start at RB,and that he is a really good receiver coming out of the backfield.
Other key returners include a couple of three-year starters in senior Grayson Stanaland and junior Weston Fears.
What To Expect
Losing a dual-threat QB who accounted for 63 TDs and 5,000 yards of offense is tough for any team. However, the Wildcats have several returning starters with multiple years of experience, which will help to soften the blow of losing Palmer. The returners are all talented with experience on both sides of the ball, so don’t expect to see much of a drop off with the Wildcats in 2022.
That, coupled with the fact that you have a head coach returning for his 28th season overall and the third as the head coach in Ford is huge.
The team will play a seven-game regular season, but hope there are a few more games to go in the playoffs. Last season, the Wildcats advanced to the semifinals. Can they go a little further this season?
Prediction
Westwood finishes 7-2.
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