We tell you everything you need to know about the 2024 White County High School football team in this preview, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Warriors this season.
2023 Stats
- Overall Record: 5-6
- Points Scored: 376
- Points Allowed: 334
Key Losses
The Warriors have a lot of production to replace in the run game after the graduation of running back Ryan Fowler. He leaves White County with 1,660 career rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Fowler had nine games of 100 yards or more rushing during his three years as White County’s go-to back. Last year Fowler also hauled in 179 yards receiving out of the backfield with a touchdown.
Wide receiver Cam Wilson led the team in receiving in 2023 with a standout senior season, catching 36 passes for 506 yards and three touchdowns.
Vondre Nelson is another talented receiver who will be missed. He had 369 yards receiving over the past two seasons; 301 of those yards came last season.
Defensive back and receiver Isaiah Whitlow led the team in interceptions in 2023 with two picks while making 24 tackles. He also contributed on offense as a receiver.
Who’s Back
The Warriors return six starters on the offense for 2024, including four-year starter at quarterback Tripp Nix. The dual-threat senior has thrown for 3,447 yards and rushed for 835 yards in his first three years leading the White County offense.
One of Nix’s leading receivers will be sophomore Gaines Clark, who enjoyed a stellar freshman season last year, catching 21 passes for 230 yards and five touchdowns.
Left tackle Tyler Autry is back to lend experience to the offensive line.
The defense has eight starters returning, including senior defensive lineman Noah Williams.
The Region 7-3A Defensive Player of the Year, Jon Scott, will be back. Scott has 175 career tackles.
Hayden Vandegriff returns for a third straight year of handling the kicking chores, while Dade Anderson returns to handle the punting.
What to Expect
“We are expecting big things in Cleveland, Georgia, this season,” said head coach Chad Bennett, who enters his third season at White County. “We have a lot of third- and fourth-year playing experience returning this year.”
That experience can be found on offense, defense, and special teams. The 2024 Warriors will be Bennett’s most experienced and talented team. With 23 seniors returning to provide leadership, this could be White County’s best opportunity since Bennett arrived to make a deep run in the Class 3A state playoffs.
Prediction
9-4 overall record
Game to Watch
Sept. 27 versus Lumpkin County
