Swainsboro High School Tigers will begin the 2023 football season on Thursday night (Aug. 10th) in a scrimmage game against Northeast Macon. Much excitement surrounds this year’s team that made it to the final 4 in 2021 and to the championship game last year. Analyzing the Tigers roster will give mixed emotions. The Tigers lost a lot of quality players to graduation but also have a lot returning. Some media have ranked the Tigers as low as 6th and some as high as 2.
Last year’s Tigers team lost about ten seniors to graduation, including quarterback Ty Adams. Adams has been the offensive leader and an impactful defensive player for the past three years. Also graduating was linebacker Jonorian Foots. Jonorian led the team in tackles the past three years. Jakari Noble and defensive back Dorien Foots also graduated. Linemen T, Harris, D. Blount, K Jackson, Q Starnes, D Phillips, and kicker Landen Scott were also lost to graduation. The playoff game against Irwin County showed the importance of a good kicker.
Eleven juniors were listed on last year’s roster. One of those, the second leading receiver and all-region player, was lost to transfer. Also listed were 11 sophomores and 18 freshmen. I anticipate Sophomore LJ Morgan, who was instrumental in the basketball team’s success, will have an impactful season. Several other freshmen and sophomores from last year’s team should be ready to have important roles.
Offensively the Tigers return 4 of their 5 top offensive rushers. DeMello Jones, Bryson Tarver, Jordan Williams, and Qin Brown all return. I have been impressed with sophomore quarterback Kason Edenfield, who made some big passes in the game against Dublin last year. The offense shouldn’t skip a beat. Several offensive linemen graduated but several return, including Kyle Palmer and Shannon Ricks. Sophomore lineman Ka’Dorian Benjamin is an interesting player. Benjamin, who is probably the largest player on the team, missed last season with an injury. Benjamin has the potential to be an elite player. He will get the immediate attention of college coaches because of his size and mobility.
Defensively, Jerod Steward is an elite player. I believe he is one of the top players in the state. Jerrod has been one of the leading tacklers on the team for the past few years. Replacing Jakari Nobles will be difficult. Nobles had a knack for being in the right place and making big plays. Jonorian Foots was a tackling machine and will be difficult to replace. The defense returns all-region linemen Sammy Turner and Gage Coxwell.
Offensively, the Tigers will move the ball and score with the run, but at some point, they will need to be able to consistently make plays in the passing game.
Football has changed. Some teams still like running the ball, but many others are passing. 7 on 7 leagues during the summer gives quarterbacks and wide receivers a leg up on base high school defenses. Swainsboro can stop the run, but developing a defensive scheme to counter elite passing attacks will be necessary. Developing quality defensive backs and linebacker depth are essential.
X factor. DeMello Jones is back. All eyes will be on Jones, especially defensive coordinators. DeMello has gotten stronger, faster, and wiser. Jones will get his yards, touchdowns, tackles, and interceptions. Jones must be as strong in December as he is in August to ensure the Tigers’ success.
Several ninth graders will have a chance to make an impact this year. The Middle school team has been very successful over the past few years. Jabios Smith and Christian Tarver are two players that have the size and speed to play immediately. Other 9th-grade names to be aware of are Gzamone Gardner, Ryan Harris, Colton Braswell, River Moxley, Jayden Wilcher, Shannon Benjamin, Daveyhon Williams, Ahjiyous Harden, Tommy Thomas, Brent Cox, Blake Lane, Derrick Hughes, Jim Stapleton, Tristan Poole, Jakobi Woods, Javon Moody, and Ajontae Floyd.
Thursday's scrimmage game will be the first chance to see the Tigers. This exhibition game will give a glimpse into the 2023 Tigers. We will get a more in-depth look on August 18th in the first game against Metter High School.
