Losing 21 seniors might cripple most football programs. That’s not likely the case at Griffin, one of the state’s iconic programs that just seems to reload each season. So, despite heavy losses, the Bears will again be one of the favorites in the new-look Region 2-AAAAA.
“We lost 21 seniors, a lot of high-caliber kids,” coach Kareem Reid said. “But we played a lot of kids last year. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.”
The lack of spring practice won’t help, particularly when it comes to trying players out at different positions. Losing time in the weight room hurts, too. “That’s where missing so much time hurts,” Reid said. “That and recruiting.”
Griffin must replace the high-powered backfield combination of quarterback Darshaveious Foster (2,252 yards, 26 TDs passing) and Aalijah King (1,313 yards, 20 TDs rushing) as well as all-state defensive lineman Damarjhe Lewis, who signed with Indiana.
Reid said the offense will be in good hands at quarterback with Quamari Williams, who started there as a sophomore before being moved to the secondary. Williams is the team’s emotional leader, a guy who isn’t afraid to take a stand and hold his teammates accountable. He may lack the passing skills that Foster possessed, but is a more dangerous runner.
“He’s good in the run game and he’s good enough in the passing game where you’ve got to respect him,” Reid said. “We’re going to put the ball in the hands of our best athlete.”
The starting running back will be junior Denorris Foster, who rushed 53 times for 234 yards and two touchdowns last season in a backup role.
The Bears graduated all-region receivers Jamoi Mayes and Terrell Jester, but return slot receiver Cameron Kelsey, who had seven receptions and two touchdowns. Prince Green, a three-star prospect at cornerback, will play both ways and have more responsibilities as a receiver. Sophomore Jaleel Chambliss is touted by some as the next outstanding Griffin receiver.
Three offensive linemen graduated, but the Bears return left guard Gerald Pope (5-11, 250) and left tackle Keith Chambless (6-5, 215).
The defense will be led by one of the state’s top secondary groups. The two starting cornerbacks are big (both 6-foot-2) and highly capable. Green is getting looks from the likes of Kentucky and Illinois, and Brandon Calloway has verbally committed to Purdue.
The Bears also return free safety Jeff Johnson, the team’s defensive MVP a year ago, and Jordan Favors, who Reid refers to as “our Swiss Army knife.”
The lone returning defensive lineman is Davari Wright (6-1, 240), who moved from end to tackle last season to take advantage of his quickness. But Wright, who already has an offer from Austin Peay, will get a chance to play middle linebacker when practice returns.
The statewide realignment put Griffin in Region 2 with nemesis Starr’s Mill, Harris County, McIntosh, Northgate, Northside Columbus and Whitewater. Only Starr’s Mill had a winning record among that group.
That left Reid to round up four non-region games and Griffin added Lowndes (Class AAAAAAA runner-up), Peach County (Class AAA quarterfinalist), Lovejoy and county rival Spalding. The Bears will have preseason scrimmages against Westlake and Carver-Columbus.
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