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Perry Woolbright deserved a coach of the year for hwat he was able to do with the Lexington Wildcats in 2021, takeing them from an 0-6 record in 2020 to a 9-3 overall and 3-1 conference record, losing to Fort Dorchester in round 3 of the 5A State Playoffs.
Woolbright expects the team to pick up where they left off last season.
“This team has the talent to make a good playoff run this season,” said Woolbright. “Depth is going to be an issue on both sides of the ball but we have talent.”
The Wildcats return 13 players who were either full-time starters or played significant time in 2021, including nine on offense.
Junior Quarterback Taiden Mines is back to lead the charge. last season, passed for 1,468 yards and rushed for 420 yards with ten touchdowns. Joining him in the backfield will be senior running back Jonah Norris (5’10,200), who is one of the top backs in the Midlands. Out wide for the Wildcats will be senior wide receivers Kamadi Maxwell (5’11,175), Jarrod Mewborn (5’11,175), and Tyler Floyd (5’9,180). Junior tight ends Cam Sutton (6’3,230) and Tyler Derienzo (6’0,200) will both see time at both TE and H-back. Up front, the Wildcats return two with senior Luca Feriea (5’11,250) and junior Ryan McFarland (6’6,220).
Defensively, some guys of the guys will be playing both ways. Maxwell will see time at defensive back, senior Harley Fox (6’3,205) will play outside linebacker and senior Kam Coulter (5’9,160) will be at defensive back. Senior Chris Frye (5’11,180) will play safety.
Junior Hayden Woolbright (6’0,160) will see time on both sides of the football as a wide receiver on offense but will play a lot of defense at safety, as well.
Kicker Tyler Chavis (6’0,160) is back and Tyler Floyd will handle punting duties.
“For the 2022 season we will have some new guys that will have to fill some big roles for us,” said Woolbright. “We want to be healthy going into region and give ourselves a chance to get in playoffs and make a run.”
