The 2022 football season is here and excitement is in the air. Here are the biggest unanswered questions that will be answered in the coming weeks.
- How long will the Cookeville rebuild take?
The Cookeville Cavaliers have new leadership under first-year head coach Taylor Hennigan. He is inheriting a team that went 1-9 in 2021 but appears to have the talent to improve on that record in 2022. How long will it take the Cavaliers to become competitive in a tough Region 3/6A? We will get a clue in week one when they take on an Upperman team that appears to be one of the best in 4A. One key to watch will be how quickly the Cavs improve week-to-week during the year.
- Can Derwin Wright return York to prominence?
The York Dragons also had a disappointing 2021 season, ending with a 3-8 record, but the return of head coach Derwin Wright presents reasons for optimism. The Dragons always have talent, and this year is no different. In a five-team region, each week matters just a little bit more, and the Dragons Wing-T offense could present problems for Region 2/2A opponents. Are the Dragons a sleeper team? Or do they need another year to prepare to return to form? We will find out starting August 19.
- Can the Upperman Bees get over the semifinal hurdle?
Make no mistake about it, it’s go-time for the Upperman Bees. After their second trip to the semifinal round of the postseason in four seasons, the question remains if the Bees have what it takes to make the BlueCross Bowl. With a returning one-two punch of Jaxson Rollins and Terrance Dedmon in the backfield, the Bees will run over most of the teams they play, but regular season wins aren’t the expectation for UHS. In a wide-open Class 4A, if the Bees are ever going to win a state title 2022 may be the best opportunity.
- Can the White County Warriors capitalize on Malaki Dowell’s senior season?
Malaki Dowell is a superstar, but the Warriors only got five wins out of his 2,000 rushing yards in 2021. In their second year in the 5A classification there should be fewer unknowns in the 2022 season. Dowell will be sensational, the pressure is now on the rest of the Warriors to rise to the occasion and put some region wins on the board.
- Who will reign supreme in Region 4/1A, Clay County or Gordonsville?
The Tigers and Bulldogs sure appear to be on a collision course for the Region 4/1A title. Looking at the schedule, it isn’t far-fetched to say both teams could be 9-0 or 8-1 when they meet in Celina on October 28. There is a long way to go until then, but when you look at the region there is little doubt these are the top two teams. Two new head coaches, Stephen Jackson in Gordonsville and Bruce Lamb in Clay County must have their sights set on each other. It will be fun to watch these two teams this season.