By Michael Lindsay
Fresh off a 9-5 season and Class 2A state semifinal appearance in 2022, the York Institute Dragons are busy preparing for a 2023 season with high expectations under head coach Derwin Wright.
“So far it’s exciting,” Wright said. “The kids are working hard and we’re getting some 7-on-7 work in. We’re staying in the weight room and working on getting in shape for July.
“We’re looking for consistent effort,” Wright added. “You can always play with effort. There’s some skill spots where we’re trying to learn. Right now we’re working on that IQ and sticking to a few plays offensively.”
York Institute brings back a majority of their 2022 starters from both sides of the ball.
“If you go off what we did last year, Logan Panell, Myles Leffew, Rhylan Miller, Aidan Sweathomas and Bryson Bilbrey were really big for us,” Wright said. “Michael Wall was an offensive and defensive standout, too.”
Prior to York’s 9-win season in 2022, the Dragons had 9 wins combined from 2019-2021.
“Our goal last year was to win the region; we didn’t really talk about record,” Wright said. “I told the guys I want to try to win a state championship, but it doesn’t matter what I want. Do they believe they can win? Every team takes its own personality, and we’ll find out hopefully in the first game or two. We have high expectations.”
The Dragons will see multiple new region foes this season as Region 2-2A will have a new look in 2023. Region 2-2A consists of York Institute, Bledsoe County, Wartburg, Oneida, Polk County and Tellico Plains. Monterey and Rockwood are no longer in Region 2-2A or on the Dragons’ schedule.
York is set to compete in 7-0n-7 action in Crossville Tuesday morning at Duer Soccer Complex in Stone Memorial’s team camp.
York Institute is scheduled to kick off the 2023 regular season Friday, Aug. 18 vs. Clay County.
