The Rockmart Yellow Jackets open the 2023 season on the road for the next several weeks, and will be facing some big tests to get them prepared for another potential run for a region title and into the playoffs.

First thing’s first though: a preseason trip down south to the I-20 corridor in Haralson County.

Last year, Rockmart opened their pre-season scrimmage campaign against the Bremen Blue Devils with a victory at home, and now it’s time to return the favor.

Graduation saw a number of Jackets depart with graduates in the Class of 2023, but the offense is reloading, not rebuilding as many veterans still have the chance to shine this year.

Senior QB JD Davis is coming into this year with an opportunity to lead the offense in the air and on the ground.

He’s put up 1925 all-purpose yards during his career with the Jackets (with stats available from Maxpreps, so that could be stingy on the figures) going for 20 touchdowns since his freshman year where he played backup, and then took on the leading spot his sophomore and junior years.

His 13-game season in 2022 saw him put up a 59-101 on passing completion and attempts for 905 yards and threw for 7 touchdowns. He had another 63 carries for 371 yards on the ground for 10 touchdowns.

Davis brings with him not just regular season gametime experience through his sophomore and junior years under center as QB #1, but has proven time and again with two region titles under his belt and playoff appearances that he can produce. He can pass, he can scramble, he can keep plays alive that otherwise might have been sacks or short gains.

He might be the general under center on the field for the offense, but the Jackets’ Brent Washington is one of several who will stand tall and lead the squad over the goal line. Washington in 2022 had 65 carries and 471 yards with 10 touchdowns and an average of 36 yards per carry.

Nahzir Turner is another go-to guy for grinding out yards forward for Rockmart. He put up a 30 carry, 383 yard performance in 2022 with 3 touchdowns. His sophomore campaign saw a 47 carry, 374 yard performance with four touchdowns in 2021.

Sophomore Tyree Mccrary additionally has opportunities aplenty to grab carries this season. He amassed 13 carries and 95 yards during his freshmen season, and he might be one of many to grab opportunities to show off his skills this season.

Anson High will get an opportunity to gain yards after only getting to play five games in 2022. The Jacket Senior had nine carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns last season. 2023 could be a potentially standout year for him.

Look for sophomore Malachi Jones also get a chance for carries this year. He had only 4 carries for 11 yards last season, but will likely have greater chances since five different Jacket running backs graduated with the Class of 2023.

Check back in for coverage this weekend of the Rockmart at Bremen scrimmage.