Newsome

At a glance

Coach: Christian Yockey, fifth season

Class: 4, District 8 (Metro)

Last season: 8-3

Key players: OL Dwayne Bain, Jr.; QB Christian Bishop, Sr.; DE Jett Buzzbee, So.; WR/KR Matt Connally, Sr.; RB Michael Dempsey, So.; WR/W Tanner Easley, Sr.; TE Tyler Edwards, Sr.; LB/DE Eli Hisock, Jr.; OL Jesse Jefferson, Sr.; DB Jonathan Kerce, Jr.; DT Evan Mitchum, Sr.; RB/SL J.C. Roque, Sr.; CB Albert Soto, Sr.

Schedule

Aug. 19 vs. Bradenton Southeast, 7 (preseason)

Aug. 26 vs. Plant City, 7:30

Sept. 2 vs. Sickles, 7:30

Sept. 9 vs. Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Sept. 16 Bye

Sept. 23 at Bloomingdale, 7:30

Sept. 30 at Riverview, 7:30

Oct. 7 vs. Wharton, 7:30

Oct. 14 at Durant, 7:30

Oct. 21 at Hillsborough, 7:30

Oct. 28 vs. Sumner, 7:30

Nov. 4 at Gaither, 7:30

Outlook

Newsome has gone through the greatest three year stretch in school history, going a combined 24-9 from 2019-21 and making the playoffs each of those years. To continue that success, the Wolves had to replenish their roster on varsity, especially after graduating 34 players from last year’s team. One of the biggest losses was at running back. Jason Albritton, who rushed for nearly 4,000 in his career, is now at USF. J.C. Roque, an all-purpose back, will handle more of the rushing load to fill that void. Newsome has the benefit of returning Christian Bishop (1,026 yards, 10 touchdowns passing) at quarterback. It marks the first time the Wolves have had a second-year quarterback in Yockey’s five-year tenure with the program. Matt Connally and Tanner Easley are the top targets at receiver. The offensive line will be led by Dwayne Bain and Jesse Jefferson. Defensively, Newsome lost its leaders in tackles, sacks and interceptions.  Lineman Evan Mitchum (22 tackles, two sacks) and linebacker Eli Hiscock (23 tackles) are the top two returners.