2022 Season Preview: Laurens Raiders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laurens finished the 2021 season with a 6-5 overall record and went on a streak of five straight wins before falling to eventual 4A state champion South Pointe in the first round of the playoffs. But coach Daryl Smith likes what he has seen in the offseason and the potential for the Raiders in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Great energy, great enthusiasm and of course, you know, it does get long so it's great now that we got something to really look forward to with the season coming up and within a month, we're going to be playing a game and we'll be doing a scrimmage here on (August) 4th so it's going to be something to look forward to each and every day, putting the pads on and I'm just excited to see what our guys can do,” Smith said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Rawl </strong>returns at quarterback for the Raiders in 2022 and Smith has been pleased with his growth from the end of last season on through the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"You can see through spring practice and now through the summer, he seems to be throwing the ball a little bit quicker right where he's supposed to, right on time and just really grown up as a player. I think he did great last year, but I think he's gotten even better and I think he's got even more potential for his growth in the future.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nick Woodruff, Malik Jackson </strong>and <strong>Reese Munyan </strong>all return on the offensive line, and they will also play on the defensive line as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At wide receiver, <strong>Jay Pulley</strong> and <strong>Cayson Elledge </strong>are two guys that Smith was complimentary of because of their impact on special teams and the kickoff return game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The question for the Raiders offense will be what will they do at running back? They'll need to develop some depth as practices begin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We've got some guys we're going to try. Not a lot of experience there so we're going to be doing it by committee for the most part but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='202740' first='Gemire' last='Darden']</strong> carried the ball for us some last year will be back. <strong>Noah Mosley </strong>is going to be one that hasn't gotten it much, will be trying this year.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The strength of the Raiders defense will come from their linebackers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='202740' first='Gemire' last='Darden'], Noah Mosley </strong>and <strong>Jordan Roberts</strong> all return. Smith also says that maybe a couple of backups may be able to help them out as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The question about Laurens on defense will come from their secondary. Smith feels good about one of the leaders coming back, however.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“We're going to have to look for some guys that have some talent but they're unproven right now but <strong>Jackson Martin</strong> has been there for three years. And he's solid. He's going to be our weak side safety and just kind of our quarterback of our defense, (he's) been very solid. I think we've got some other guys back there in that secondary that'll be pretty good.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Laurens will open the 2022 season with three straight road games at Hillcrest, Clinton and Belton Honea Path. Class 4A Region II play should present some challenges for the Raiders with notable games against Greer on September 30 and Riverside on October 7.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->