2022 Season Preview: Salem Football

The Salem Rams, home of the current Indianapolis Colts running back Johnathan Taylor. The reigning Group 1 state champions are poised to have another big year. Salem returns a lot of starters and players that have seen significant action last season. We will highlight some key players , top returners and expectations for this upcoming season. Scroll down below and check it out. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Expectations</strong></span> The bar is always set high for the Salem Rams. Last season, Salem finished the year 11-2 and captured a Group 1 state title. They expect nothing less than a state championship and most certainly have the pieces to do so. This a cohesive group of guys that believe in one another and the task at hand. Everyone on the roster has bought in and it’s really starting to pay off. Salem is traditionally a winning program for the last 10 years. Head Coach Montrey Wright, who is entering his seventh season has done a great job leading the Rams. Winning a state title has built a ton of confidence for everyone including the coaching staff. You should expect this talented to team to come off firing this season. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Team Capsule</strong></span> <strong>Group classification</strong>: Group 1/ West Jersey Football League Conference <strong>Head Coach</strong>: Montrey Wright (51-19), 7th season <strong>Last<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">year</span></strong><span style="font-size: 1rem;">: 11-2</span> &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Top Returning Players</strong></span> <span style="font-size: 14pt;">(Sr., QB) [player_tooltip player_id="183497" first="Jahki" last="Coates"] </span> Mr. Coates is the returning starter under center. He has a big frame and is a threat through the air and on the ground. Coates does a good job taking what the defense gives him. He surverys the field well and makes smart decisions. Coates has a strong arm and get the ball from one hash to another in a hurry. Last season, he threw for 1,389 yards with 15 TD’s and 10 INT’s. On the ground, he rushed for 729 yards and 13 TD’s respectively. <span style="font-size: 14pt;">(Jr., WR/DB) Ramaji Bundy</span> Mr. Bundy is a two- way starter and is very talented on both ends of the ball. Offensively, he has very good hands and can stretch the field. He is dangerous after the catch and go the distance at any time. Bundy runs precise routes and is quick and sudden in and out of his breaks. He caught 36 passes for 670 yards and 9 TDs. Defensively, he was a ball hawk. Bundy had 4 INT’s and two of those were returned for a touchdown. Bundy has playmaking ability and scouts should know his name very soon. <span style="font-size: 14pt;">(Sr., CB) [player_tooltip player_id="321767" first="Zaheim" last="Jones"]</span> Mr. Jones is primarily a defensive player and has a knack for finding the ball. Jones has very good ball skills and closing speed. In other words, you have to be careful when throwing to his side. Jones will make you pay if are not careful. Last season, he finished the year with 5 INT’s and 1 FF. <span style="font-size: 14pt;">(Sr., LB) [player_tooltip player_id="183498" first="Amare" last="Smith"]</span> Mr. Smith was an absolute beast in 2021. He is a tough kid that is an excellent tackler and has the strength to run through anyone in his way. Smith has good size and covers ground well. Last season, he recorded 19 sacks, 4 TFL, 103 tackles, 6 FF, 5 FR, 1 INT and 1 INT/TD. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Underclassmen To Watch</strong></span> (So., RB/DB) [player_tooltip player_id="219373" first="Cameron" last="Smith"]; (So., DL) Daviyonn Jackson; (So., DL) Detric Smith &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>2022 Schedule </strong></span> 8/17: at Millville, 10am 8/26: Cedar Grove, 1pm <strong>9/4</strong>: Camden, 4pm <strong>9/9</strong>: Pleasantville, 7pm <strong>9/17:</strong> at Pennsgrove, 7pm <strong>9/24</strong>: Cedar Creek, 7pm <strong>10/1</strong>: Woodstown, 7pm <strong>10/8</strong>: at Paulsboro, 7pm <strong>10/14</strong>: at West Deptford, 7pm <strong>10/22</strong>: Woodbury, 7pm <strong>11/24</strong>: Woodstown, 10:30am