2023 Preview: York Cougars

Brandon Stockdale July 20, 2023 @ 07:00 AM

York head coach Dean Boyd knows how close the York Cougars came in several of their games, especially facing the challenging region of class 3-4A in 2022. Two losses came down to the last possession. Now as they've worked through the offseason and the summer, they're focusing on consistency as the 2023 season approaches.   “We've had a good summer. We really have. One of the things that we've challenged them about is being consistent. We have great days on certain days and maybe good days or average days. To be a great football team and to play in our region, to be able to survive in our region, you've got to be great all the time. We're still getting there,” Boyd said.    [player_tooltip player_id='208367' first='Ayden' last='Davis'] returns at quarterback, but that won't be the only position he'll play in 2023. And we'll explain why. Triston Barnett will also get snaps on varsity spending the 2022 season on JV. Jonathan Tobias will be one of the leaders at the wide receiver position. Hunter Layne will anchor things on the offensive line who has started the last two years at center. Javarus Gutherie and Anthony Wherry will be a good one two punch at running back for the Cougars.    The Cougars' core of linebackers return will lead the way defensively including Tyler Koester, who Boyd calls a hard hitter. He is aggressive at the point of attack. Zadarrius Carter and Trey Wanger will be the two guys to watch at defensive end.   York will open the 2023 season on the road against Nation Ford on August 25.   STARS SET TO SHINE   [player_tooltip player_id='208367' first='Ayden' last='Davis'], ATH, 2024 – Davis ran for 1290 yards and 25 TDs at the quarterback position last year. He will also be used at defensive back and wide receiver as his versatility is fun to watch. He has an offer from Army.   [player_tooltip player_id='267449' first='Debo' last='Hall'], ATH, 2024 – Hall (pictured above) is a two-way player who racked up 60 tackles a season ago and garnered All-State honors in 2022.    [player_tooltip player_id='998716' first='Dalton' last='Russell'], LB, 2024 – Boyd told us Russell ran a 4.41 and 4.40 at four different camps this summer. He will be used at running back some which Boyd believes could help with depth. He has an offer from Limestone University.   FILM REVIEW   Bryson Steele, CB, 2024 – Standing at 6'4, 180 pounds, Steele is a disruptor at the cornerback position. He can come up and make plays on the run. He has great instincts and a knack to read and react on the ball.    BIGGEST LOSSES   Zach Moss and Ethan Brown, were both offensive lineman and went on to play college football. Moss is at Anderson University while Brown is attending Newberry College.   UP-AND-COMING POTENTIAL   Najib Yunsuah, DB, 2024 – Yunsuah transferred to York from Marlboro County back in the spring and he could make a splash for the Cougars this fall. He had 21 tackles last fall.   Jeremiah Ellis, WR, 2025 – Boyd says Ellis may be able to play some at defensive back and wide receiver. He made an impact down field on the outside in 2022.

York head coach Dean Boyd knows how close the York Cougars came in several of their games, especially facing the challenging region of class 3-4A in 2022. Two losses came down to the last possession. Now as they've worked through the offseason and the summer, they're focusing on consistency as the 2023 season approaches.