2023 Preview - Port Neches-Groves
Coach: Jeff Joseph. Lettermen R/L: 19/40. Starters returning O/D: 4/3.
2022: 13-3 state finalist/6-1 district. Key losses: Jansen Ware (Air Force).
Players to watch: ATH Shea Adams (6-4, 200, 4.6), OL Jackson Christian (6-5, 295), RB Isaiah Nguyen (5-8, 170, 4.6), WR/DB Reid Richard (5-9, 170, 4.6), DL Jonathan Hernandez (5-11, 260).
Top juniors: RB Blair Chetagnier (5-11, 195, 4.5), WR London Nunley (6-2, 175, 4.7).
Top sophomore: OL Aaron Wolford (6-4, 255).
Other prospects: DB Sean Gardiner, LB Mason Wuenschel.
2023 notes: It was a magical debut season for first-year head coach Jeff Joseph at PNG and fans in the Golden Triangle are ready for the encore. There’s not much on the field ATH Adams (35-429, 5 TDs receiving; 850 yards, 24 TDs rushing; 107 yards, 2 TDs passing) can’t do, but for now, pencil him in as the signal-caller operating behind a big offensive line that will be a bit younger in 2023. RB Nguyen (1,359 yards, 6 TDs rushing) emerged during the playoff run and will be a factor, as well. WR/DB Richard (34 tackles, 3 INTs) will likely see time on both sides of the ball, while DL Hernandez (37 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks) is back to lead the defensive line after a strong sophomore season.
2023 Preview- Port Arthur Memorial
Coach: Brian Morgan. Lettermen R/L: 23/15. Starters returning O/D: 4/7.
2022: 11-2 regional semifinalist/7-1 district. Key losses: Caleb Goodie (Colorado State), Cayden Bowie (Houston).
Players to watch: DB Daevon Iles (6-1, 180, 4.4), DE Michael Riles (6-4, 240, 4.8), WR Jaquan Holmes (5-10, 180, 4.5), RB Amante Martin (6-0, 195, 4.5), LB Taiyion King (6-1, 205, 4.5), DB Nolan White (5-10, 175, 4.5).
Top juniors: WR Semaj Pierre (5-10, 170, 4.4), DT Taveon Chatman (6-1, 290).
Top sophomore: DB Brock King (5-11, 175, 4.5).
Other prospects: RB Ja’coryn Baker, ATH Quinton Harper, OL Michael Milson, DE Kentrell Roberts, QB Cobe Stoever, OL Efrim Clark, DT Harvey Jones, OL Jahmal Rodgers-Arvie.
2023 notes: The Titans were sensational a year ago, pushing into the regional semifinals a year ago before falling to Longview and there’s no reason to think Morgan’s squad can’t be right in the thick of things in Region II once again. The defense, which brings back seven starters, will be the catalyst led by the return of DB Iles (8 INTs), who is an all-state candidate. DE Riles and LB King return and are FBS level recruits. The offense will be young but there’s talent with WR Holmes, RB Martin and speedy junior WR Pierre, who’s a move-in from Louisiana. Morgan says the defensive line, which started three sophomores last year, will be a strength, while youth on the offensive line will be his big concern heading into the season.
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