YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Chaney closed out the 2022 season with their first 10-win campaign since 2001 as they knocked off the eventual state champion Canfield Cardinals (16-13) during their remarkable year.
In 2023, coach Seth Antram’s group returns eighteen letter winners.
“We’ll look to carry some [of that] momentum into the summer and fall,” coach Antram says. “Our guys continue to learn that the off-season can win you games. This summer, we expect our guys to work hard and build discipline and accountability. We also expect to develop more leadership after graduating such a successful senior class, so we’re interested to see who steps up and takes on [those] leadership roles.”
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The Cowboys’ offense took a jump from 2021 (19.3 ppg) to 2022 (28.6 ppg) by averaging more than 9-points per contest within that span.
The offense will be led by their quarterback tandem of junior Matt Jones and senior Drew Gault. Jones led the Cowboys in rushing with 937 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jones also completed 41 passes for 758 yards and 6 scores. Gault connected on 14 of his 24 tosses (58.3%) for 235 yards and 4 touchdown strikes compared to just one interception.
“We understand that we lost some guys that had a real impact,” indicates Antram. “With that being said, the guys we have returning have been working hard and that have been in this system for a few years and know what we expect. We look for Matt and Drew to both be impact players who know what we do offensively.”
Chaney will feature Jawuan Harmon (311 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and Bryson Douglas in the backfield. Darius Stonework and Dwayne Thompson are both back at their wide out positions for the Cowboys as well.
Chaney must replace two of the area’s top playmakers in Jason Hewlett (367 receive yards) and DJ Waller (296 receiving yards) – who both committed to Michigan.
Saion Ivey, Trent Winford and Elijah Carter will be back along the line of scrimmage to anchor the Cowboys’ front five. “Saion and Elijah are great leaders,” Antram points out. “We look to lean on their physicality and experience this season.”
On defense, the Cowboys welcomed six starters back into the fold from last year’s unit that allowed just over 11-points and 160-yards per outing.
Carter finished last year with 10 tackles for a loss. This year, he’ll be a key player up front. “He plays fast and is very physical from any of the defensive line spots,” notes Antram. “We also have Tristan LeFlore (3 QB Sacks), Sarmod Shakoor and Javon Huff returning to help along the defensive front.”
Chaney returns both of their inside linebackers in Harmon (51 tackles, 16 TFL) and Clifton Scott (66 tackles, 14 TFL). Antram is pleased with the potential both of them pose in the middle of the defense, “They both had very successful junior years and we expect them to be impactful this year.” Look for Antwon Naze and Devari Bennett-Davenport to become major contributors at linebacker for the Cowboys.
In the defensive backfield, the coaching staff is high on Jordan Hewlett, Douglas and Thompson to step in to play large roles this coming season.
Chaney will begin play on Thursday, August 17 versus Akron East.
Chaney Cowboys
Fast Facts
Head Coach: Seth Antram, 2nd season at Chaney (10-2)
2022 Record: 10-2 (2-1), 2nd place SVC
Last 4 Years: 23-17 (57.5%)
League: Steel Valley Conference
Home Field: Rayen Stadium
Base Offense: Spread
Base Defense: 4-3
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 6
2022 Team Stats
Scoring Offense: 28.6
Scoring Defense: 11.3
Total Offense: 280.1
Rushing Offense: 192.3
Passing Offense: 87.8
Total Defense: 164.8
2022 Individual Leaders
Passing: Matt Jones – 758 yards, 40.6% (41-101), 6 TDs
Rushing: Matt Jones – 937 yards, 6.6 avg, 15 TDs
Receiving: Jason Hewlett – 367 yards, 24.4 avg, 4 TDs
Tackles: Clifton Scott – 66
Interceptions: Jason Hewlett – 3
2022 Results
Kenston 31 Cowboys 7*
Cowboys 35 Alliance 21*
Cowboys 34 East 0
Cowboys 21 Harding 14
Cowboys 42 Howland 0
Cowboys 33 Painesville Harvey 14
Ursuline 30 Cowboys 27
Cowboys 16 Canfield 13
Cowboys 35 Marlington 10
Cowboys 22 Cardinal Mooney 17
Cowboys 40 Boardman 14
Cowboys 34 Poland 2
*-playoff
2022 SVC Standings
Ursuline – 3-0 (10-3)
Chaney – 2-1 (10-2)
East – 1-2 (1-9)
Mooney – 0-3 (6-7)
2023 Schedule
Aug. 17 – at Akron East
Aug. 25 – Bye
Sept. 1 – Boardman
Sept. 8 – at Marlington
Sept. 15 – at Canfield
Sept. 22 – at Harding
Sept. 29 – Cardinal Mooney
Oct. 6 – Howland
Oct. 13 – at Ursuline
Oct. 20 – at East
