Cleveland looks to reload after losing record-breaking offensive standouts By RANDY CAPPS
hen Cleveland kicks off the 2022 season on Aug. 19 at Cary, the Rams will begin life without running back Omarion Hampton and quarterback Skyler Locklear. Both players were staples throughout their prep careers, and together they accounted for just shy of 4,700 total yards and 75 touchdowns last fall en route to an 11-1 season. While the aforementioned offensive standouts drew most of the headlines, the Rams have been churning out wins at all levels in the past few seasons.
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“The JV players coming up to varsity this year that came from Cleveland Middle have never lost a game,” head coach Scott Riley said. “Cleveland Middle hasn’t lost a game in (more than six) years and the JV team (hasn’t) lost since September of 2019. Expecting to win is a valuable skill.” The hallmark of Riley’s teams is speed, and the 2022 version should be no different. “We have a lot of guys that can really run,” he said. “On offense that makes easier to have explosive plays, and on defense, it makes it easier to erase mistakes.” Despite the losses, there are six starters coming back on the offensive side of the ball. Jashawn Middleton led the team in
Schedule
Cleveland's Cam Goins walks up to the line of scrimmage during a game last fall. Photo courtesy of We Journal Great Sports.
Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28
at Cary Greenville Rose at Greenville Conley BYE *at Corinth Holders *South Garner *at Fuquay-Varina *at Willow Spring *Southeast Raleigh *at Garner *Clayton
* — Greater Neuse 4A Conference game
receiving with 47 grabs for 915 yards and 12 scores while Cam Goins (28 receptions, 406 yards) adds punch and versatility. Jackson Byrd, the JV quarterback who saw some snaps last season, should be a dual-threat for what should still be a potent attack. “Jashawn Middleton, Cam Goins, Jackson Byrd and Anthony Greene (a transfer from Southeast Raleigh) are vocal leaders on offense that pack big playmaking ability to back it up,” Riley said. “And Kedar Mangum anchors the offensive line.” Five starters return on defense, but plenty of other players earned experience in 2021. “Our defense brings great intensity to whatever they do and that is lead up front by Demarrius Plummer and Karson Cook,” Riley said. “Ryan Klimp, Markice Rawls and Gage Tremaine are at linebacker while Josiah Peters, Isaac Piatek and Landon Inscoe will man the back end.” A 29-21 loss to eventual state champion Cardinal Gibbons spoiled an otherwise spotless season for the Rams. That, of course, followed a loss in the spring 2021 title game to Mount Tabor. So, the goals on Polenta Road are pretty clear. “(We want) to win the state championship,” Riley said. “To do that, we must focus on the details that can the difference in a one-score game so we can be 9 points better this year! ... I think our team will be exciting to watch, so I look forward to seeing them play.”
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