Corinth Holders to rely on new players, staff for 2022 campaign

By RANDY CAPPS

After a 4-6 season in its first as a member of the Greater Neuse 4A, Corinth Holders will need some new leaders to emerge for head coach Adam Khavari in 2022.

“(We’re) looking forward to a fresh start,” he said. “We’ve got new faces on our coaching staff, and new players in the lineup on both sides of the ball.

Always get excited about the possibilities of a new season.”

Fred Foreman, Jaheim Fields and Isaiah Faulker accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and 22 of the Pirates’ 26 touchdowns last season, but none of them will be wearing purple when Franklinton visits for the season opener on Aug. 19.

While only four starters return on offense, senior Seth Rayfield should step into Faulkner’s role as the starting quarterback, and is the team’s leading offensive threat after rushing for 240 yards and two scores in his junior season. Carter Felix will also be counted on to help offset the losses of Fields and Foreman at running back and figures to see some action at defensive back as well.

“Seth is very athletic, poised and doesn’t get rattled easy,” Khavari said. “Carter is a very tough, strong, explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball.”

There’s a little more experience on the defensive side of the ball, with six starters expected back. Donte Whitehead is the headliner, as the senior led the team in tackles (67) and sacks (7) in 2021.

Khavari will also be leaning on Walter Powell (51 tackles, 1 sack) and Barak Young (9 tackles) to anchor the defense.

“Walter is a strong vocal leader, he’s a physical player, and extremely intelligent,” he said. “Barak brings a lot of experience to the corner position and leadership in the secondary.”

The turnover doesn’t stop with the roster, either.

“We’ve got several new assistant coaches this year,” Khavari said. “Steve Wale is joining us from Southeast Raleigh, and Shane Handy has come on with a wealth of experience at the collegiate and high school level, most recently at Clayton. We’ve made some changes to some of our schemes that we hope will allow our players to better utilize their skill sets as well.”

It all adds up to an interesting mix for the Pirates, who will be looking to repeat last season’s feat of reaching the playoffs.

“Our goals are always to win the conference and compete for state championships,” Khavari said. “In order for us to do that, we’ve got to focus on the day-to-day process of getting better. Work hard, compete and focus on the daily tasks for the big picture stuff to work out.

“We’re excited to be back for another season representing our phenomenal school and community. Our players are excited to be back on the field and we look forward to seeing everyone out on Thursday and Friday nights.”

View Corinth Holders' 2022 schedule here: https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/wendell/corinth-holders-pirates/football/schedule/