Westwood’s Dominick Young could be the top target for the Redhawks in 2023.
It was a challenging 2022 season for the Westwood Redhawks and head coach Robert O’Connell.
However, after an 0-4 start, Westwood won three of its final six games, including two in Region 4-4A, to make it to the playoffs.
Now O’Connell is hoping the momentum generated by last season’s finish will carry over to the 2023 season.
One question he will have to answer is who will be the Redhawks’ starting quarterback. Carrington Carter gained experience last season. He is facing a challenge from fellow sophomore Nate Caldwell. O’Connell is looking for a leader who will take care of the football and take what the defense gives him.
Whoever wins the starting job will have a pair of wide receivers in Dominick Young and KaShon Harrison. Zachario McNeil and Edwin Wilson anchor Westwood’s offensive line.
Defensively, Marcus Sims and Jalen Burns highlight the linebacking corps. Dekontee Mack and Christen Rhoden, who was the Redhawks’ center last year, will line up along the defensive line.
O’Connell believes the strengths of this year’s squad will be running the ball and stopping the run.
The Redhawks will have to be ready to go from the opening whistle as they start the season at home against Spring Valley. Westwood then travels to Lower Richland and White Knoll before opening region play at A.C. Flora on September 29.
The only other road game will be at Ridge View. Irmo, Lugoff-Elgin, and RNE all come to Westwood.
The 2023 season feels like one where teams can make a move. A.C. Flora and Ridge View are in a state of transition. Irmo seems poised to make a run for the region title, and RNE could pose a threat. Where does that leave Westwood?
For O’Connell, he wants his players to focus on doing the little things well and improving each day.
He believes if they develop, they will reach their goals, both individually and as a team.
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