Cairo defensive players celebrate after forcing a fumble against Thomas County Central on Friday.

CAIRO — Cairo football is in the midst of a major transition.

Walter Grant and the rest of the last year’s huge senior class helped the Syrupmakers easily cruise to an 11-2 record and the 2016 Region 1-4A championship. However, they have all moved on, which will leave tons of newcomers to take their places this year.  

It will be imperative for all of Cairo’s new starters to get on the same page early.

“We have a young team with a lot of kids that haven’t played,” Cairo head coach Steve DeVoursney said. “We’re trying to get these kids to grow up. It usually takes about five games to settle into a position. Hopefully we can get them to grow up faster than that.”

Cairo began 2016 with a win against Thomasville, but without scoring a touchdown on offense. After a Week 2 loss to Thomas County Central, the Syrupmakers began to really take advantage of their red zone opportunities, and did not lose again until November.

After breezing through its region games with an undefeated 7-0 record, Cairo began the playoffs well. After blowing out Baldwin and squeaking by Sandy Creek, the Syrupmakers faced Jefferson in the Class 4A quarterfinals. That’s where their season ended, as a last-second Dragon touchdown handed Cairo a 17-13 defeat.

After the success of last season, Cairo hopes that its younger guys can fit right in and continue the kind of culture the program has built.

“The tradition’s always been here,” DeVoursney said. “Hopefully that’s what’s going to get us through this year — the pride the kids take in being a Syrupmaker.” 

Riley Maynard, a preseason Class 4A all-state selection by Recruit Georgia, will return on the offensive line, along with Dalton Newmons and Shafford Gordon. Senior Jackson Hand will step into the quarterback spot, replacing John Michael Owens. Hand was in contention for the job in 2015, but he will now get his chance to play under the Friday night lights. He has made some nice throws throughout the summer, can run decently well, and his 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame could be an asset in keeping himself upright. 

Junior Jamarcus Vicks will be the prospective starter at running back after Grant filled that role late last year. He ran for 342 yards and two scores in 2016. While there are no returning starters at receiver, Cameron Goosby had a little bit of experience there last year and will see an expanded role, along with Jy’Kevian Cooper. 

On defense, two starters remain from last year — Tahj Vicks and Jamel Chin. Vicks will move to a linebacker spot from defensive back, and Chin will play safety after playing cornerback during Cairo’s region title run. Both of them are seniors, and they will both be crucial in their unit’s success.

“Those two guys have got to be the leaders, and they’ve got to be vocal,” DeVoursney said. “They’ve got to coach the young kids up to be better on defense for us to have a chance. Those two are back and there’s not another kid who’s played a down on defense.”

Cairo also will be going through a big transition at special teams. Kicker Cole Phillips was a true weapon for the Syrupmakers last season, booting three field goals of 50 yards or more, including a school record 56-yarder. His performance earned him all-state awards, as well as Parade All-American honors. Freshman Noah Jones will be taking up the mantle of punting and kicking for Cairo this year, and he has a strong leg as well. 

“He’s not Cole Phillips, but we think maybe he can be someday,” DeVoursney said.

Cairo’s schedule will be a mirror of last year’s. It will begin the season with two games across the Barnetts Creek bridge against Thomasville and Thomas County Central. After another rivalry game against Bainbridge, the Syrupmakers will play their region slate, with four of the seven games scheduled to be played at West Thomas Stadium.

Inexperience will certainly be the main obstacle Cairo will face this year, especially early on. Regardless of how it all shakes out, the Syrupmakers have the right attitude — and that’s the first step to their coach.

“These kids are hungry,” DeVoursney said. “I don’t know how talented we are or how good we’re going to be but they’re hungry. They want to be here, they enjoy practicing and enjoy being with each other. As a coach, it’s enjoyable to be around kids that want to be here and want to work hard.”