Delta Charter ready to create a storm in 2022

The name fits.

The Delta Charter Storm are a team that could produce thunder and lightning in 2022.

Blake Wheeler enters his sixth season on the job.

The Storm are coming off a good season, going 6-4 and reaching the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs.

There is reason for optimism entering the 2022 season as the Storm return 12 starters, including six on each side of the ball.

That includes junior Juvari Singleton (5-10, 185), who returns at quarterback. Last season, Singleton rushed for 1,250 yards and accounted for 21 touchdowns.

Up front, senior tackle Aidan Ferguson (5-9, 265) returns to anchor the offensive line at tackle. He is joined by senior Makai Johnson (6-1, 255). The guards are senior Parker Blaney (5-10, 215) and sophomore Jaden Ivy (5-8, 200). The center is sophomore Noah Skipper (5-10, 200).

In the backfield are juniors Otis Bates (5-7, 170) at running back and junior Davis Cooper (5-10, 180) at fullback.

Sophomore Ethan Keith (5-9, 175) will man the tight end spot.

The wide receivers are junior Ron Ellis (5-9, 170) and sophomore Tyrin Singleton (5-9, 165).

The defensive front is led by senior Robert Doss (6-2, 190), who had an outstanding sophomore season with 50 tackles, including seven sacks. He is joined at the end spot by senior Clay Roberson (6-0, 180). The tackles include Blaney and huge senior Trey Watts (6-0, 330).

At linebacker, junior Davis Cooper (5-10, 180) returns as a tackling machine. Cooper led the Storm with 85 tackles a year ago. He is joined by junior Jaylen Watson (5-8 165) and sophomore Will Wiley (5-7, 165), along with Singleton.

The secondary features three juniors in cornerbacks Ron Ellis (5-9, 170) and Jaydon Griffin (5-8, 165), along with Singleton at free safety.

Singleton handles kicking and punting duties while Ellis and Watson are dangerous return men.

The Storm open the season at Plain Dealing on Sept. 2 before traveling to Glenbrook. After hosting Lakeview, the Storm open District 4-1A play at Tensas. Delta Charter will host Sicily Island before a road game at Delhi. The regular season closes on the road at Delhi Charter and at home against Block.

With experience on both sides of the ball, the Storm are prepared to strike opponents and are poised to make noise in Class 1A in 2022.

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