I can’t believe it, but it’s already time to start looking ahead to the 2023 high school football season. And for the second season in a row, the Dorman Cavaliers will be breaking in a new head coach. After Dustin Curtis’ departure it’s now Jake Morris who has taken over the reins. Morris played under Coach Dave Gutshall and has been an assistant for the Cavaliers for several years.
He will have a lot of questions to answer in his first season, needing to replace several playmakers on offense, with the likes of D.J. Porter and running back Demarius Foster moved on to play at the next level. Also gone are star offensive linemen Markee Anderson and D.J. Geth, who led the charge up front for one of the best rushing offenses in the state. The Cavaliers will also have a new quarterback under center in 2023. While the position is still up for grabs, it appears Senior David Sorenson has the inside track to be the starter. The coaching staff feels confident in Sorenson’s ability to grasp the offense in year two under offensive coordinator Stephen Cagle, but using multiple quarterbacks early in the season is not out of the question.
As for the skill positions, the Cavaliers are returning wide receivers Tra’Von Fernandez and Keenan Arcega-Whiteside, who will be expected to take on much larger roles this season in the passing game as the team hopes to be a little more balanced offensively this season. The offensive line, which is normally one of the biggest and best in the state, had some big questions heading into spring practice. The coaching staff feels much better after concluding spring practice, as they believe Landon Greene, Parker McMillan, Amish Patel, Kade Parks and a mix of young players can more than hold their own in the toughest region in the state.
As for the defense, defensive coordinator Wade Cooper is back, and he and Coach Morris feel the speed is the strength on that side of the ball, especially at the linebacker position. The Cavaliers will run multiple sets on defense, but will keep things simple and allow the players to react and use their athleticism to make plays.
Expectations are always high in Roebuck and this year should be no different. Coach Morris understands the challenges that playing in Region II-5A will pose, but he will no doubt have his team prepared for the brutal stretch of games to end the season. If Dorman can continue to get above average play from the offensive line, and get consistent play from the quarterback spot, they could challenge for a region title. If They struggle in these areas, the Cavs may end up squeaking in the playoffs as a four seed.
