The graduating class of 2023 was a legendary one for the North Atlanta football program as the winningest class in school history and the vanguard for the first playoff win ever for the team. No doubt their presence is missed as eleven starters are now on to the next chapter of their lives. In the wake of their exigence, several new stars have taken on the mantle for the 2023 season. Who are they and how will they fare? Will they be able to live up to the legacy of their predecessors? Only time will tell.
Quarterback is undeniably the most difficult as well as the most impactful position in all of sports. After a stellar 2 years at North Atlanta, Trey Lennon graduated as an all-state honorable mention, 6A region 4 Player of the Year, and 2022 Corky Kell Classic Game MVP. Many might be worried about the signal caller spot after losing such an instrumental piece as Lennon, but junior quarterback Ian Reynolds is certainly up to the challenge of leading this year’s offensive unit. “For sure I learned a lot from Trey,” said Reynolds. “My goal is just to replicate his success and try going above and beyond.”
Behind every good offense- or in front of rather- is an elite offensive line to control the trenches. Tyree Miles was a multi-year starter and a highly decorated lineman playing both center and guard, making all region teams at both. To step into the big shoes left by Miles, is sophomore Jayleon Mitchell- a tenacious right guard that packs an equally nasty punch. “The o-line is definitely going to miss Reezy,” said Mitchell. “But I think I can meet the challenge of trying to replace his production.”
Historically, the best player on every all-time defense- college or NFL has been a part of the d-line or linebacker core bolstering the front seven. The Steel Curtain had Mean Joe Green, the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs had Jalen Carter, and the Legion of Boom had Bobby Wagner. Charles Grier is currently a defensive end for the historic Wittenburg university after two years as an all-region player for North Atlanta. As both a defensive end and inside linebacker, do-it-all weapon Xavier Ellison is the next in line to be a part of the ferocious Warriors defense. “I worked hard to be great this season,” said Ellison. “No matter where Coach (Myles) lines me up at, I’m ready to go and knock someone’s head off.”
Even with the absence of such an infamous core of players, the Dubs are ready for whatever challenge is thrown at them. Already in two games the rising stars on Northside Drive have led the program to a 2-0 record with a 96-14 point differential. With that in mind, it seems the concern of introducing so many novices to the Friday night lights is no problem. After such a promising start, no doubt the Dubs have developed the next wave of starters well and reloaded for a new season.
