While the weather gets warmer, the grass gets greener, and winter soars into spring, North Atlanta’s men’s soccer team takes the pitch for their 2024 campaign. Over the past couple of years, the Warriors have proven themselves to be playoff contenders, getting stronger and stronger as the years go by. This year, the team is back as hungry as ever, and the Warriors are looking to find immense success on the pitch this season. With the development of key players, the addition of pieces, and a new strong team slogan, “Dalé Dubs”, the team is looking to ground themselves as one of the region’s top squads, as they begin the year at an impressive 4-0 record.
This year, the Warriors are led by captains Servando “Junior” Moreno, Owen Patton, and Keller Martin. Throughout their high school careers, these three stars have proven themselves to be strong leaders, and the rest of the team is hoping to bank off of their leadership during the long season ahead. After just missing the playoffs during the 2023 season, the captains are hoping to rally their team to achieve success in their region and make it to the playoffs in 2024. “It’s an honor to be captain this year, I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to lead this team,” said senior Captain Owen Patton, “It’s amazing that we have started 4-0, and I’m excited about the season coming up”
Over the off-season, the Warriors welcomed Midtown High School transfers Lathan and Hudson Johnson. Lathan Johnson, a junior striker, was the top goal scorer in 5A regional play last season, so the transfer from the rival Knights is a huge achievement for the team and he is due to have a huge debut season for the Warriors. Hudson Jackson, a sophomore center-back, was also a key player for the Knights last year, and his defending skills and soccer intelligence have gained him a spot in the starting lineup for the 2024 season. “I’m very excited about playing for this team this year,” said junior Lathan Johnson, “So far I have fit in with the team perfectly and I can’t wait to keep building chemistry with my teammates.”
The Warriors have been on a roll to start off the 2024 campaign, as they open up the season 4-0, beating Woodward, Maynard Jackson, Midtown, and Woodward. In 2024, the Warriors have been firing on cylinders, as the defense has only allowed 1 goal in 4 games, and the offense is averaging a strong 3 goals a game. The team hopes to keep up the hot start, as the Warriors begin regional play on February 27th vs South Cobb. “We have overall been playing like a well-established team this year,” said senior McClendon May, “I firmly believe in our chances to make a run this season.”
With the season underway, the Warriors have proven themselves to be the team to beat this year thanks to a strong start. With the addition of new players, the naming of new captains, and the new motivation to win and make the playoffs, it’s going to be exciting to see the Warriors step onto the pitch in 2024.
