Throughout the North Atlanta Men’s Soccer season, one fan group has followed the team through thick and thin: The Ultras. Granted, there hasn’t been much thick this season for the Boys, holding a 15-2-2 record and sitting at 16th in the country. Nonetheless, the Ultras have been there for all the big moments. In the recent playoff run for the boys, the fan turnout has been massive for the dubs. The electric atmosphere (and some pretty good players) has propelled the team to three huge wins against Lee County, Grovetown, and Johns Creek. With the season on the line against the Knights of River Ridge, there’s no doubt the Ultras will be bringing the energy. With the Ultras by their side, there isn’t an opponent that stands in the way of the Warriors.
Loud. Rowdy. Rambunctious. These characteristics define the nature of the Ultras. Moreover, the group is known for its deeply rooted traditions like the Dub Drum, the ATL chant, and the megaphone. The Dub Drum holds the most significance of the three, with its deafening bangs echoing from the hill and striking fear in the hearts of the opponents. Meanwhile, the ATL chant hypes up the crowd and emphasizes the rich history of the North Atlanta soccer program. The megaphone is utilized mainly for cheering and heckling, putting pressure on the opponents and lifting the spirits of the Warriors. “At first I was skeptical about attending a soccer game,” said ultra member Wyatt Welch, “But when I experienced the energy of the crowd, I found a love for the sport.”
On Friday, the Warriors will face off against the River Ridge Knights, the number one team in the country. In other words, North Atlanta is facing the most formidable team in all of America, so a little help from the Ultras will definitely be necessary. There’s only one problem: River Ridge will be hosting the bout. The last three North Atlanta playoff games have been at home, where fan turnout has been massive. Now that the game is much further away, the Dubs are likely to have less support from the stands. However, the minor distance isn’t stopping the Ultras from making a show in Woodstock. “We are prepared to make any trip no matter the distance for our beloved team,” said Ultra leader Rigby Gullet, “River Ridge better be prepared for energy and aggression on the field and from the stands.”
Being just a day away from gametime, both boys’ soccer and the Ultras have a lot of preparation to do. For the soccer team, it’s making some final adjustments and refining their skills. For the Ultras, it’s rallying the troops and bringing the energy to River Ridge High School.
