After a highly successful season last year, North Atlanta football is back. With the first week of school coming to a close, North Atlanta students filled the hill and got ready to watch their football Warriors take the field against the rival Westminster Wildcats for their annual preseason scrimmage. As the sun began to set on the evening of August 2nd, the Warriors were already in their midseason form as they defeated the Wildcats soundly with a score of 32-7.
In his first bit of action in his senior year, quarterback Ian Reynolds held his ground against the Wildcat defense, throwing two touchdowns and zero interceptions in the big preseason win. With Reynolds going into his second year as the full-time starter for the Warriors, he has embellished himself as one of the major leaders on the team. During the game, the team was able to rally around him to get the job done against Westminster. “It was great to get out there and play again,” said Reynolds, “I’m really happy with the way we played against Westminster, but we definitely still have a long way to go.”
Reynolds was not the only offensive star who made a positive impact during his performance against the Wildcats, the other was star junior tight end Josh McCullough, who received two touchdown passes from Reynolds. With McCullough only being a junior, he proved himself to be a name to watch out for this year as the Warriors hope to introduce themselves to their all-new opponents as regional championship contenders. During the game, McCullough was one of many rising stars who proved themselves as one of the next great Warriors who will help North Atlanta achieve great success as the year goes on. “It’s a new team this year, going into this game there were a lot of questions surrounding us and our team, and during the game, I felt like we answered,” said McCullough.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Warrior’s defense was lights out, only giving up one touchdown in the first half to the visiting Wildcats. Among the defensive starting eleven was senior safety Kennesaw State commit, Tobi Adewoyin who had an outstanding game locking down defenders and recording the first interception of the 2024 campaign. During the game, the Warrior’s defense showed off their dangerous ability, whether it was Adewoyin’s lockdown pass coverage, or 4-star senior D-lineman Chase Linton serving hot pancakes to the poor Westminster running backs. “We knew going into this game that our defense was looking different than last year,” said Adewoyin, “But even with change we were still able to handle our business and send Westminster home with tears in their eyes”
Another year, another North Atlanta win against the Westminster football team during the first week of school. With the season already off to a hot start, the Warriors are looking to carry the momentum and make a run this season to regional and state championships. North Atlanta football is back, and the boys showed they are ready to play.
