After a 2-1 start in non-region play, The Warriors now set their sights on a brand new region and a potential playoff berth. They began their foray into region play with their homecoming game vs Forsyth Central. The Warriors thrashed the Bulldogs 47-15 in front of a packed-out Henderson Stadium to increase their streak of homecoming victories to 3 in a row.
The Warriors came into this game with back-to-back triumphs over Paulding County and Wheeler after a tough loss to Kell in week one. Forsyth Central, despite starting 0-2 against East Forsyth and Winder-Barrow, had reversed their fortunes with a win against Flowery Branch in week 3. With both teams riding high off of wins, it was widely assumed that a potential dog fight could take place. However, it was anything but that, with the Warriors dominating from the opening kick. The Bulldogs received the opening kick and quickly punted. This was then followed by a great Warrior drive that was capped by a 34-yard touchdown from senior quarterback Ian Reynolds. The defense would then have a score of its own, scoring a safety on the ensuing possession, quickly placing the Warriors ahead 10-0 halfway through the first quarter. The Warriors would not let up their onslaught, scoring 14 in the second quarter and another 23 in the second half despite the pouring rain. “I’m proud of how they performed through adversity,” said wide receivers coach Javon Henderson, “but I know they can perform at an even higher level as we continue to move into region play.”
The Warriors offense implemented a punishing ground-and-pound style against the Bulldogs. They finished with 417 yards of total offense, with 323 of them coming on the ground. This dominant rushing attack was led by junior running back Bryce Little who had 100 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries, good for 16.7 yards per carry. His performance was supplemented by senior running back Henry Debardeleben who had 12 carries for 79 yards and Reynolds who also had 79 yards on the ground on just 9 carries. Junior quarterback Ryan Edwards also saw some playing time, taking his first snap 51 yards to the house. While the ground attack was the star of the show, the Warriors maintained a strong air attack with almost 100 yards passing. Senior receiver Grant Thompson led the Dubs with 5 catches for 56 yards and junior receiver Cam Lanier scored the only receiving touchdown of the night on a 7-yard slant. On the defensive side of the ball, the Warriors wreaked havoc for all 48 minutes. Sophomore linebacker Quinn Herring and junior linebacker Cash Coates led the team in tackles. Senior defensive end Chase Linton was consistently in the backfield with multiple sacks and tackles for loss. Senior linebacker Dean Paulson had an interception and the only takeaway for the Warriors on the night. It was total domination on both sides of the ball for the Warriors. “We know we have some things to clean up, but overall we executed at a high level all night,” said Linton.
Now that the homecoming festivities have officially come to a close, North Atlanta sets its sights on continuing its region dominance. With a now 1-0 region record, the Warriors are one step closer to clinching a playoff berth, but no wins are guaranteed. Now they look ahead to a dogfight against South Forsyth, and hopefully a chance to improve to that all-important 2-0 region record.
