The work all started in January, fresh off of Christmas break the boys had to come ready to work for the long off-season ahead. Countless early mornings in the weight room all the way to spring practice in the hot sun, that’s what it takes to have a record-breaking season.
The 2024 football season brought North Atlanta high school memories that students, staff, and players of course, will remember for the rest of their lives. Not only did the Dubs prove to the Forsyth County schools that “city ball” can hold its own, the Warriors backed it up by going undefeated in region play at 7-0, the first region championship in school history. However, the work was done January through July, where the Warriors battled in the weight room and pushed themselves through summer practices. ”It was a struggle to have everyone there in the mornings consistently,” Senior Quarterback Ian Reynolds said. “But when everyone got in the boat together, it was clear this team was going to be different.”
The season kicked off August, 4th in the annual fall scrimmage. The boys had a solid performance against Westminster defeating them 34 – 14. Two weeks later they faced off against the Kell Longhorns in the season opener where they suffered a 29 – 15 loss. Despite this tough loss, the boys played like their hair was on fire for the rest of the year. They went on to win 9 straight games, outscoring their opponents 300-135. They left it all out on the field in each and every game which resulted in them breaking history, winning the team’s first region championship with a Josh McCullough circus catch that won the game against West Forsyth, and locking down the number 1 position in region 6-AAAAAA. “ I was extremely proud of how our guys played this year,” Head coach James Aull said. “We never gave up, and the results reflected it.”
With the regular season wrapped up the Warriors were given the #1 seed after finishing 9 – 1 and in first place in their region. Unfortunately, the Warriors were matched up with a very tough Peachtree Ridge team in the first round of the playoffs. Even with the game being a home game at Eddie E. Henderson stadium the boys couldn’t get the job done and fell to the Lions 43-27, officially ending a historical season for the men in black and silver. “It was a heck of a run,” Senior Right Tackle Reis Holzworth said. “ I love my teammates and am proud of how we battled all year.”
A run it was, the Warriors have nothing to be ashamed of after a miracle year we just witnessed. Each and every player contributed to this record-breaking season whether through the cold mornings, long practices after school, or cheering on the Seniors they will forever admire. On to the next, greatness shall continue.
