The school was pumped up after a first-ever Warrior Walk at the end of the school day on Friday. The student section in Grady Stadium was packed – even thronged – with the largest-ever student congregation to attend a football game. To add to the festival flavor all the students were adorned in red, white and blue. The table was set for a close match between Atlanta Public Schools rivals North Atlanta and Grady high schools.

Despite the hype, the game did not live up to its billing and the Warriors absorbed a punishing 53-0 loss. By halftime, the Warriors already felt decimated and the student section began to head for the exits.

The Warriors look to turn things around in their next game against KIPP Atlanta Collegiate High School, another APS foe. The game – against a team the Warriors beat last year – will be at 7:30 p.m. on September 1 at Grady Stadium.