The Warriors are coming into the 2018 football season with high hopes after a season-opening 20-7 win against their hated rival Grady. The Warriors fired all cylinders with this victory, and hope to carry their success through the new season. With a new coach, new uniforms and a new culture, the Warriors hope to make this 2018 season one for the history books. Look for these 5 players to lead the charge this year.

Wiley Hartley, Junior, Quarterback:

Success in football always  starts with the quarterback position and the Warriors have a one in spades. Before being bitten by the injury bug last season, Hartley led the Warriors to a 3-0 start, including a shocking upset over 29-point favorite Grady to open up the season. A poised pocket passer, the Dub signal-caller led the offensive charge for the Warriors to the tune of 15.8 yards per pass. He opened up this year with a dynamic performance against Grady, tossing 2 touchdowns. Let’s hope to see more exciting play from the signal-caller in 2018.

Justin Sanders, Senior, Defensive Back/ Wide Receiver:

An electric DB, Sanders hopes to expand on a solid junior season this senior year. Last year Sanders put up 41 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, both nice totals for a defensive back. His speed makes him a threat on offense as well. Last year, Sanders ripped off a 31 yard run in his only rushing attempt last year, while adding on three receptions as well. This versatility was on display against Grady when Sanders took a 58-yard bomb from Hartley to the house. Expect another great year from Sanders in his senior campaign.

Davis Bell, Junior, Linebacker:

Another contributor on the D, Bell anchors the Warriors’ defense. Last year he racked up 60 total tackles as just a sophomore along with 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. Bell is known for his ability to help stop the run and plug up the gaps, not letting anyone get past him. Bell is an integral part of North Atlanta’s defense, and still has plenty of room to grow in his junior  season.

Wesley Horton, Junior, Defensive Lineman:

One of North Atlanta’s biggest threats in the trenches, Horton is a hulking 6 foot 3 inches and 250 pounds. Horton made an immediate impact as a sophomore last year with 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in just eight games in the 2017 campaign. Many are excited to see what kind of havoc Horton can wreak with a full offseason of training and what is hoped to be a full season in 2018.

Tk Mack, Junior, Running Back:

A transfer from Central Gwinnett, Mack hopes to be a workhorse running back for the Warriors this season. Mack is a north-and-south runner who wastes no time exploding out of the backfield. He showed what he can do for the Warriors in their victory against Grady, with several impressive runs for first downs that were punctuated when he punched in six points at the goal line. Look out for Mack to be a major contributor on offense in 2018.

A new year, and new look, a whole new attitude. For energy and momentum, things are looking up for the New North football Warriors.