After four games it is apparent that the North Atlanta Football team is striving for a breakout season. So far this season the team’s wins have included routes against Wheeler, Therrill and Maynard Jackson and a Sept. 10 blowout homecoming game win against Dunwoody.  Along the way there has been stellar performances from perennially dominant defensive power linebacker Hunter Davis. The performance of the junior standout was best illustrated in the Wheeler game where he racked up 10 tackles, 3 of which were for a loss in the game. Against Therrell he had nine tackles. The defensive leader is expecting much of himself and his teammates in what he hopes to be a breakout 2021 campaign for the Dubs.  

Davis was the Defensive MVP last year and was also second team all region. He ended the season with a team leading 63 tackles, a significant accomplishment, especially for a sophomore. Davis’ goal this year is first team all region along with 100 tackles this season. “I’m definitely on pace to reach my goal, but I just have to keep performing,” he said.  

To get ready for this season, the team leader put in a lot of work in the offseason, doing everything from football camps to hitting the weight room. He strives for excellence and always focuses on what he needs to do to get better. Although undersized by linebacker standards — Davis stands at 5 feet nine inches and weighs in at 160 — Davis’ work ethic and grit allows him to compete against opponents much larger than he is. He also has an interesting tackling method that sure pays off. “I do my job to the fullest extent and really just dive for feet. They call me the shoe string bandit,” said Davis. 

The “shoe string bandit” has been on the field since he was a young tyke and with that time he has grown in IQ and skill. Davis has now been in North Atlantas’ system for three years, holding an experienced knowledge of the field. In holding the linebacker position he takes charge of the entire defense which is his favorite part of playing football. “My favorite part is definitely calling the plays and being in charge of the defense,” he said.  

Before games, Davis locks in early, listens to music and prays. He has faith in himself and his teammates because they all have worked so hard for the season. Some of his favorite parts of the season are the bus rides with the team and creating the bonds that come with the team. “I love the bond you get to make with the people on the team,” he said. “You can truly say it’s a brotherhood.”

Davis has high hopes for his team this season. After an impressive start he thinks the Dubs can put together an impressive regular season campaign and potentially end the season with eight wins. Such a mark would be the winningest season in North Atlanta football history, topping the Dubs 2009-2010 season when they went 7-3. When asked what he expects from the team this season he quietly simply said “playoffs.”

It’s good to hear that the North Atlanta football team has a defensive squad that’s anchored by the hard-hitting Davis. After four strong showings, he and his teammates are ready to give Dubs fans the most electric football season ever.