Seven games so far this season. An endless stream of practices – ranging from the hot sun of July up the cold evenings of October. Blood, sweat, and competitive tears all leading to this one crucial moment. On October 19, our North Atlanta High School Warriors will play what will go down as the most important game in program history. The Warriors, ranked #12 in the 6A region, will take on Marist, who are ranked #6 in the same region. With a game of such lofty playoff significance in the making, all Dub players are beyond stoked. With the title of region champs at stake, everyone is pumped up and ready to win. With an undefeated record, this game means everything to the program. The team blasted through its historical roadblock of never going beyond 4 and 0, and now with its current 7 and 0 record is having the most historic season in Dub football history. A survey of players reveals that these Warriors fully know the stakes of Thursday night’s action – and that they are ready to compete.
“This is very exciting and a lot of pressure but I know myself and the entire team is ready to play. We know what’s one line and we’re ready to win. I’m a little nervous that if we lose people will think we’re a hoax. But I know we can beat them, we just have to play as a team, and give our very best to Marist.” – Ian Reynolds, junior, quarterback
“I think that we’ve been preparing for this game for the whole year. We’ve had a few tests up to this point but nothing as challenging as this. I feel that to win this game we need to come out firing on all sides and execute all of our jobs to perfection. I’m more excited than I have been for any game thus far.” – Henry Debardeleben, junior, receiver
“Very excited obviously, very nervous because it’s the biggest game of the season. There’s a lot at stake for both teams. I think that everyone needs to be on their A-game. Dominate both sides of the ball. I think their defensive line is very solid with two exceptional defensive ends, but that’s not going to stop me from doing my job.” – Ben Diedrich, junior, offensive tackle
I’m very excited to play in this game. 365 days ago tomorrow we took a bad loss so I’m looking at this like a revenge game. We definitely have a chance to win. Whatever the outcome is, I’m excited to be out there with my team. I think the recipe to winning is simple, everyone needs to do their job and play as a team. There’s no “I” in team. Just leave your heart on the field with that warrior spirit. Warriors bleed black.” – Xaden Benson, senior, safety/receiver
“I’m very excited and super pleased to have the opportunity to compete for a region championship.I think that we’re prepared and ready for every trick they have up their sleeves. Whether it’s offense, defense, or special teams, we’re ready to fight back. My motto for game day is ‘Play hard, win easy.’” – Darius Malcolm Jr., senior, running back/ cornerback
“You live to play games like this. We train, we sacrifice, we bleed to play in games like this. I can’t wait. Let’s get it.” – Dallas Ford, senior, cornerback/receiver
“Let’s win. That’s the goal.” – James Aull, head coach
“I’m excited and nervous because this could be the breaking point of our season because it’s the region championship. If we win it’ll be great and go down in history. Our offense just has to play good, Ian does good, and our defense plays like they normally do, and we’ll be good.” – Lucas England, Sophomore, Kicker
“I’m not really nervous. Watching them beat us last year was heartbreaking, especially watching from the sidelines. I’m excited to start on defense and help lead my team to victory. I think that we’re definitely the better team. Better coached, more talent.. In order to win tonight we need to stay disciplined and make no clumsy mistakes.” – Chase Linton, junior, defensive end
“I feel great. I feel like our team has been practicing and working really hard. I’ve watched hours of Marist film and we saw the same thing from last year. I think we’re better prepared this year. We just have to make tackles, listen to our coaches, and come out on top.” – Dalyn Caldwell, senior, middle linebacker
“I think that we’re the better team. Marist is good, but their playing style is outdated. I dont think itll work on a highly skilled football team like us. I’m gonna put my headphones in, turn up my music, and lock in.” — Tobi Adewoyin, junior, safety/receiver