Many casual sports followers view fantasy football as just that, “fantasy.” Yet for some students at North Atlanta, it’s a world with countless possibilities and strategic thinking. It is a brief escape from managing schoolwork, to managing NFL players. Students spend four days of the week slugging through boring evenings filled with nothing but the anticipation for the upcoming slate of football games. Constructing trades, reviewing past weeks stats, and making lineup adjustments are just a few of the things accompanying these Dubs as they try to win their leagues.

Donovan Toles is a junior who is well-versed in the fantasy football circuit. What originally started as a casual event and something he didn’t pay much attention to, ultimately transformed into an annual obsession. Donovan’s record over the past years has been nothing short of impressive, yet he’s still chasing that cherished fantasy championship he so dearly wants. Toles views himself as a “wall-street type” player, commonly waging players whenever the opportunity presents itself. Fleecing inferior leaguemates in the middle of class, or planting the seed of a trade whilst passing in the hallways. While most people tend to own a maximum of two teams, Donovan is participating with five teams this year. His stance on the matter remains, “You can never have too many players to cheer for,” Donovan said.

There are many different ways to attack your league. Another junior, Max Jenkins, is a waiver wire whisperer, studying each week’s results for breakout performances by unsung players. Late nights of prime-time games frequently make for very early mornings for Jenkins. He typically stays away from the norm of drafting, preferring to pick “his guys” instead of the best ones available. This strategy aided him in drafting Jayden Daniels, the quarterback of his beloved Commanders. Often found bragging to fellow Falcons fans, Jenkins shows nothing short of support for his team. “It’s our year. The boys are going all the way,” he said.

For some Dubs, the chase isn’t always about stacking wins. Roby Egan, a Warrior on the wrestling mat, is starting the year 0-2. Although a rough start, Egan remains optimistic, stating it’s a long season. His fun, however, comes at the draft, eating pizza, talking trash and hanging out with his friends. Unbothered by his record, Egan said the looming consequence of losing the league resides in the back of his mind. If facing embarrassment isn’t bad enough, he could bear the punishment of hosting a speedo car wash. “I fear I’ll make the car more dirty,” he said.

At North Atlanta, fantasy football is more than just a game–it’s pride, scheming, and a way to connect with others. The wins and losses are surface level compared to the memories built along the way.