High School Football Preview

Score Atlanta, founded in 2004 as a weekly sports paper, now produces television and digital broadcasts along with a multitude of promotional print projects for partners such as the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, the Georgia High School Association, National Guard, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Score has the most-used app for state high school scores and operates events such as the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic, the Great Atlanta Bash, the Drive for the GHSA State Title, and the Georgia Elite Classic. Score also started the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame, which will have its second induction ceremony on Oct. 21. In partnership with Rough Draft and Reporter Newspapers, these team previews were authored by Seth Ellerbee, Najeh Wilkins, and Craig Sager II.

Chamblee High School Dunwoody High School

Head Coach: Bob Swank

Head Coach Record: 35-56

2022 Record: 8-3

2022 Region Record: 4-1

2023 Region: 4-AAAAA

Stadium Name: North

Head Coach Bob Swank led Chamblee to their best postseason finish since 2007 when they reached the semifinals last year. With back-to-back eight-win seasons, Swank has instilled a winning culture within the program. In 2021, Chamblee was 9-1 and had their first nine-win season in over a decade. The Bulldogs are coming off an 8-3 season and now have three consecutive winning seasons under their belts. Chamblee had a high-powered offense last season averaging 38.4 points per game and eclipsing 50+ points in three games. Their most impressive win was a 62-13 victory against McIntosh in the first round of the playoffs. Chamblee will return with senior wide receiver Tristan Sizemore who was a force on offense and led the Bulldogs with 635 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Sizemore also had nine sacks leading the team. His exceptional skill set and versatility make him a valuable asset to the Bulldogs’ roster. With Sizemore’s return, the team can rely on his leadership, experience, and playmaking abilities to propel them to new heights in the upcoming season. Chamblee will replace senior quarterback Fabian Walker who threw for 2,108 passing yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The rushing attack will remain intact as running back Larry Harris returns to the offense. Harris led Chamblee in rushing yards and touchdowns last season. On the defensive side of the game, Jeffery Thornton will return. He was second on the team with 75 tackles. Chamblee will look to build upon last season’s success and make a deeper run in the postseason.

Cross Keys High School

Head Coach: Eric Quarles

Head Coach Record: 0-0-0

9/21 vs. Harvester Christian Academy 10/20 @ Seckinger

After another tough season, Cross Keys will have a new signal caller and coach in 2023. For Cross Keys, a program that has endured a two-year winless streak, the upcoming season marks a turning point. With their third head coach in as many years, Eric Quarles, at the helm, Cross Keys is poised to rewrite their narrative and change the culture that has plagued them for far too long. While the team has struggled throughout its history, there are glimmers of hope, particularly in their talented secondary. Returning will be rising junior SS Brandon Castro who led the Indians with 61 total tackles and four interceptions last season. Rising sophomore Marquis Earl had 56 tackles and three interceptions last season as a freshman. Their outstanding performance is a testament to their skill and growth potential within the team. With the right guidance and support, these players could become integral to Cross Keys’ future success. On offense, rising senior Luis Hernandez led the Indians in rushing yards last year. Hernandez rushed for 389 yards and a touchdown. Although Cross Keys may have never reached the playoffs in their team’s history, this should not overshadow the potential that lies within the program. The appointment of Eric Quarles signifies a renewed focus on creating a winning culture. With a dedicated coaching staff and talented players in the secondary, Cross Keys is well-positioned to break free from the shackles of their past and make a push towards the postseason.

Head Coach: Michael Nash

Head Coach Record: 22-56

2022 Record: 5-5

2022 Region Record: 1-4

2023 Region: 4-AAAAAA Stadium Name: North

Dunwoody had their first .500 or better season since 2011 and the first under Mike Nash as head coach. It was also the highest-scoring team under Nash’s Dunwoody tenure. The Wildcats scored 255 points last season and averaged 25.50 points per game the highest since 2011. Dunwoody also went on an impressive three-game winning streak where they shut out all three opponents and scored 30+ points in each game. Dunwoody will replace the bulk of their rushing production in Jordan Wade and Porter Ledoyen who graduated in May. QB Ledoyen made first-team allregion offense last season. Both players made up 85% of the rushing attack last season and combined for 18 rushing touchdowns. The Wildcats will be a very young team offensively after graduating the majority of their upperclassmen including their playmakers at wide receiver. A bright spot will be the return of Porter Allison who will be a focal point of the offense. Last season, Allison was third on the team in receiving yards. Defensively, Dunwoody will be very experienced as they return their entire linebacking core and the majority of their secondary and defensive line. One of the standouts returning is Luke Cole. Cole led the Wildcats in tackles and sacks last season. Cole accumulated 103 tackles, eight sacks, and 15 tackles for loss. He was named first-team all-region defense last season proving how vital he is to the team. The Wildcats are seeking their first playoff appearance since 2009 when they made the second round.

Greater Atlanta Christian School

Head Coach: Tim Hardy

Head Coach Record: 123-47

2022 Record: 5-6

2022 Region Record: 3-3

2023 Region: 6-AAAAA

Stadium Name: Spartan Stadium

After moving up to 5A last season, Greater Atlanta Christian made the postseason in an impressive region that included Kell, Cambridge, and Centennial. Under head coach Tim Hardy, the Spartans have made the playoffs every season since he took over in 2012. Their remarkable consistency is reflected in their sustained success and the team’s commitment to excellence and ability to perform under pressure. Hardy has five semifinal finishes in his GAC career. GAC returns nine of their all-region players from last season including quarterback Jack Stanton who was second-team all-region. Stanton threw for 20 touchdowns to only four interceptions while completing 60% of his passes. GAC will also return their two leading receivers Xavier Daisy and Braylen Burgess who made up 50% of the offensive production. Both players had five or more touchdowns and made all-region teams last season. On the defensive side of the ball, rising senior Harrison Voelzke will return. He led the team in tackles last season and three interceptions. One standout player to watch out for in the upcoming season is GAC’s impressive sophomore linebacker. Reid Voyles was tied for the team lead in tackles and sacks last season and was selected for the all-region team as a freshman. Another player to watch for will be rising junior Gabe Williams. He will be another critical piece on offense for the Spartans and is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. The Spartans are looking to win their first region title since 2020 when they finished 12-1 and made the semifinals.