Addie Hill

Coming back for a new football season, the North Cobb Warriors spent their preseason training and preparing for their 2023 debut. From weightlifting to camps, the team trained physically and mentally to return as a strong team. Their commitment and dedication during the off-season fostered excitement and courage throughout the team, which will show this Friday at the Emory Sewell Stadium against Westlake High School.

After finishing fifth in the seven-A Georgia division during the 2022 season, the NC football team raises excitement for fans as they await the team’s return. NC’s student body never fails to bring its best energy to the themed games at the Emory Sewell Stadium. However, when the focus moves from football to another school-wide entity, the team’s off-season work becomes unseen by the NC students. To bring fans the same enthusiasm when August returns, the team spends countless hours of preseason practicing to maintain skill and team chemistry. 

“The team has prepared each week in the film room installing our offense, defense and special teams. Also, they have been here all summer working in the weight room and attended 7 on 7 camps. Our team has had great attendance all summer and the results were great,” head football coach Shane Queen said.

Lifting weights and running plays on the field remain a significant part of the team’s summer schedule. A variety of workouts help preserve technique, even through the off-season. Additionally, the team can work through goals for the upcoming season and review limitations from the previous year that they can improve on. The team may experience difficulty starting a new season, primarily due to the graduation of senior leadership, but off-season training provides an outlet for the team to familiarize themselves with each others’ playing styles.

“The chemistry is our hardest thing. Having new players and not knowing everyone’s capabilities is hard at first, but as time goes on we’ll be good. I feel very confident [in the upcoming season] and off-season training has allowed me to become more confident in my game and the things I can do,” senior varsity running back David Eziomume (2) said.

Besides summer training, the scrimmage game — the practice match that kicks off the football season — allows the team to immerse themselves back into the sport. An atmosphere similar to that of an official game prepares the players for what the season may look like. It also helps the players reacclimate to playing other high school teams.

“The scrimmage is a good measuring stick for our team to see what things we need to tweak, improve on and get better at. I’m excited about the scrimmage because it’s like a preview of the season,” senior varsity cornerback Phillip Gladney (5) said.

The scrimmage against Collins Hill High School greatly helped the NC team. During the game, the NC Warriors made a comeback after the Collins Hill Eagles initially led the game. The team brought an energetic spirit and encouraged each other throughout the entire game.

NC students and families will see the team’s dedication to preseason training payoff this Friday, August 18, at the first official game of 2023. Set to take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Emory Sewell Stadium, this match will bring an exciting start to a highly anticipated season. Though seniors such as Eziomume and Gladney will play their last season for the NC Warriors, that does not hinder the optimism the team carries with them into the year. 

Coaches and players alike look forward to seeing what upcoming Friday nights bring for the team, and NC supporters await the feelings of once again cheering from the stands. Go, Warriors!