Brookhaven High Schools Gear Up For Promising Football Season

It’s that time of the year again, and while most relieved pro football fans are wiping their brows post lockout, our local boys are padding up business as usual---no sweat. Here is a preseason look at three Brookhaven area high school teams:

First up, the Chamblee Bulldogs.

Now in their second season under the tutelage of coach James Soza, the Bulldogs are looking to improve upon a disappointing 2-8 record from last year, bringing four offensive starters and three from the defensive lineup to the field this fall.

The team’s last trip to the playoffs was back in 2009, and with the help of a strong defensive line, Chamblee could very well make a solid comeback. Regular season play starts Saturday night at Grady Stadium versus Carver.

Aug. 27: at Carver, Atl. (Grady)
Sept. 3: at Douglass, Atl. (Grady)
Sept. 9: vs. Marist (North DeKalb)
Sept. 17: vs. Tucker (North DeKalb)
Sept. 23: at Southwest DeKalb (Hallford)
Oct. 6: at Redan (Panthersville)
Oct. 14: at Lakeside (Adams), 8 p.m.
Oct. 21: vs. Miller Grove (North DeKalb), 5:15 p.m.
Oct. 28: vs. Dunwoody (North DeKalb)
Nov. 3: at Mays (Lakewood), 8 p.m.

The storied tale of the state’s most diverse and (arguably one of the most inexperienced) teams started a few years ago, and if the Cross Key Indians have their way, it is hardly over. Coach David Radford is back this fall with almost the whole of his previously undeterred roster, hitting the field two juniors and seven seniors deep.

By deciding to play an independent schedule void of Region match-ups, Coach Radford certainly has a good thing going in building the confidence and skill of his fresh and determined team. Just last season, the Indians claimed two wins against schools outside 6-AA and with an extra year of practice behind them, coupled with their bold and characteristic perseverance, there is no reason the Indians can’t up last season’s 2-7-1 record.

Cross Keys Indians' Schedule

8/26 – TBA vs. Mount Pisgah Christian

9/2 – 7:30 p.m. @ Strong Rock Christian

9/9 – TBA vs. Druid Hills

9/16 – 4:30 p.m. @ North Cobb Christian

9/23 – TBA vs. River Ridge

9/23 – 7:30 p.m. vs. New Manchester

10/7 – TBA vs. Saint Francis

10/14 -TBA vs. George Walton Academy

10/22 – TBA @ Clarkston

10/28 – TBA @ Hebron Christian Academy11/04 – 7:30 p.m. @ New Manchester

Last, but certainly not least in the Brookhaven football round-up is the , led by Coach Alan Chadwick, now in his 27th season with the War Eagles.

Marist went 9-3 last season, finishing up the postseason with a second-round trip to the Region playoffs. With fifteen regional titles in their trophy case, there is no doubt that the team will return to playoffs this year and possibly even challenge for state.

This year’s line-up is stable and mature, with upperclassmen dominating both the sides of the ball. There are six returning defensive players, and five from last year’s offense, including kicker Austin Hardin, senior.

Marist War Eagles' Schedule

Aug. 26: vs. Douglass
Sept. 2: at Tucker (Adams)
Sept. 9: at Chamblee (North DeKalb)
Sept. 16: vs. Southwest DeKalb, 8 p.m.
Sept. 24: at Carver (Grady)
Oct. 7: vs. Lakeside
Oct. 14: vs. Dunwoody
Oct. 21: at Lithonia (Avondale)
Oct. 28: vs. Mays
Nov. 4: at Redan (Avondale)