Editorial
Cathy Cobbs
Managing Editor, Reporter Newspapers
Collin Kelley
Executive Editor
Beth McKibben
Editor-in-Chief
Sr. Editor Food & Dining
Sammie Purcell
Associate Editor
Staff Writers
Katie Burkholder, Bob Pepalis, Logan C. Ritchie, Sarra Sedghi
Contributor
Ty Tagami
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EDITOR'S
NOTE
CATHY COBBS
Back in the day, and I mean, waaaaay back in the day, I did some work on Athlon Sport’s SEC preseason football magazine (a glossy, expensively produced coffee table book). It was quite the cheery publication, full of optimism, with all kinds of predictions for a team’s continued success or resurgence from previous lessthan-successful seasons.
I asked the Athlon rep whether he felt like the content was a little too “rahrah.” The commentary made dazzling predictions for teams whose dismal season saw them perpetually entrenched in the basement of their divisions, had no playoff aspirations, or shining stars on their roster. What he said made a ton of sense in retrospect.
“The pre-season is the happiest time for every football fan,” he said. “Everyone is perfect. Every team is equal. Everyone is excited about the possibilities, and this
is what we are essentially selling to our readers – hope.”
I’ve never been a big football fan. I went to Division III “powerhouse” University of Dayton, where everyone came to the games because the marching band was really good. Then I transferred to the University of Tennessee with a football program that was light years away from the Flyer experience. The state, the town, and the students lived and breathed Volunteer football every day and in every way. Leaving after the halftime show akin to my Dayton days really didn’t cut it with my friends.
But I am a Braves fan. I remember feeling that preseason excitement, with the thought of the Braves returning ace pitcher Spencer Strider and former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. to join a solid veteran squad with Chris Sale, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley. And how’s that been working out?
I’m starting to get with the “Athlon” way, and I see a lot of similarities in this month’s high school football preseason preview issue. Inside, you will find some beautiful pictures, a comprehensive
analysis about each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and encouraging words about the school’s football future.
Although football is the focus of this month’s issue, we also have news about dining, government, city, and entertainment news for your non-sports reading pleasure. Thanks for reading our publication and supporting Rough Draft and Reporter Newspapers.
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By Cathy Cobbs
MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood has resigned from his post because of “immigration and personal matters.”
Near the end of the transportation authority’s July 17 meeting, chief legal counsel Jonathan Hunt introduced a resolution for a separation of service for Greenwood, a Canadian, saying that the CEO had “served the authority with distinction and moved the authority forward.”
Hunt listed several achievements under Greenwood’s three-year tenure, including MARTA being named the American Public Transit Associations Agency of the Year, achieving a AAA bond rating, and operating in “challenging fiscal and inflationary times.”
“Whereas Collie Greenwood, due to immigration and personal matters, has elected to leave his employment and elected early retirement as the authority’s general manager and CEO,” said Hunt reading the resolution.
A statement from MARTA released after the meeting said that Greenwood is a Canadian citizen “and was recently
notified that his Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is forthcoming after the expiration of his Employment Authorization Document (EAD or work permit) this summer.”
“Upon expiration of his work permit on June 18, 2025, and out of an abundance of caution, Mr. Greenwood ceased working, personally notified all MARTA board members and executive leadership individually and signed a delegation of authority to Ms. Allen,” the statement said. “Mr. Greenwood’s Canadian visa is valid, and he remains in this country legally awaiting imminent delivery of his Green Card.”
MARTA called the immigration process as extensive and has “had an impact on Mr. Greenwood’s personal and professional progress. These challenges have been resolved with Mr. Greenwood’s decision, and the MARTA family supports him.”
Greenwood issued a statement on his decision to retire as CEO.
“My wife and I have decided this is a good opportunity to take an early retirement and spend more time with our family and friends,” Greenwood said. “I do want to thank the board, the executive
leadership team, and everyone at MARTA for their support and their continued work to improve and grow transit service in this region.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens issued a statement wishing Greenwood success in his future endeavors.
“As we look ahead, my administration remains committed to building a worldclass transit system for Atlanta and the entire region,” Dickens said. “A safe, reliable and connected MARTA is essential to our goals for equity, economic mobility and sustainability, and to my vision of a city built for the future with opportunity for all.”
Hunt said the board of directors will pay the balance of Greenwood’s contract term and severance set forth in his employment agreement. The board passed a resolution appointing MARTA Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen as acting general manager and CEO until an interim manager is selected.
According to the MARTA website, Allen began her 25-year career at MARTA as an engineering intern, including stints in engineering, construction management, project management and strategic planning roles.
“While an engineer at heart, she has always brought a customer-focused lens to the projects under her direction,” the website said.
The board also approved a resolution to form a search committee for Greenwood’s successor.
Board chair Jennifer Ide said Greenwood was not able to be present at the meeting “because of his immigration status.”
Score Atlanta, founded in 2004 as a weekly sports paper, is now one of the state's largest producers of television and digital broadcasts of Georgia high school sports and has a multitude of promotional print projects for partners such as the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, the Georgia High School Association, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Score Atlanta has the most-used app for Georgia high school sports scores and operates events such as the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic, the Great Atlanta Bash, the Drive for the GHSA State Title, the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Elite Classic. Score Atlanta also introduced its very own High School Football & Flag Awards, with an annual award ceremony that last year crowned the first-ever Mr. and Miss Georgia for football and flag football, respectively. Additionally, Score Atlanta produces the daily show "Georgia High School Sports Daily" which airs weekdays from noon - 1 p.m. on the Peachtree Sports Network, and covers anything and everything Georgia high school sports. In partnership with Rough Draft and Reporter Newspapers, these team previews were authored by Seth Ellerbee, Craig Sager II, Najeh Wilkins, Hayden Gilbert, and Max Wolborsky. Previews without a stadium listing mean venues were still being decided as we went to press. Please check with your school to determine the location of each game.
Head Coach: Bob Swank
Coach Record: 41-71
2024 Record: 2-8
2024 Region: 4-5A
2024 Region Record: 2-5
2025 Region: 4-5A
Stadium Name: North DeKalb Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 Pace Academy (ND)
8/22 @ Tucker
8/28 @ Southwest DeKalb (Hallford Stadium)
9/12 Decatur (ND)
9/19 @ Woodward Academy
9/26 Shiloh
10/03 @ Lakeside-DeKalb (Adams Stadium)
10/10 @ Tri-Cities
10/24 Dunwoody
10/31 Arabia Mountain
After a 2-8 finish last season, Chamblee enters the 2025 season ready to right the ship and get back to its winning ways. Head coach Bob Swank previously coached Pope and Duluth before taking over Chamblee’s head coaching job in 2021. The 2-8 record last season was a low point in his career at Chamblee, but with experience returning and some holes to fill, the Bulldogs could put a few more victories in the win column. In 2021, the Bulldogs finished 9-1 but missed the playoffs. In 2022, Swank led the Bulldogs to an 8-3 finish and an appearance in the second round of the playoffs. The Bulldogs have been playing football since 1950 and in that time, have won just two region titles – in 1965 under head coach Gene Goff and 1982 in French Johnson’s last year at the helm, when the team finished 11-2 and advanced to the quarterfinals. In 2007, Chamblee made it to the semifinals of the Class 3A playoffs in Jim Showfety’s lone season as head coach of the Bulldogs. Before Swank’s arrival in 2021, the Bulldogs last earned a playoff berth in 2009 under head coach Michael Collins. Chamblee will open the season against Pace Academy on August 15 and will look to avenge last year’s 10-9 loss to the Knights. Despite having just two victories last season, one of those was in the final game of the year against Arabia Mountain when the Bulldogs won 28-21, giving momentum heading into the upcoming campaign.
Head Coach: Eric Quarles
Coach Record: 0-18
2024 Record: 0-8
2024 Region: 5-4A
2024 Region Record: 0-0
2025 Region: 5-4A
Stadium name: Adams Stadium, Avondale Stadium, Halford Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 @ George Walton Academy
8/22 @ Riverside Prep
8/29 Rock Springs Academy (Adams Stadium)
9/05 Baker County (Adams Stadium)
9/12 @ Dominion Christian Academy
9/19 @ Flint River Christian Academy
10/03 @ Creekside Christian Academy
10/10 @ Southeast Whitfield
10/16 Stone Mountain (Adams Stadium)
10/24 Skipstone Academy (Adams Stadium)
Cross Keys has nothing to lose as it enters head coach Eric Quarles’ third year at the helm. Quarles – who coached the team to an 0-10 record in 2023 and an 0-8 record last season – will be looking to deliver the team’s first victory since the 2020 season under head coach John Bowen when the Indians finished 1-2, marking the only program victory since 2016. Cross Keys has been playing football since 1958 and have never won more than eight games in a season, hitting the eight-win mark under head coach Bill Harris in 1994 and finishing 8-2. During that season, the Indians outscored opponents 225-108, the highest point total in program history ahead of the 6-4 record it carved out under head coach Kenny Reese in 1989 when the Indians outscored opponents 207-96. The program record of 116-492 in the 67 seasons could be improved upon this season. Cross Keys is determined, however, to achieve its first winning record since that 1994 season, and pull away with more than one victory for the first time since 2010 under David Radford – finishing 2-7. Last season, Cross Keys saw two narrow losses – on September 13 in a 20-13 loss to Mount Bethel Christian and in the final game of the regular season against Skipstone Academy when the Indians fell 34-33. Cross Keys will open the season in hostile territory with road games at George Walton Academy on August 15 and Riverside Prep on August 22 before coming home to host Rock Springs Academy on August 29.
Head Coach: Frederick Greene
Coach Record: 19-27-1
2024 Record: 4-6
2024 Region: 5-4A
2024 Region Record: 3-5
2025 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name: Adams Memorial
2025 Schedule:
8/15 @ Miller Grove (Cobb Stadium)
8/21 Midtown (Adams Stadium)
9/05 @ North Springs (Johns Creek HS)
9/11 St. Pius X (Adams Stadium)
9/19 Marist (Adams Stadium)
9/26 Lithonia (Adams Stadium)
10/03 @ Tucker (Adams Stadium)
10/16 Northview (North DeKalb Stadium)
10/23 @ Clarkston (Cobb Stadium)
10/31 @ Southwest DeKalb (Godfrey Stadium)
Druid Hills has not been known for playoff success, however entering the upcoming season – in head coach Frederick Greene’s fifth year at the helm – the Red Devils could build upon last year’s 4-6 finish and turn their eyes toward a playoff berth. If Druid Hills does advance to the playoffs, it would be only for the second time in program history. The first came 69 years ago, when it made it all the way to the Class 2A state championship game in 1956 under head coach Elmer Morrow before losing to Valdosta 27-0, along with a region playoff game in 1985 under head coach Jerry Smart. After taking over in 2021, Greene suffered through a winless 0-10 season in his first year but bounced back with a 4-6 finish in 2022. In 2023, Greene led the Red Devils to an 8-1-1 finish, the most wins for Decatur in a season since 1985 (8) and 1973 (9). Rising junior quarterback Malachi Pace led the Red Devils last season and was 64-of-120 passing for 532 yards and three touchdowns. Druid will need to weather the loss of its leading rusher – Zachary Manning – who ran for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns, and its leading receiver Brelon Cade – who had 37 receptions and four touchdowns. The Red Devils return rising senior Jackson Hampton, who had 13 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns.
Presented by
Head Coach: Matthew Schmitz
Coach Record: 0-0
2024 Record: 4-7
2024 Region: 4-5A
2024 Region Record: 3-4
2025 Region: 4-5A
Stadium Name: North DeKalb Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/16 St. Pius X (MercedesBenz Stadium (Corky Kell))
8/22 Pope
9/05 @ Lumpkin County
9/12 @ Tri-Cities
9/19 Lakeside-DeKalb
9/26 @ Decatur
10/03 @ Arabia Mountain (Godfrey Stadium)
10/10 Woodward Academy
10/24 @ Chamblee
10/31 Shiloh
In his first season as a head coach in Georgia after the departure of Michael Nash, who led the program since 2015. During Nash’s tenure, the Wildcats advanced to the playoffs twice, in each of the last two seasons, and lost out in the first round in both appearances. Those marked the first playoff berths for Dunwoody since a second-round exit in 2009 in Michael Youngblood’s only season at the helm. The program has been in existence since 1972 and has won one state championship, the Class 4A title in 1993 under head coach David Kelly, marking the only undefeated season in school history. Last year, Dunwoody opened the regular season with a promising 24-7 victory against South Paulding but lost the next five games to fall to 1-5. The Wildcats lost to Langston Hughes 58-35 in the final game of Nash’s tenure. Rebuilding the success of graduated quarterback Matt Perch will not be easy. Perch was 244-of-384 passing for 2,890 yards and scored 31 touchdowns last season. Rising junior Jack Quartararo could be leaned upon at the quarterback spot. The team also lost its top five receivers including Porter Allison (12 touchdown receptions) and Danny Boden (10 touchdown receptions). Koi Young, a rising senior, had just one touchdown reception last year and could be looked upon to step up. On the ground, Dunwoody will replace Caden Celestine, who led the team with three touchdown runs last year.
Head Coach: Mark Stafford
Coach Record: 47-90
2024 Record: 5-5
2024 Region: GIAA 8-Man Region 1
2024 Region Record: 5-3
2025 Region: GIAA 8-Man Region 1 Stadium Name: N/A
2025
The Holy Spirit Prep Cougars play in the GIAA and compete in the GIAA 8-Man Region 1 with Westminster Schools of Augusta, Harvester Christian Academy, Westminster Christian Academy, Covenant Academy, St. Mary’s Academy, Monsignor Donovan Catholic and John Hancock Academy. In 2023, the team went undefeated in their region and locked up a top-three seed in the playoffs. The Cougars defeated John Hancock Academy 37-12 in the first round of the playoffs and made it to the semifinals before losing to Windsor Academy. The Cougars had their most wins in 2023 since 2011-2012, when they won a state championship against Christian Heritage. Head coach Mark Stafford has seen improvements within the program since he has been at the helm and is ready to build off last year’s 5-5 overall finish. This past season’s 5-5 record remains a significant leap from the winless record coach Stafford inherited during his first season with Holy Spirit Prep. In addition, 2024 introduced an expansion to the playoffs bracket as the GIAA voted to add two more teams, forming a 10-team playoff from the previous eight-team playoff. Last year’s Cougars overcame a tough 1-4 start by winning four-straight and four of its last five games. Holy Spirit Prep will have a big test right out of the gates with Pinecrest Academy slated for Aug. 15. Last season, Pinecrest Academy served the Cougars a 28-0 loss in their opener—marking the first time the team had been shut out since 2022 against Windsor Academy.
Head Coach: Tim Hardy
Coach Record: 135-56
2024 Record: 4-7
2024 Region: 6-3A
2024 Region Record: 4-3
2025 Region: 6-3A
Stadium Name: Spartan Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 @ Newnan
8/22 Decatur
9/05 Westminster
9/12 Lumpkin County
9/19 @ Johnson-Gainesville
9/26 @ Dawson County
10/10 North Hall
10/17 @ White County
10/24 @ Pickens
10/31 Chestatee
Greater Atlanta Christian returns several big-name prospects and is welcoming in Todd Wofford to serve as offensive coordinator this season. “We have some new faces and guys that haven’t played a ton that are ready,” said head coach Tim Hardy. Wofford had been at Meadowcreek, Collins Hill and Central Gwinnett and in the last 15 years. “I don’t know if anyone has scored more points than coach Wofford has and so there’s a little shift in what we are doing offensively,” Hardy said. In total, the Spartans will have five returning starters on offense and six on defense. “One of our multi-year starters that is returning is inside linebacker Reid Voyles,” said Hardy. “He is going to be a four-year starter for us this season and he is really good in the box playing mike linebacker. Just a tough kid that is physical and he is a strong kid and leader on our team.” There is still an active quarterback battle heading into the season. “We are still working and figuring out what we are going to do at the quarterback position this season,” said Hardy. “Denzell Watkins, who also plays cornerback, has played quarterback and we are figuring out how to best use him. He is a defensive back that is committed to Army. We also have two sophomores with Michael Miller and Cash Andrews who are both great players. So we are still determining that, but I feel really good about our room and we are still exploring our options there.”
Head Coach: Nick Perrotta
Coach Record: 5-6
2024 Record: 5-6
2024 Region: 5-2A
2024 Region Record: 3-3
2025 Region: 5-2A
Stadium Name: Riverwood Stadium/Baker Field
2025 Schedule:
8/14 North Springs (Riverwood HS)
8/22 @ Blessed Trinity
8/29 @ Morrow
9/04 Allatoona (Riverwood HS)
9/19 Therrell (Riverwood HS)
9/26 @ Lovett
10/03 Hapeville (D)
10/09 @ Carver-Atlanta (Lakewood Stadium)
10/24 @ Washington (Lakewood Stadium)
10/30 KIPP Atlanta Collegiate (Riverwood HS)
Holy Innocents’ went 5-5 in the regular season last year after replacing 19 starters, and is going to be much more experienced as head coach Nick Perrotta enters his second year as head coach and sixth season at the school. The other significant difference this season will be another year of experience in a modernized offensive system. “I think when you transition from under center triple option to shotgun spread or prostyle offense, there are going to be growing pains,” Perrotta said. “Our offensive line was learning how to measure block for the first time and climb to that second level and not scoop and veer and those sorts of things.” Robert Matthews is a new offensive coordinator going into this season. He coached at Blessed Trinity the past two years and prior to that, had a long run as a college coach at Oklahoma State, Southern Mississippi, and was an offensive coordinator at South Alabama. “What we really did a great job at this offseason is how to match our scheme with our personnel and this coming season will be the most offensive skill players we’ve ever had,” Perrotta said.
Head Coach: Alan Chadwick
Coach Record: 445-81
2024 Record: 14-1
2024 Region: 5-4A
2024 Region Record: 8-0
2025 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name: Hughes Spalding Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 @ Jefferson
8/29 Woodward Academy
9/12 @ Northview
9/19 @ Druid Hills (Adams Stadium)
9/26 @ Southwest DeKalb (Godfrey Stadium)
10/03 North Springs
10/10 St. Pius X 10/17 Clarkston
10/24 Lithonia
10/31 @ Tucker (Adams Stadium)
Marist is coming off a state runner-up finish last season and head coach Alan Chadwick is looking for the defense to lead the War Eagles early in 2025 as the offense finds its footing. “It has taken us a while to develop because we have had to bring in a new quarterback,” said Chadwick. “He is a senior, but has been a backup all the way through. He has mentally changed to get us where we need to be, controlling the offense.” Defensively, coach Chadwick talked about the urgency for it to help set the tone early. “Defensively, they better be ready to lead us early next season.” The team has both of its defensive ends back with Jack Richardson and Jackson Cox. Both are committed players. Marist also has two interior defensive linemen back – Anton Haven and Lucas Rosser, who is a rising sophomore, as well as linebacker Jake McLaren.
Head Coach: Terrence Edwards
Coach Record: 5-5
2024 Record: 5-5
2024 Region: 5-A DIV. I
2024 Region Record: 3-2
2025 Region: 5-A DIV. I
Stadium Name: Ron Hill Field
2025 Schedule:
8/15 Darlington (D)
8/22 Whitefield Academy (D)
8/29 @ Brookstone School
9/12 @ B.E.S.T Academy (Henderson Stadium) (D)
9/19 Mt. Pisgah Christian (D)
9/26 @ Fellowship Christian
10/03 Wesleyan (D)
10/10 @ Greenville
10/24 King’s Ridge (D)
10/31 @ Region Crossover Game (TBD)
The Mount Vernon Mustangs have been a fixture in the postseason and have made nine-consecutive playoff appearances. First-year head coach Terrence Edwards guided the Mustangs to the playoffs in 2024 after a 5-5 campaign. Edwards and the Mustangs had their most region wins since 2019, competing with powerhouses Fellowship Christian, Wesleyan, and King’s Ridge Christian. The Mustangs will have to replace their all-region quarterback Bristan DeRocher, who was a key figure in the passing attack and the ground game. DeRocher finished with 2,720 total yards and 28 touchdowns. Firstteam all-region running back Walker Warshaw also graduated in 2024 and was a key offensive weapon for Mount Vernon. The offense was a staple of last year’s team as the Mustangs scored 288 points, including a season-high 57-point game in a win over B.E.S.T. Academy. A key player to watch for the Mustangs will be Will Schuh, a two-way lineman who has been making a name for himself on the gridiron. He was a first-team all-region selection for Mount Vernon last year and has continued to improve on the defensive side of the ball in addition to being a standout offensive lineman. On defense, the Mustangs will be led by Ethan Siggers, who was a first-team all-region selection a year ago as a sophomore. Mount Vernon has been a perennial playoff contender and a team that is dangerous when it makes the postseason. In 2025, they will lean on some new faces at key positions to aid their quest of returning to the playoffs.
Head Coach: Jamie Aull
Coach Record: 56-48
2024 Record: 9-2
2024 Region: 6-6A
2024 Region Record: 7-0
2025 Region: 6-6A
Stadium Name: Eddie S. Henderson Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/14 Hebron Christian (West Forsyth HS (Corky Kell))
8/22 @ Paulding County
8/29 @ Wheeler
9/12 @ Forsyth Central
9/19 South Forsyth (Henderson Stadium)
9/26 Alpharetta (Henderson Stadium)
10/03 @ Lambert
10/10 @ North Forsyth (Henderson Stadium)
10/24 @ West Forsyth
10/31 @ Denmark
Head Coach: Robert Braucht
Coach Record: 24-51
2024 Record: 2-8
2024 Region: 5-4A
2024 Region Record: 2-6
2025 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name: Thermopylae Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/14 @ Holy Innocents’ (Riverwood HS)
8/29 @ Woodstock
9/05 Druid Hills (Johns Creek HS)
9/12 @ Southwest DeKalb (Godfrey Stadium)
9/19 Clarkston (Johns Creek HS)
9/26 St. Pius X (Johns Creek HS)
10/03 @ Marist
10/10 Lithonia (Johns Creek HS)
10/17 @ Tucker
10/31 @ Northview
North Springs finished its 2024 campaign with a 2-8 record, and will look to make the postseason for the first time since 2017, which marked consecutive playoff seasons and winning records for the program. A bright spot for the program is that each year head coach Robert Braucht has been at the helm, they have finished the season strong. A year ago against Northview, North Springs won handily, defeating their rival 35-7, its second-most points scored in 2024. The other was in a dominating win over Clarkston, where the Spartans scored 50 points for the first time since 2018. When the offense gets going, North Springs can put up numbers in bunches and prove tough to stop. A key returning player for North Springs will be versatile athlete Bradley Jackson, who plays both sides of the ball for the Spartans. Last season, he finished with 673 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. On defense, he finished with 14 tackles, two passes defensed, a fumble recovery and an interception returned for a touchdown. On defense, the Spartans will be led by Adonis Timmons, who led the team in tackles (62) last season. He also had blocked three passes, a tackle for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception. North Springs has shown the ability to finish seasons strong, and will look to maintain that high level of play consistently throughout the season with sites set on advancing to the playoffs and advancing past the first round for the first time since 1998.
Head Coach Jamie Aull has continued to take North Atlanta to new heights since joining the program in 2020. The Warriors have been a formidable program under Aull and have made the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, the longest streak in program history. In 2024, North Atlanta made history, securing its first region championship in program history and securing nine wins in consecutive seasons. The Warriors also went undefeated in region play for the first time in school history. North Atlanta has had only one losing season under Aull and has been a perennial playoff team under his tutelage. In 2025, North Atlanta will have to replace Region 6-6A Player of the Year Ian Reynolds, who graduated a season ago and Chase Linton (Georgia), who was the Defensive Player of the Year. Both Linton and Reynolds were the faces of the program for the past four years. Offensively, North Atlanta hit a milestone in the Aull era, scoring 62 points for the most ever in program history and just the second 60-point game in program history. The biggest name to watch on offense in 2025 will be Josh McCullough, who had a coming-out party against Kell in the Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic in 2024. McCullough finished with four catches for 131 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, the Warriors will return rising sophomore cornerback Bryce Willingham, who was a first-team all-region selection as a true freshman. Willingham finished with 26 tackles and three interceptions in his first season as a varsity player.
Head Coach: Sean Weatherspoon
Coach Record: 0-0
2024 Record: 4-6
2024 Region: 4-4A
2024 Region Record: 3-4
2025 Region: 4-4A
Stadium Name: Walsh Field
2025 Schedule:
8/15 @ Chamblee (ND)
8/22 Westminster
9/05 @ Lovett
9/12 @ Mays (Lakewood Stadium)
9/19 M. L. King (Riverview Sports Complex)
9/26 Drew (Riverview Sports Complex)
10/03 @ Creekside
10/09 @ Midtown
10/24 Forest Park (Riverview Sports Complex)
10/30 @ Maynard Jackson
Longtime Atlanta Falcons linebacker and 2010 NFL Draft firstround selection Sean Weatherspoon steps into the realm of Georgia high school football as he enters his first year as the head coach of the Pace Academy Knights. Weatherspoon is taking over for former head coach Nick Bach in 2025, who put together a 17-15 record in three seasons. Following a 4-6 record, the Knights enter the 2025 season under new management as they look to right the ship. Last season, the Knights missed the postseason for the first time since 2013 when they put together a 5-5 season in former head coach Chris Slade’s first season. Weatherspoon will look to bring the Knights back to prominence this season as they are now 10 years removed from the program’s only state championship in 2015 when they defeated Fitzgerald 42-21 in the title game. Following its state championship, Pace Academy made the postseason but was a first round exit from 2016-23 before failing to make the playoffs last season. The Knights have a very competitive schedule in 2025 as they will face teams such as Chamblee, Westminster, Lovett and Creekside as they look to rebound from last season. The Knights bring back some talent, particularly in the Class of 2027 as 4-star defensive lineman Justin Weeks and Ricky Washington. Weeks is ranked as a top-15 player in the state of Georgia in his class with two years of high school football remaining.
Head Coach: Shawn Chill
Coach Record: 21-32
2024 Record: 1-9
2024 Region: 6-5A
2024 Region Record: 1-6
2025 Region: 6-5A
Stadium Name: Bill Hoskyn Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 Centennial
8/22 Chattahoochee
8/29 @ South Forsyth
9/05 Sequoyah
9/12 @ Creekview
9/19 @ Sprayberry
10/03 River Ridge
10/10 @ Lassiter
10/24 Woodstock
10/31 @ Pope
The Riverwood Raiders enter year three of the Shawn Cahillera, coming off of a 1-9 season in 2024. The Raiders look to vanquish their two-year playoff drought as they have yet to see the postseason since 2022. They haven’t had a playoff victory since the 2019 season under Robert Edwards where they went 11-1, losing to Dutchtown in the second round. Though they only had one victory on the schedule last season, the Raiders look to rebound as they have key playmakers returning for the 2025 season. Wideout Zach Stair was one of the bright spots for the Raiders offense in 2024. He averaged about 92 receiving yards per game on 44 receptions, totaling 922 yards and 10 touchdowns in his junior season. The rising-senior wide receiver was named to the Georgia High School Football Daily Region 6-5A All-Region first team for his efforts on the field. Riverwood also returns some talent on defense for this upcoming season as three Raiders made the Georgia High School Football Daily Region 6-5A All-Region second team defense a season ago. Junior defensive lineman Jake Kaplan and linebacker Lawrence Levine, along with senior defensive back Levi Perlstein, earned postseason honors for their terrific play a season ago. Levine and Perlstein tied for the most tackles on the team with 77 each while Kaplan led the team with six tackles for loss, leading the Raiders front seven. Cahill and the Raiders look to get back on track for the 2025 season.
Presented by
Head Coach: Chad Garrison
Coach Record: 25-21
2024 Record: 7-4
2024 Region: 5-4A
2024 Region Record: 6-2
2025 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name: George B. Maloof Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/16 Dunwoody (MercedesBenz Stadium (Corky Kell))
8/22 @ Lakeside-DeKalb (Adams Stadium)
9/05 Northview
9/11 @ Druid Hills (Adams Stadium)
9/19 Southwest DeKalb
9/26 @ North Springs (Johns Creek HS)
10/03 Clarkston
10/10 @ Marist
10/17 @ Lithonia
10/24 Tucker
With a 25-21 record in four seasons running, the St. Pius X football team, Chad Garrison and the Golden Lions look to extend their streak of making the postseason to 20 years in Garrison’s fifth season with the program. Following a 7-4 season last year where they started out the season 6-1, the Golden Lions lost in the first round of the playoffs to Perry and finished fourth in the region behind Marist, Southwest DeKalb and Tucker. The Golden Lions had 12 players selected to All-Region teams at the conclusion of last season, but will only have three returning to the roster this season after graduating the other nine. Rising junior fullback John Taylor is back for another season in the Golden Lions run-heavy offense following a first-team All-Region Region 5-4A selection in 2024. Taylor is a bruiser of a running back as he is used not only in the short yardage situations, but is a valuable run-and-pass blocker for St. Pius when they need him. Junior punter Stevie Maloof returns to the Golden Lions, proving a reliable option in the special teams department for St. Pius. Junior running back Dexter Mosley is another name that the Golden Lions return in their backfield. Mosley recently picked up an Arkansas-Pine Bluff offer in June. For the first time in the football program’s history, the Golden Lions will kick off their season at the Corky Kell & Dave Hunter Classic in Mercedes-Benz Stadium when they will face Dunwoody.
Head Coach: Franklin Pridgen
Coach Record: 154-77
2024 Record: 10-3
2024 Region: 5-A DIV. I
2024 Region Record: 4-1
2025 Region: 5-A DIV. I
Stadium Name: Henderson Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 Commerce
8/22 @ North Hall
8/29 Elbert County
9/05 @ B.E.S.T Academy (Henderson Stadium)
9/19 Ambassador Christian (NC)
9/26 @ Mt. Pisgah Christian
10/03 @ Mount Vernon
10/10 King’s Ridge
10/24 @ Fellowship Christian
10/31 @ Region Crossover Game (TBD)
Wesleyan and head coach Franklin Pridgen have returned to form over the past two seasons. The team has reached the quarterfinals in back-to-back years, following a 2022 season in which they lost in the first round, their earliest playoff exit since 2014. The Wolves will have to replace quarterback Ben Brown, one of the most productive signal-callers in the state over the past three seasons. Brown threw for more than 8,600 yards and 110 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,277 yards and adding 11 scores on the ground. However, they return star wide receiver Carter Hayes, who is coming off a 1,100-yard, 10-touchdown season. With his talent and experience, Hayes will be a major weapon in Wesleyan’s offense once again. This coming season, the Wolves will face a tough schedule but appear ready for the challenge. They’ll open the year against Commerce, now led by new head coach and former state champion Lenny Gregory. The following week, they’ll travel to Gainesville to face 3A quarterfinalist North Hall. Wesleyan’s final tough non-region matchup will be against Class A Division I quarterfinalist Elbert County, a rematch of a game the Wolves lost last year. The regular season will end with a massive region showdown against Fellowship Christian. Wesleyan lost to Fellowship twice last season, once in the regular season and again in the quarterfinals. While both teams will look different this time around, the Wolves will have a shot at redemption, and at claiming their first region title since 2020.
Head Coach: Mike Muschamp
Coach Record: 196-110
2024 Record: 9-3
2024 Region: 5-2A
2024 Region Record: 4-2
2025 Region: 5-2A
Stadium Name: Conley-Oakley Field at Kilpatrick Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 @ Westminster
8/22 @ Crisp County
8/29 Spencer
9/05 Pace Academy
9/19 @ KIPP Atlanta Collegiate
9/26 Holy Innocents’ 10/03 Therrell
10/17 Hapeville
10/24 @ Carver-Atlanta (Lakewood Stadium) (D)
10/31 @ Washington (Lakewood Stadium)
Entering his 21st season as the head coach of the Lovett football program, Mike Muschamp and the Lions finished with an impressive 9-3 record in 2024. The Lions currently hold a streak of 23 straight years of postseason play, including two state championship appearances. The last appearance for Lovett in a title game came back in 2013, when the Lions went 14-1 and won the second state title in the school’s history. Having been eliminated from the postseason in the second round in the last five seasons, the Lions look to break the mold in 2025. Last season, Lovett put together its first nine-win season since 2014. The Lions made it to the second round where they were eliminated by the eventual state champions, Hebron Christian. The Lions opened their 2024 season with a seven-game regular season win streak, over Westminster, Crisp County, Spencer, Pace Academy, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, Holy Innocents’ and Therrell before dropping their first game of the season in Week 9 against Hapeville Charter. The Lions return three All-Region players from a year ago. Rising-senior linebackers Will Forte (first team) and Ford Diffley (second team) lead a talented defense that returns plenty of talent. Defensive back and secondteam All-Region selection Thomas Strang provides a strong option in the back end of the Lions defense. The Lions will have to replace running back Kalil Townes and wideout Casani Bartlett.
Head Coach: Nelson Stewart
Coach Record: 0-0
2024 Record: 5-6
2024 Region: 6-4A
2024 Region Record: 2-2
2025 Region: 6-4A
Stadium Name:
Alfred E. Thompson Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 Lovett
8/22 @ Pace Academy
8/29 Calhoun
9/05 @ Greater Atlanta Christian
9/12 @ Gilmer
9/19 Benedictine
10/03 Cambridge
10/10 @ Kell
10/17 Blessed Trinity
10/31 @ Centennial
Westminster will be under a new head coach for the first time since 1992. After the 2024 season, legendary head coach Gerry Romberg retired following 33 years at the helm of the Wildcat program. In his storied tenure, Romberg led Westminster to one state championship and seven region titles, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected high school football coaches in Georgia. He will be replaced by Nelson Stewart, who comes to Westminster after 19 seasons leading his alma mater, Isidore Newman in New Orleans. Stewart is best known for coaching 5-star quarterback Arch Manning and helping develop him into the top quarterback in the country. Westminster competes in one of the toughest regions in Class 4A, which includes traditional powers Kell and Blessed Trinity, a rising program in Cambridge, and a strong Centennial squad. In addition to the difficult region schedule, the Wildcats face an extremely challenging non-region slate. They’ll open the season against traditional rival Lovett, a matchup that has been highly competitive, with the series split 6-4 over the past decade. They’ll close out non-region play against fellow 4A private school power Benedictine. The Cadets are among the top programs in Georgia, winning four state championships since 2014. Benedictine will be led on offense by 3-star quarterback and Texas Tech commit Stephen Cannon. On defense, they boast the top player in the Class of 2027, 5-star edge rusher LaDamion Guyton, who will present a major challenge for Westminster’s offensive line.
Head Coach: Wayne Jones
Coach Record: 17-16
2024 Record: 7-4
2024 Region: 5-4A
2024 Region Record: 6-2
2025 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name: Adams Memorial Stadium
2025 Schedule:
8/15 @ Valdosta (Bazemore-Hyder Stadium)
8/22 Chamblee
9/05 Lithonia (Adams Stadium)
9/11 @ Clarkston
9/26 @ Northview
10/03 Druid Hills (Adams Stadium)
10/10 @ Southwest DeKalb (Hallford Stadium)
10/17 North Springs
10/24 @ St. Pius X 10/31 Marist (Adams Stadium)
Tucker (Tucker High School)
TThe Lovett School is a community of belonging that develops students of honor, faith, and wisdom with the character and intellect to thrive in learning and life.
ucker is coming off yet another season of growth as a program. The team posted its first back-to-back winning seasons since 2018-19. Coach Wayne Jones is working to rebuild the program into the powerhouse it was from 2000 to 2017, when the Tigers won two state championships and made two other finals appearances. The upcoming season will bring much more continuity than 2024. The team returns star quarterback Jace German. German threw for 1,856
yards and 21 touchdowns with only three interceptions last season. He also added 480 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. On defense, edge rusher Izaiah Williams returns. The 6-foot2, 205-pound outside linebacker had a big sophomore season, recording 4.5 tackles for loss and leading the team in sacks with two. Both German and Williams are expected to take a step forward as they enter their junior seasons. The Tigers will once again compete in one of the toughest regions in 4A. The season opens on the road with a huge matchup against Valdosta. It will end with a grueling four-game stretch. That final stretch begins with a trip to face DeKalb County rival Southwest DeKalb, a matchup that could feature the two most talented teams in the region. Next comes a bit of a reprieve against North Springs. The following week, Tucker will travel to face a stout St. Pius X team in what should be another tightly contested game. The Tigers will then face defending 4A runner-up Marist in the regular-season finale.
By Collin Kelley
The Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead Community Improvement District (CID) announced July 9 that Jim Durrett will retire as leader of both organizations in 2026.
A respected civic planning, transit, and sustainability leader, Durrett has served as executive director of the Buckhead CID since 2009 and as president and CEO of the Buckhead Coalition since 2020.
Durrett has supported the work of metro Atlanta’s CIDs for nearly two decades, serving as executive director of the Buckhead CID for 17 years and as the founding executive director of the Livable Communities Coalition, a nonprofit organization promoting smart growth development in the Atlanta region. With the Buckhead Coalition, Durrett led the transformation of the organization after founder and former mayor Sam Massell retired in 2020.
Durrett, who will be 69 when he steps down next March, said he would have already retired, but the opportunity to lead the Buckhead Coalition changed his mind.
“Taking on the CEO role provided an opportunity to bring the organizations closer together,” Durrett told Rough Draft. “There was synergy, a strong staff, and good board leadership. It just made sense to me.”
His accomplishments have spanned
beautification, accessibility, and safety for the Buckhead area with efforts to fund and launch vital projects, including securing $52 million in local, state, and federal funds for key Buckhead infrastructure projects and spearheading the initial concept for HUB404, a nine-acre highwaycapping park over Georgia 400.
Durrett is bullish on the idea of HUB404 because he said Buckhead needs a “meaningful gathering place.” He’ll spend his final months at Livable Buckhead working to advance the HUB404 concept and get it closer to final design and refresh the cost estimate for the park given the new realities of federal funding.
and 2023.
The two organizations were also instrumental in preventing Buckhead’s cityhood movement from splitting the district from the City of Atlanta. The Georgia Legislature quashed two attempts to have a cityhood referendum in 2022
“I don’t believe we’ll see another attempt at separating Buckhead from Atlanta,” Durrett said. “I think we educated the community about the impacts of the separation. There were legitimate concerns by those who wanted Buckhead to become its own city, but those concerns would not have been solved by separation.”
Durrett said the cityhood movement did have a positive effect on Buckhead, as it made the City of Atlanta more aware of the district’s needs.
“I think the City of Atlanta government and mayor’s office realized that it’s important to pay attention to every part of Atlanta,” Durrett said, noting that Mayor Andre Dickens had immediately responded to Buckhead’s concerns.
“Mayor Dickens was immediately in Buckhead talking to people, listening to people, and demonstrating that Buckhead’s concerns were the city’s concerns,” Durrett commented. “Over the last two years, we’ve seen crime decrease, and we have a stronger relationship with city hall.”
Durrett said he plans to spend more time with his family – including a new grandchild on the way – and to split his time between Atlanta and Idaho, where he and his wife have a yurt in the Teton Valley.
And while he’s dialing back his work life, Durrett said he still plans to make time to volunteer and consult whenever he is needed by Buckhead.
“I will miss the energy – being in the middle of important initiatives and discussions – but I’m ready for my next chapter,” he said.
A search committee composed of Buckhead Coalition and Buckhead CID board members has retained executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to lead the recruitment process for Durrett’s successor. The firm will begin engaging with candidates nationwide throughout the summer and fall.
By Collin Kelley
The city’s police oversight committee, the Atlanta Citizens Review Board, will begin receiving notice of officer-involved shootings, death or serious bodily harm while in custody, and firearm discharges within 24 hours following a new agreement with city leaders.
The ACRB has been under scrutiny for failing to review or hold public hearings on 39 deadly force cases since 2020, according to an investigation earlier this year by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) also failed to report at least seven incidents to the review board over the last four years, the AJC reported.
On July 15, Mayor Andre Dickens’ office issued a “memorandum of understanding (MOU)” outlining an agreement between the board, APD, and the mayor’s office.
The press release said the agreement
outlines “a stronger, more transparent framework for collaboration between APD and the ACRB” and “empowers the ACRB to thoroughly review incidents and provide informed recommendations on officer conduct, policy improvements, and training enhancements.”
Part of the agreement includes that APD and ACRB will meet annually, quarterly, monthly, and bi-weekly to provide updates and revisit the scope of the MOU.
While the investigative process for serious use-of-force incidents will still require time and care, this agreement lays the groundwork for a more responsive and ethical system of police oversight in Atlanta, the release said.
“This MOU is about more than process, it’s about purpose,” APD Chief Darin Schierbaum said in the release. “We welcome the role of civilian oversight and look forward to continued partnership with the ACRB as we work together
Once again, our community was able to celebrate our Independence Day tradition at the 2025 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade. Thank you to everybody who attended and to our wonderful sponsors and volunteers who made this year’s event possible.
Presented By
For
By Logan C. Ritchie
The City of Brookhaven will welcome the public to its highly anticipated city centre opening on Saturday, Aug. 9 with live music, performances, tours, and food tastings.
Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis for the family-friendly day of events.
The day will kick off with a presentation by the honor guard at 10:45 a.m., followed by remarks by Mayor John Park at 11 a.m.
Between 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the
city is putting on a Zumba class, Silver Sneakers exercise class, and a magic show. Flavors of Brookhaven, a tasting event from local chefs, will run from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and a salsa dance class is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Finally, Macon-based band Jupiter Coyote will perform at 5 p.m.
All-day family-friendly activities include scavenger hunt walking tours of the new city centre led by Explore Brookhaven, a DJ, face painting, stilt walkers, and more.
Community partners will be on site with information booths.
Wednesday, Aug 6
Wednesday, Aug 13
Wednesday, Aug 20
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Tuesday, Aug 26
Brookhaven City Centre is located at 4001 Peachtree Road, on the property of the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA station. It is the first municipal building in Georgia constructed primarily using mass timber, a renewable material.
Mayor John Park has called the building “a community living room … a place where neighbors connect, families gather, and residents can engage directly with their government in a setting that reflects the values and vision of our city.”
Approximately 60 percent of the 58,000-square-foot building is dedicated to public use: a multi-purpose event hall with catering kitchen, coffee shop, rentable meeting rooms, and a storefront for Explore Brookhaven, the city’s tourism arm.
The remaining space will house administrative offices for city council, city manager, finance, human resources. Other city departments are located at the Public Safety Building and the PEP Building for planning, engineering, and permitting services.
“I’m excited for city centre to anchor our community. I can’t wait to stroll down Dresden after a great lunch, enjoy the beautiful views from the roof and welcome the community in with open arms not just to a building, but to a gathering space,” said council member Jennifer Owens.
Brookhaven City Centre is being funded with Urban Redevelopment bonds that will be repaid from the Special Services District.
By Logan C. Ritchie
We Love Buford Highway is preparing for its third FEAST fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 15 in Chamblee to support food insecurity, youth music, and business programs along Atlanta’s most culturally diverse corridor.
Last year’s FEAST attracted 200 attendees, and this year We Love Buford Highway Executive Director Lily Pabian is aiming for 250. The 2024 event raised $55,000 for Feeding Families, The Buford Highway Business Circle, The Buford
Highway Youth Orchestra Project, the Oral History Archive, and others.
Unrestricted funds are vital for building capacity and strengthening We Love Buford Highway’s ability to continue its critical work during a time of rapid growth and change along the corridor, according to Pabian.
Although FEAST is new, We Love Buford Highway was established in 2015 by Marian Liou. One of the first accomplishments of the organization, even before it became a 501c3 nonprofit in 2018, was the creation of the
International Dining Guide to Buford Highway.
Pabian joined in 2019 as the new executive director, and within three years We Love Buford Highway issued two photography collections reflecting the resilience of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and raising awareness of space and belonging. Monthly food distributions started, and the Buford Highway Orchestra Program for children was established.
One of the most widely-known projects happened when Little Amal marched down Buford Highway in 2023 – an arts and culture initiative to celebrate immigrant communities.
Pabian continues to push the organization to address issues that impact immigrant neighborhoods and their communities. La Orquesta, the story of
the Buford Highway Orchestra Program, is reviving “Voices of a Highway” podcast series.
FEAST is an evening of flavors, experience, art, stories and tradition, offering “an immersive celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Buford Highway,” a press release stated.
This year, FEAST welcomes Peruvian chef Arnaldo Castillo, a 2024 James Beard Awards semifinalist, and owner of Tio Lucho’s in Atlanta’s Poncey Highland neighborhood.
“This event is more than a celebration—it’s a crucial way for us to raise the resources needed to protect Buford Highway’s rich cultural fabric. As rapid development continues to reshape our region, our mission to preserve the multicultural identity of the corridor has never been more urgent,” Pabian said.
By Cathy Cobbs
After deferring a revised proposal to expand the permitted uses at a site on 84 Perimeter Center East, the Dunwoody Planning Commission on Aug. 12 will consider the plan again, with more specifics from the developer.
At its July 8 meeting, the panel heard from attorney Dan Webb, representing the applicant, JSJ Perimeter LLC, about a fourth iteration for the 2.86-acre site, which used to be the site of a bank.
According to a staff memo regarding the proposal to expand the allowed uses, the property has undergone “a series of zoning amendments” over the past 15 years.
“In 2008, the property was rezoned from O-I to C-1 conditional to allow for the development of a hotel, a 7,050-square-foot, full-service restaurant, a 5,369-square-foot meeting space, and a 70,000 square-foot fitness club,” the memo said.
At the time, the site also received a special land use permit to increase the height of the hotel from two to 12 stories.
In 2019, the property’s site plan and zoning conditions were amended to allow a 11-story, 160-room hotel and two additional multi-story buildings containing approximately 43,140 square
feet of commercial uses, including restaurants and retail, patio and rooftop terrace seating, and a multi-story parking deck.
In 2020, the applicant removed the plans for a hotel and proposed to replace it with a 14-story building with 225 units of age-restricted rental housing, which prompted a rezoning to PC-2 and several special land use permit additions.
In 2023, the developers asked for and received an extension that required a land disturbance permit to be obtained by Sept. 8, 2023.
The latest request, according to Dunwoody Senior Planner Madalyn Smith, is “a significant departure from the previously approved site plan and exhibits.”
“The applicant requests to amend the site plan and conditions to provide flexibility in the use for the 14-story building to be either agerestricted multi-family housing (as currently approved), for-sale, non-age-restricted condominiums, or a hotel.”
In addition, JSJ has plans to add a 4,700-square-foot quick-service restaurant with drive-through lanes, a two-story, a 10,000-square-foot retail building and a parking deck.
Webb said Partillo’s, a Chicago-based franchise known for its hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chopped salad, and cheese fries, has expressed interest in the restaurant site.
“This restaurant is a unique opportunity for Dunwoody,” Webb said. “Partillo’s is a different type of restaurant that doesn’t operate like a traditional drive-through … kind of an upgrade of the Varsity, with the caliber and quality of the food being a little higher.”
The applicant has also provided a phasing plan for the proposed development, Smith said, that would involve constructing the restaurant and retail spaces, along with three stories of
Planning Commission members and staff expressed concerns about the lack of a detailed plan for some of the buildings, a specific landscaping plan, the presence of yet another drive-through facility along an already-congested road, and specifics about the phasing program.
“We really question the phasing plan,” Smith said. “We don’t think it would be possible to necessarily keep the parking deck open during active construction.”
City staff did not recommend the plan be approved by the commission, but Webb circumvented a decision by asking for a deferral until the panel’s next meeting on Aug. 12.
Webb said more detailed plans will be shared at the next commission meeting.
By Cathy Cobbs
Weyman Combs is not a man to shirk from an honest day’s work. In fact, he’s the exact opposite, having just celebrated 50 years of employment with Ace Hardware.
Combs, the store’s assistant manager, was given the Golden Hammer Award celebrating his five decades of service by the hardware store’s owner Dwight Glover in a low-key ceremony on July 16, then went straight back to helping customers.
Each day, Combs leaves his Rockdale County home and drives 36 miles to the Dunwoody Village Ace Hardware, arriving early so he can catch a nap in
By Cathy Cobbs
Dunwoody will close out 2025 with $11.8 million in reserves, well above the sixmonth mark for fund balance, according to an announcement from the city.
The city released new revenue numbers that show its financial position “is much stronger than anticipated.”
“According to the city’s year-end audit of 2024 financials, $3.5 million was added to Dunwoody’s reserves. In addition, the FY 2025 Mid-Year Budget Amendment will eliminate the planned use of fund balance for the current fiscal year,” the release said.
“Through careful planning, budgeting, and spending, we’ve added to the reserve every year since I became mayor. What’s more, we haven’t spent the reserves – even during the uncertainty of COVID and its aftermath,” Dunwoody Mayor Lynn
his truck before the store opens at 8 a.m.
Even after helping customers all day, Combs often volunteers to stay late to assist with after-hours duties before heading back to his three-acre sanctuary that is populated by deer and guineas.
“That is what makes him great,” said former Ace Hardware owner John Giaquinto, who sold the business in 2020 to Dwight Glover. “He is a true hardware man and was one of my most dedicated employees.”
Glover said Combs “knows more about hardware than anyone else.”
“He’s great to have around and is an amazing employee,” he said.
Combs was unaware of the award, saying if he had been given the heads-up, “would have called out sick.”
Combs downplayed his longevity and brushed off the effusive praise from his employers and co-workers.
“I just love helping people and spreading knowledge,” he said. “And as long as everything is running smoothly, I plan to keep on working.”
His five-decade career has seen him working at several locations, including Smith Hardware in Decatur, Workbench Ace in Toco Hills, and Ace Hardware on Roswell Road. He has worked three different stints an the Village Ace, this time for the last five years.
Talk about trustworthy: At the age of 16, Combs was in charge of Ace’s dynamite department, which was a real thing back then.
Deutsch said.
For FY 2025, new projected revenues show $1.26 million more than the adopted budget, resulting in increases in the city’s tax digest, franchise fees, business and occupation taxes, and other factors. As a result, during its July 28 meeting, the council was to consider an amendment eliminating its former plan to use $1.26 million from its fund balance in the current budget year.
The city is expected to close out FY 2025 with enough fund balance to cover 10 months of expenditures, well above the charter requirement to hold four months in reserve.
“I prefer six months to allow for the unexpected,” Deutsch said. “I’m so pleased with our current financial picture and appreciate the hard work it has taken to reach this point.”
SEPTEMBER 27 | 6:00–10:30 p.m.
Rock the night away in Downtown Alpharetta with a true “DANCING IN THE STREET” party featuring your FAVORITE BEERS, LIVE MUSIC, a variety of FOOD TENTS, and LOCAL EATERIES. Bring your own chairs or purchase a table and enjoy the night with your closest friends!
BOOK YOUR STAY NOW
and keep the party going all weekend long in Downtown Alpharetta
By Bob Pepalis
More than $580,000 in contributions has flowed into candidates’ campaign accounts in the Sandy Springs municipal election being held on Nov. 4.
Most of the funds have gone to the four mayoral candidates, where the third-term incumbent faces off against two incumbent city council members and a candidate who is making a second challenge against the sitting mayor. The candidates combined for $412,411 in contributions as of the end of the last reporting period on June 30.
City council candidates had reported raising $168,155 in campaign contributions at the end of the reporting period. That brought the total for
contributions in the municipal election up to $580,566.
Incumbent Mayor Rusty Paul had a slight lead in funds ($171,279) over Andy Bauman ($161,043). Bauman is leaving his District 6 Sandy Springs City Council seat to make a run for mayor.
Jody Reichel will also leave her District 4 City Council seat for the mayoral race. She had raised $77,678 for her campaign.
Dontaye Carter, who ran against Paul when he was seeking a third term, had raised $23,411 for his campaign.
City council races accounted for fewer campaign dollars, with two districts having candidates currently unopposed and another district having two candidates who filed paperwork saying that they plan to accept no more than $2,500 in campaign
contributions.
Incumbent John Paulson so far has no challenger. He reported $22,859 in campaign contributions.
In the District 2 election, incumbent Melody Kelley reported $27,135 in campaign contributions.
Lauren Locke, who filed a declaration of intent to accept contributions in this district race, told Rough Draft Atlanta she began accepting campaign contributions after the June 30 reporting period.
The District 3 race between incumbent Melissa Mular and challenger Tara Overzat has seen nearly $40,000 in campaign contributions between the two candidates. Mular’s $28,314 in campaign contributions exceeds Overzat’s $10,804 by more than two to one.
District 4 has two candidates – David Michael Flynn and Frank Stanley Roberts – who filed affidavits of exemption that state they will accept no more than $2,500 in contributions.
Alex Somer, who left a mayor campaign to run for a council seat in District 4, has not filed a declaration of intent to accept campaign contributions or a contribution report. Rough Draft
has reached out to Somer to ask if he is accepting contributions and plans to qualify for the race.
In District 5, Mary Nora Ford reported raising $16,361. Collin Hubbard’s $1,600 in campaign contributions were a tenth of what Ford raised in the reporting period.
District 6 candidate Andrew Chinsky had no declared opponent for the seat being vacated by Andy Bauman at the end of his current term. Chinsky reported receiving $61,082 in campaign contributions.
Candidates must qualify in person at Sandy Springs City Hall, located at 1 Galambos Way. The qualifying period runs:
■ Mon., Aug. 18 through Thurs., Aug. 21, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
■ Fri., Aug. 22, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Scan the QR code to read more about the elections.
By Bob Pepalis
The Sandy Springs City Council awarded a $599,407 bid by Structural Restoration Inc. during its July 15 meeting for repairs to the city’s underground parking garage in City Springs.
agreement for major capital repairs and improvements.
Walter P. Moore’s report identified key areas requiring repair to preserve structural integrity and extend the facility’s service life.
Growing concerns about the structural integrity of the parking deck prompted the city council to contract with Walter P. Moore & Associates Inc. in 2024 to perform a condition assessment of the parking deck at 1 Galambos Way.
Dave Wells, the city’s director of Facilities/Capital Construction and Building Operations, told the city council during his presentation that the parking deck exhibited signs of deterioration, including concrete cracking, water infiltration, and failed expansion joints.
The city and the adjacent Greystar development jointly use the parking deck, which is subject to an existing cost-sharing
Three contractors submitted bids that ranged from Structural Restoration Solutions at $599,407 to Metro Waterproofing’s $841,104 bid.
The city will pay the full cost of the project upfront. Greystar will reimburse the city for its proportional share of the cost, calculated at $261,436 in Wells’ report to the city council.
“Our parking deck gets used an awful lot, especially the precast parking deck with residential,” Wells said.
The parking deck gets a lot of moisture, especially in the humid times of the year. Wells said that the moisture was the cause for most of the concrete spalling. The project will take approximately one year to complete.
By Cathy Cobbs
The Tucker City Council voted July 14 to defer on second read an ordinance that would make changes to drive-through restaurants and facilities within city limits.
The council considered the regulation in several defined areas within the city. In the downtown area, it would remove the option for a Special Land Use Permit for restaurants with a drive-through lane, essentially making it a prohibited use.
In some areas in the Northlake and Lawrenceville areas, it would also prohibit a SLUP being used for a drive-through restaurant. In several areas within the city, other than the defined areas, it would require a SLUP for restaurants that request a drive-through configuration, which is currently allowed by right.
brief in the case of Chang v. Milton litigation against the City of Milton for personal injuries because of a 2016 vehicle collision with a masonry planter located on city-owned right of way where the obstruction was outside the motoring lanes of travel.
Milton was found to be partially at fault and a jury awarded the plaintiff $35 million, but it is currently under appeal at the Georgia Supreme Court.
During the meeting, Tucker Community Development Director Courtney Smith discussed several other changes regarding landscaping, setbacks and distance separations between drivethrough restaurants and residential properties that were made between first and second read.
During public comment Anne Lerner spoke in opposition to the ordinance, citing concerns with the distance separations between restaurants and other recent changes to the ordinance between first and second read.
“I get the intent, but we are 20 square miles . . . and I’m concerned about the distances next to each other,” she said. “When these businesses are isolated they are not as successful.”
After discussion, with several council members expressing like concerns that Lerner and others brought up, Mayor Pro Tem Cara Schroeder proposed a deferral until the next meeting, which passed unanimously.
According to a staff memo, the council in February had issued a temporary moratorium on drive through facilities and drive through restaurants “to allow time to review existing ordinances and draft new ordinances related to these uses.” That moratorium expires in August.
In other action, the city council passed a resolution by 5-0 supporting an amicus
“The masonry planter had been at the same location since 1992 and had never been the subject of a complaint or prior accident,” a staff memo said. “The City believes the Court of Appeals ruling is inconsistent with existing legal precedent; and that it is in the best interests of the health, welfare, and safety of its citizens that the Court of Appeals ruling be reversed and that the questions presented by the Supreme Court be answered in a way that benefits Georgia’s cities.”
Council member Roger Orlando abstained from voting on the measure, citing professional connections to the suit.
In other action, the council:
■ recognized the city’s parks and recreation department and its supporting organizations for its service;
■ postponed by a 6-0 vote a second reading to amend the Tucker charter to add an office of city marshal in order to address several concerns brought up by city council;
■ approved a $656,0000 contract amendment to fund Mountain Industrial Boulevard intersection improvements, of which 80 percent is federally funded;
■ passed on first read, with modifications, changes to Tucker’s fee schedules for filming, recreation center fees, and other associated services within the city.
By Beth McKibben
It’s hard to find a restaurant in metro Atlanta without patio seating or some sort of outdoor dining arrangement, whether that be cafe-style sidewalk tables or an indoor-outdoor bar. From March until November, restaurants throughout Atlanta take full advantage of the region’s relatively temperate climate, transforming patios, sidewalks, and tree-covered gardens into relaxing al fresco dining spaces.
From a lively beer garden and riverfront fine dining to a vibrant covered patio for tapas and cocktails and an Italian restaurant nestled under the trees, check out these 15 restaurants offering great spaces for outdoor dining.
The Chastain in Chastain Park
Sit on this lovely patio, shaded by mature trees, for lunch or dinner. Much of the patio overlooks the Michelin Green Star restaurant’s sprawling edible garden. The outdoor lounge has a fire pit and is dogfriendly. Keep an eye out for Bogie, the restaurant’s resident patio cat.
Canoe in Vinings
Very few restaurant patios in Atlanta rival the views from the covered patio at Canoe, or from its Adirondack seating areas and riverside cocktail bar along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. This fine dining institution is where to come for woodroasted chicken and fish or the signature peppercorn-crusted kangaroo. For dessert, don’t skip the popcorn ice cream sundae made with Cracker Jacks and Chantilly cream. Head to Canoe for brunch to
indulge in the pecan sticky buns and brioche French toast.
Larakin
This coffee and wine bar, one block west of Piedmont Park, is perfect for lingering on pleasant days. Seating is all outdoors, and the patio is super dog-friendly. Grab a breakfast sandwich or local pastry in the morning, then a couple of thick slices of focaccia pizza with a charcuterie and cheese board later in the day. Weekends and evenings tend to be busy, but no one seems to mind.
There’s just something about eating hot wood-fired pizza, one of Chef Ryan Smith’s seasonal salads, or sharing a charcuterie and cheese spread while sipping wine with friends on this sunny garden patio. Order at the counter first. Then find your way to the backyard for a seat in the garden or on the covered patio. Dogs and kids are always welcome at this Michelin-star restaurant.
Located on the Eastside Beltline trail in Reynoldstown, the rooftop bar above Breaker Breaker is for the 21+ crowd. Incorporating the steel canopy from the original Stein Steel warehouse to provide cover, Florida Man is an open-air cocktail bar channeling a houseboat design theme with bamboo seating and lush tropical plants. Eight televisions also make it a prime spot for watching sports on the weekends. Expect a small snack menu here paired with boozy slushies and tropical drinks.
Dine on the quiet rooftop patio at this Mediterranean restaurant overlooking a tree-filled park below. Everything on the menu is completely gluten-free, and many dishes are also vegetarian and vegan. Great spot for thin-crust pizza and wine.
This brewery features a covered rooftop patio and a lively beer garden serving food from a converted shipping container. Sometimes there’s live music on the weekends. Restrooms are available at the beer garden, which is also very dogfriendly and family-friendly.
A newcomer to the Atlanta wine bar scene, most of the seating for Side Saddle Wine Saloon is outside. It’s a great spot to hop off the Southeast Beltline trail for natural wine and food from Chef Carla Fears. Another dog-friendly patio, the vibe here is lively, inclusive, and built on good times hanging out with friends.
The front patio at this award-winning restaurant is covered now and a great place to dine on seasonal fare, slurp oysters, sip wine, and drink perfect cocktails on a pleasant evening. Pro tip for martini drinkers: order the Kimball House.
Come to this restaurant institution for the burgers, gyros, and patio views overlooking the planes on the runway at PDK airport. It’s a fun way to spend your lunch hour.
This sprawling food and drinks complex in the heart of Chamblee has become a gathering place for the community. It includes a coffee shop, listening room, cocktail bar, and spaces for food pop-ups, all surrounding a central green space with a stage for live music.
David Abes and his restaurant group, DASH Hospitality, revamped a handful of restaurant spaces in Dunwoody Village to create a thriving town center with plenty of outdoor dining and drinking spaces. Dubbed “Funwoody” Village, head here for everything from barbecue, burgers, and seafood to wine, cocktails, and ice cream. Expect events throughout the week, including sports on the big screen, live music, line dancing, and trivia nights.
The patio at this Italian restaurant, from the owners of Table and Main, has long been an OTP favorite. It features ample outdoor seating that winds around the front of the restaurant close to the tree line and a stone fire pit for warming up on chilly evenings. Wine is a must here.
Dine on stellar Latin American and Spanish fare and sip wine or a rum cocktail on this vibrant covered patio in the heart of downtown Alpharetta. Great people watching, too. There’s counter seating for folks who are just dropping by for drinks.
When you’re in Stone Mountain, never miss a chance to grab one of the creative coffee drinks and a bite to eat from Gilly. Sit upstairs on the wraparound porch. The coffee bar resides in the oldest house in Stone Mountain Village.
By Sammie Purcell
Westside residents can expect the area’s new Grove Park Performing and Cultural Arts Center to be open by the first quarter of 2027, according to Grove Park Foundation Executive Director Gavin McGuire.
The Grove Park Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at revitalizing the Grove Park neighborhood, was founded in 2017 and purchased the historic Grove Theatre, located at 1576 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW, that same year. The nonprofit has since been working to convert the theater into a community and arts center.
“We added the performing and cultural arts side of things to show respect to the community and really make sure that we highlight the legacy residents – the pioneers in the community within the space, not only for performing arts, but leaders of the community,” McGuire said.
The restoration project has received financial support from numerous sources, including $1 million each from the Bank of America and Chick-Fil-A, as well as grants from the Fox Theatre. According to a spokesperson for the Grove Park Foundation, the total budget for the project is $5.1 million.
In February of 2024, Urbanize Atlanta reported that the renovation plans for the theater call for additional office space,
storage space, and a break room on the second floor. The theater would be on the ground floor, and the building’s facade would be restored. The renovation also includes flexible performances and studio spaces and retail space. A Grove Park Foundation spokesperson added that the project is 10,000 square feet in size.
The Grove Theatre originally opened in June of 1941 and shuttered in 1969. According to McGuire, the space has gone through many iterations since that time, including a skating rink and a pawn shop.
“Refurbishing [the theatre] also brings hope to the community – to see the investment in the community, but also more importantly, seeing that another node of commercial development and growth is happening on the West Side and in Grove Park in particular, in an area that hasn’t always been receiving investments and revitalization,” McGuire said.
McGuire said the Grove Park Foundation operates by four pillars: housing, economic mobility, health and wellness, and education. Part of the Grove Theatre project includes retail space the foundation hopes to fill with local businesses currently taking part in what McGuire called the nonprofit’s “Business Ready” program, which debuted in January of this year.
“We’re not just looking at a moment, but how do we build a sustainable model to build the confidence that people need to be whole within the community as all the great things are being built?” McGuire said. “[We want] to help families to grow and to expand and to thrive, but not be displaced as all of this great growth is coming to Grove Park.”
The performing and cultural arts center will be located across the street from KIPP Woodson Park Academy and the area’s YMCA Early Leaning Center, which the foundation helped open back in 2021. McGuire said he hopes the proximity will make it easier to expose kids in Grove Park to the arts.
“The community is excited because for those performing arts options, you normally have to leave the community,” McGuire said. “They’re able to not only stay in their community, but [have] fellowship with their neighbors.”
By Ty Tagami | Capitol Beat
Thousands of Georgians will soon be spending money from the state’s new subsidy for private K-12 education, as the first quarterly payouts appear in “promise scholarship” accounts.
More than 15,000 students applied for one of the $6,500 annual subsidies, and about 8,500 were approved. That means the state is on track to give about $55 million in taxpayer dollars — far less than budgeted — to families that have chosen private schooling over attendance at their nearby low-performing public school.
To qualify for the payments, most students had to spend a year attending one of the nearly 500 public schools performing in the bottom quarter of state academic measures. But the youngest students have a way around that requirement. Under last year’s law establishing the payments, often referred to as a “voucher,” rising kindergartners need not have attended public school to qualify.
According to new figures from the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which oversees the program, a third of the recipients will be attending kindergarten. Nearly half will be in elementary school, with the rest in seventh through 12th grades.
The money will be paid out quarterly, starting this month. Families can use it for a variety of education-related expenses. Two-thirds said they plan to spend it on tuition, according to the commission. The rest will use it to cover home schooling costs and other allowable expenses, such as tutoring, therapy and curriculum.
Opponents of these vouchers argued they would mostly be used by the wealthy, who are more able to afford the difference between the amount of the subsidy and the cost of private school tuition, which can exceed $10,000 a year.
As state Republican lawmakers were pushing Senate Bill 233 to final passage last year, Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes, D-Duluth, summarized the opposition, mostly from fellow Democrats.
The vouchers are “a mirage for families like mine and for countless others across our state,” she said on the Senate floor, adding that they would undermine education for kids who don’t choose private school, since public schools would lose state funding for each student who took a voucher.
“It is a battle for the soul of our education system,” Parkes said.
“I’ve got news for you,” responded Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, the
chief co-sponsor of the bill. “The wealthy already have school choice, including some wealthy members in this room who have been able to exercise school choice for their own children.”
Supporters of the bill, which Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law a month after passage, said the loss of state funding for public schools would not hurt them because they would no longer have to cover the cost of educating the voucher recipients.
The commission reports that three quarters of recipients are “lower-income,” meaning the students are coming from households with incomes at or below four times the federal poverty level. ($106,600 a year for a family of three and $128,600 for a family of four.)
Half of the recipients are Black and a third are white.
Two metro Atlanta districts will lose the most students — DeKalb County, with nearly 900 scholarship recipients, and Henry County, with nearly 800. Others rounding out the top five districts losing students to vouchers are Bibb County, at nearly 600 students; Richmond County at nearly 500, and Savannah-Chatham County with more than 400.
The commission cautioned that the
numbers are a moving target because some students may yet opt out. But the participation numbers are well below the $141 million that lawmakers budgeted for this school year.
Tony West, Georgia director of Americans for Prosperity, a group that lobbied for this program, attributed the low participation to several potential reasons: parents haven’t heard of the program yet, they know about it but are skeptical or they did not apply because they do not live in the attendance zone of an eligible public school.
Only 56 percent of applicants were approved, which suggests that many who applied do not live near an underperforming school. Address and state residency were the two main qualifying criteria.
“I think that strongly suggests that the eligibility requirements are too restrictive,” said West, who noted that 16 states with similar scholarship programs have not based eligibility on address. He can see his group lobbying state lawmakers to convert Georgia’s program to universal access.
“We’ll see what the political appetite is moving forward,” he said.
By Rough Draft
Atlanta Public Schools announced that it will give pay raises to its “frontline employees,” including bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, and nurses. According to a press release, bus drivers, custodians, and paraprofessionals will receive a 10 percent salary increase as a result of a re-prioritization of budgeted dollars for 2026. School nurses will receive a “market adjustment” of 1 percent for registered nurses and 2 percent for licensed practical nurses. All APS employees will receive a salary step increment this upcoming school year.
According to the release, the $9.3 million in raises is part of APS’s commitment to be “intentional about showing gratitude to, and respect for, its frontline employees who impact students on a daily basis.”
“I want to thank and give credit to the Atlanta Board of Education for continuing to support these financial initiatives for our hardworking staff members amid an increasingly challenging fiscal landscape,” APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson said in a statement. “Their support affirms the importance of investing in the people who power our mission, and who educate, support, and care for the students of Atlanta Public Schools.”
