The football team hopes to build off of last season after just missing the cut for the state playoffs.

However, with the loss of standouts Grant Walker and Dennis Bell, as well as the defensive coach Michael Bashlor, Decatur might not have what it takes to compete in this new region.

Despite this setback, senior wide receiver, Terrill Hall still believes that the team will compete for a state playoff spot this year.

“I know that a lot of people including some students don’t believe in us this year,” Hall said. “But at the same time we do believe in ourselves and really, that is all that matters.”

Sophomore Antonio Kilgore, who will be the new starting running back this season, believes that the team can make a run for the playoffs this year as well.

“Even though we played good last season, we couldn’t beat the better teams,” Kilgore said. “I know, and we know that we can win those big games and will make the playoffs this year, and hopefully we can even win state.”

Head coach Scott Jackson agrees with Kilgore, but also believes that they should take the season a game at a time.

“Of course winning the state championship is the ultimate goal for the program, but at the same time, if we don’t take the season a game at a time, we might not even make state to begin with.”

Jackson also believes that the program has an influx of talent coming up and state playoff success is in the near future.

“Even if we don’t make the playoffs, the future for this program is bright and I’m able to coach these young men.”

The path to the state playoffs will officially begin when they head to McIntosh High School on August 19 and their home opener will take place on August 26 when they host Chamblee High School.

Photo courtesy of Scott Jenkins