Football Preview: Dunwoody Wildcats

Dunwoody head coach Mike Nash enters his 10th year at the helm. Last year, he led the Wildcats to their first playoff appearance since 2009. The Wildcats’ 8-3 record last year was the most wins since the team’s 12-1 run to the quarterfinals in 2008. In 2023 the team also got off to a 5-0 start for the first time since that perfect regular season. The biggest void to fill this year will come at linebacker where Dunwoody will replace First-Team All-State selection and Centre-signee Luke Cole. Last year, Cole led all of DeKalb County with his six forced fumbles, 36 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Dunwoody’s top five tacklers last year were seniors, so Coach Nash will put trust in Harrison Martin, Noble Butler, Julian Madison and Class of 2026 contributors Rhett Hesperich and David Remegailo to maintain the defensive prowess.

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Offensively, it is a stark contrast as the Wildcats will be returning the bulk of last year’s starters. In the backfield, Malachi Cranshaw and Caden Celestine will lead the backfield as juniors, and all of Dunwoody’s carries last year were made by underclassmen. Cranshaw ultimately led with 811 yards and seven touchdowns, while Celestine added 328 yards and five scores. Quarterback Matt Pearch stepped up as a junior last season and completed 151 of 254 attempts for 1,684 yards, 16 touchdowns and just three interceptions. At receiver, Danny Boden (661-4 TDs) and Porter Allison (499-8 TDs) are back for their senior seasons after combining for 1,160 yards and 12 touchdown receptions.

Dunwoody will open its season in a televised matchup against South Paulding High School in the 34th Annual Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic at West Forsyth High School on Aug. 15.

Head Coach: Mike Nash

Coach Record: 30-59

2023 Record: 8-3

2023 Region Record: 3-2

2023 Region: 4-6A

2024 Region: 4-5A

Stadium Name: North DeKalb

2024 Schedule:

8/15 @ South Paulding (At West Forsyth/Corky Kell)

8/23 @ Pope

9/6 @ Lumpkin County

9/13 vs. Tri-Cities (ND)

9/20 @ Lakeside-Dekalb (A)

9/27      vs. Decatur (ND)

10/4 vs. Arabia Mountain (ND)

10/11 @ Woodward Academy

10/25 vs. Chamblee (ND)

11/1 @ Shiloh

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