The Walton Raiders visit the Milton Eagles.

In 2015, the Raiders have become one of the surprise success stories to dominate talk around the state. Most agreed, the men from Raider Valley were going to be an improved playoff caliber club; but this level of play is a bit unexpected.

KK Brooks, a bright spot for the East Cobb based program the last two years, is having another fine season. Last season, the senior rushed for just shy of 1,200 yards and 12 scores. Brooks is tough, physical, and has tremendous instincts. Also back for another year of top shelf production is the tight end Sam Letton. As a transfer last season, the offensive coordinator’s son had 42 receptions for 651 yards and 10 touchdowns. At 6’3 and 240 pounds, Letton-a Kentucky native-is one of the toughest defensive matchups in the state.

However, two new additions have taken the Marietta men to the next level. First, there is the freshman Dominick Blaylock. If you know your Walton history, then the answer is yes; he is part of the Blaylock family that has passed through the same halls. Versus Etowah in September, Blaylock caught seven passes for 249 yards and three scores.

Behind center, Addison Shoup has been a real leader. Statistically, he was 15-20 for 383 yards in the Etowah game. Against, Lassiter he was 10-19 for 2015 yards and two touchdowns.

Walton is led by second year head coach Mo Dixon. The former defensive coordinator at North Gwinnett may have a team that can win multiple playoff games.

Last season, Milton was an underrated, state championship contender. In fact, the last two years, with a 19-5 record, were the best back-to-back seasons in the programs 65-year history. Last season, the Eagles lost to Roswell by two and to Colquitt County in the state quarterfinals by a touchdown.

With all of that success, the draw-back is, of course, a major loss in talent via graduation. Gone are some of the greatest players in the programs history: Quarte Sapp, Nick Wilson, Micco Brisker, Austin McLeod, Chris Turner, etc.

Here in 2015, the North Fulton squad, despite an overall 2-5 record, are still in the playoff race. At 2-3 in Region 5 6A, they own the tie-breaker on Cherokee via a win, but lost head-to-head to Wheeler.

Head Coach Howie DeCristofaro, now in his fifth season, leans heavily on his special team’s unit. Senior kicker Ethan Duda is bombing away this season.  Versus Lassiter, Duda made field goals of 45, 28, 39 and 23 yards in an 18-12 overtime victory.

With Woodstock and Pope still on the schedule, the Eagles can absolutely reach the playoffs. After starting 0-3, that would be a tremendous accomplishment to be sure.

Be sure to join Chris Mooneyham, Chip Yaggi and Chad Potier for the pre-game show beginning at 7pm on 680 The Fan/93.7FM in metro Atlanta. Karl Werl, Doug Konkel and Brandon Joseph will have all the action beginning at 7:30pm.

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