Walton High School

Walton Football

One year ago, everyone knew Walton was going to supply heavy doses of running back Tyren Jones to its opponents. There is more uncertainly surrounding the Jones-less Raiders this season, but coach Rocky Hidalgo will have talented starters and a brackish defense capable of bringing Walton back to prominence.

“I think the thing we are going to have to work on is building some depth along the defensive line, but I think this is going to be a very good defensive team,” said Hidalgo.

However, there will be a changing of the guard on offense.

“We are young on the offensive line and we are young at tailback, so it is going to take a while for that part of our team to gel,” said Hidalgo. “We are going to have to rely on our quarterback and our wide receivers, and I think you are going to see us throw the ball a little bit more than what most people have.”

Sophomore running back Karekin Brooks will share carries with Breyon Thomas. This will allow weapons like D.J. Smith and rising sophomore cornerback Chad Clay to step in at receiver rather than the backfield. Fullback Henry Rowling returns with the most playing experience of any returning offensive player.

At tight end is junior Davis Pigeon, who will stand as a big target for senior quarterback and Louisiana Tech signee Price Wilson. Wilson was 3-1 as a starter last season.

The Raiders have tremendous team speed this season, especially on defense. Linebacker Dreyon Williams was unblockable in spring practice and will likely see a breakout season. Zach Williams missed last season with an ACL injury and according to Hidalgo will be an “animal” on defense.

Smith and junior Taquar Stewart will move from the starting cornerbacks to safety this year. Walton will have one of the best safety nets in the state with this duo. Linebacker Amani Parker was injured in the first game of the season last year and returns as another standout.

The schedule will challenge the Raiders in 2013 and Hidalgo recognizes the depth of Region 5-AAAAAA.

“I think the region is going to be very very tough,” said Hidalgo.

The Raiders open up with Peachtree Ridge in the Metro PCS Corky Kell Classic. The Lions were the only one of the 10 teams in this year’s Corky Kell lineup that did not reach the postseason last year.

Off the Field

Walton High School has one of the best combinations of academics and athletics in the state. The Cobb County school is coming off another Class AAAAAA Director’s Cup championship, an award that measures the top athletics programs in the state. Walton was established in 1975 and was one of six featured “Outstanding American High Schools” featured by U.S. News & World Report in 1999. Walton has a “Walton Enrichment Block”, or WEB, which shortens classes one day a week. Students receive several hours to complete missed assignments, receive individual instruction, or simply leave early. WEBs have helped build relationships between teachers and students.