'Leadership and determination' helping shape Decatur identity for 2026 season
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The clock continues to tick towards the start of the 2026 Georgia High School Association football season, which will begin for the Decatur Bulldogs on August 2020 when they take on Blessed Trinity during the second week of the Corky Kell Classic and head coach, William Felton says his senior class is setting the tone for the season.
"This senior class brings on a lot of leadership and determination," which Felton says has spread throughout out the team, particularly with the younger players who believes "are taking on the identity of the seniors," which is leading to early buy in by players and that is something which has he and his staff excited about what is in store this season.
Since taking over the Bulldogs program in 2020, Felton has led Decatur to a 40-24 record, five playoff appearances and a region title, which was their first since 2004, however the 2025 season would mark the first time not reaching the GHSA state championship tournament in the Felton era, something he believes has been impactful in how his players are attacking preparing for the season.
"They understood the assignment of creating a player led team," Felton said, praising his players for their approach to daily routines in the weight room and on the field, including senior quarterback, Jenssen Kaivani, who Felton says has "definitely over dedicated himself even more so than he was already to the program," focusing on his "physical growth," in effort to help his team and his "opportunities beyond high school,".
The Bulldogs will also rely on the leadership of senior defensive back and wide receiver, Isaac McCalep, who has been a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and has "evolved at great level" for Decatur, becoming a coach on the field for Decatur. When it comes to the trenches, offensively, junior offensive lineman, Charles Snyder, who also was a day one starter as a freshman, will be a lynchpin for that unit.
"A very hard worker. Does a great job in the weight room and on the field being a leader of the o-line," Felton said of Snyder. Felton also highlighted senior corner back Chace Forbes and senior tight end, Daniel McKnight, as plyers the Bulldogs will rely on for leadership this season, helping emphasize the message for the year.
"Be physical, be disciplined and dedicated. That's pretty much been the mantra of the summer," Felton said. "The principal of any successful football team is having those three things in tact," Felton said of what he believes are important building blocks for the Bulldogs this season. "You have to do the things that you're supposed to do at all times and you can't waiver from that because that only allows you to grow just one percent," Felton said.
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