The Ravens ended 2025 12-2 and had one of the more prolific offenses in 5A. The only two games they were held to less than 28 were their two losses. That finale was a shutout loss to Pulaski County in the state semifinals. 

Not to neglect the Raven defense, Atherton had eight shutout victories. 6 of those were against JCPS schools. The other two were Central Hardin and North Bullitt. 

Leading rusher and offensive engine Du Zye Grundy will be graduating. He had 21 rushing touchdowns and averaged over 100 yards per game. Two quarterbacks split time for the Ravens. Rising junior (current sophomore) Lamar Sistrunk, Jr. had more efficient numbers (81.5 yards per game, 15 touchdowns, 2 interceptions), albeit slightly. Deairus Smith, a rising senior (current junior), still had great passing numbers (80.7 yards per game, 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) as well but had slightly superior rushing stats to Sistrunk, averaging over 10 net yards per game to Sistrunk's 2.5 and 3 rushing touchdowns to 1.

So not only do the Ravens need to deal with a potential QB controversy, they also need to replace Grundy. The top option? Maybe transitioning Garyon Hobbs fulltime into the backfield. He was second-leading rusher, but by a significant gap. His talents were better served as a receiver where he had 7 touchdown receptions. 

Hobbs is also one of two defensive leaders coming back that really standout. He had 71 total tackles and 5 interceptions as well as 3 sacks. Zai Vion Meads had 9 sacks and 72 total tackles. They will both be seniors. 

There are some big questions offensively but still plenty of talent there set to return. Defensively, this is set to be a very poised Raven squad.

25 minutes ago, se7ens said:

The Ravens ended 2025 12-2 and had one of the more prolific offenses in 5A. The only two games they were held to less than 28 were their two losses. That finale was a shutout loss to Pulaski County in the state semifinals. 

Not to neglect the Raven defense, Atherton had eight shutout victories. 6 of those were against JCPS schools. The other two were Central Hardin and North Bullitt. 

Leading rusher and offensive engine Du Zye Grundy will be graduating. He had 21 rushing touchdowns and averaged over 100 yards per game. Two quarterbacks split time for the Ravens. Rising junior (current sophomore) Lamar Sistrunk, Jr. had more efficient numbers (81.5 yards per game, 15 touchdowns, 2 interceptions), albeit slightly. Deairus Smith, a rising senior (current junior), still had great passing numbers (80.7 yards per game, 12 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) as well but had slightly superior rushing stats to Sistrunk, averaging over 10 net yards per game to Sistrunk's 2.5 and 3 rushing touchdowns to 1.

So not only do the Ravens need to deal with a potential QB controversy, they also need to replace Grundy. The top option? Maybe transitioning Garyon Hobbs fulltime into the backfield. He was second-leading rusher, but by a significant gap. His talents were better served as a receiver where he had 7 touchdown receptions. 

Hobbs is also one of two defensive leaders coming back that really standout. He had 71 total tackles and 5 interceptions as well as 3 sacks. Zai Vion Meads had 9 sacks and 72 total tackles. They will both be seniors. 

There are some big questions offensively but still plenty of talent there set to return. Defensively, this is set to be a very poised Raven squad.

Garyon Hobbs has transferred back to CAL.

8 minutes ago, Unrivaled97 said:

Garyon Hobbs has transferred back to CAL.

Then that will be a huge loss, especially on defense, but also leaves that rushing question still wide open.

1 hour ago, Unrivaled97 said:

Garyon Hobbs has transferred back to CAL.

?… CAL is LOADED!!! Sucks for Ravens as I’m sure they wanted to build around him.

9 hours ago, Unrivaled97 said:

Garyon Hobbs has transferred back to CAL.

Will Grayden Reid be going back to CAL also with Hobbs?

2 hours ago, RVaughn said:

Will Grayden Reid be going back to CAL also with Hobbs?

As far as I'm aware, G Reid isn't coming back to CAL.

2026 Atherton Ravens
Aug 7 at North Hardin (Scrimmage)
Aug 14 at Boyle County (Scrimmage)
Aug 21 vs. Central Hardin
Aug 28 at Southern
Sep 4 vs. Mercer County
Sep 11 at Manual
Sep 18 at Eastern
Sep 25 at Fern Creek
Oct 2 - BYE
Oct 9 at Butler (District)
Oct 16 at Seneca (District)
Oct 23 vs. Iroquois (District)
Oct 30 vs. North Oldham

Atherton should strengthen their schedule a little bit. Manual is good but they need 2-3 more challenges. They should run through this schedule with what they have returning.

1 minute ago, Devils Fan said:

Atherton should strengthen their schedule a little bit. Manual is good but they need 2-3 more challenges. They should run through this schedule with what they have returning.

I agree and one could argue that hurt them last year. 

On 1/11/2026 at 11:30 PM, Unrivaled97 said:

Garyon Hobbs has transferred back to CAL.

He is eligible?

27 minutes ago, #RockNation said:

He is eligible?

As far as I'm aware.  Obviously, Atherton will miss him, but they're got a few other kids that can play.  What Coach White has done there can't be overstated.  Coaching stability is huge when it comes to JCPS programs and simply put, most of them don't have it.

22 hours ago, Unrivaled97 said:

As far as I'm aware.  Obviously, Atherton will miss him, but they're got a few other kids that can play.  What Coach White has done there can't be overstated.  Coaching stability is huge when it comes to JCPS programs and simply put, most of them don't have it.

I could be mistaken but if memory serves I thought some Posters had indicated that "Coaching" might have been the main culprit in the Playoff Exit.

31 minutes ago, JIM SEYMOUR # 85 said:

I could be mistaken but if memory serves I thought some Posters had indicated that "Coaching" might have been the main culprit in the Playoff Exit.

That might be the case, but I don't believe I was one of those "posters".  Before Coach White arrived at Atherton, when was the last time they were relevant?  I believe last year was their 1st time being in the state semi-finals in school history, but feel free to double check me on that one.

On 5/4/2026 at 11:52 AM, Devils Fan said:

Atherton should strengthen their schedule a little bit. Manual is good but they need 2-3 more challenges. They should run through this schedule with what they have returning.

I disagree, until they prove that last year will be the norm and not a anomaly then they should leave it alone.

On 5/5/2026 at 11:30 AM, Tkinslow said:

I disagree, until they prove that last year will be the norm and not a anomaly then they should leave it alone.

I see what you’re saying. But running through the back half of your schedule doesn’t prepare you for the playoffs especially when your district opponents are consistently ranked amongst the lowest in the state regardless of class. Those types of wins give a false confidence. Maybe, move Manual towards the end of the schedule game 8-10.