The Atlanta Bulldog Academy is one of the fastest rising organizations in the state of Georgia after winning five league championships in their inaugural season. ABA teams range from 5U to 12U competing in the Metro Atlanta Youth Football League in a family atmosphere west of Atlanta in Douglas County. Coach Hilton Alexander started the program last year in 2017 after years of success with the previous organizations. The 6U, 7U, 9U, 10U, and 11U each won the MAYFL Championship last year in their first season. “We call ourselves ABA to represent the state of Georgia. If you look at our uniform and helmet concept, we represent the Georgia Bulldogs and the state of Georgia”, said Coach Hilton. The Atlanta Bulldogs will play their home games on the turf field at Lithia Springs High School later this fall.
“We didn’t finish the drill last season at 11U. We won all of our preseason tournaments. We won the MAYFL Championship finishing the regular season undefeated. But we lost our final game to the Welcome All Panthers in the B2C Championship”, explained Coach Hilton. “We have a chip on our shoulder this year; we didn’t finish the way we want last season. After every practice we break with “finish”. Our 12U has the goal of finishing the drill and winning it all in 2018. Frank Ski Bowl here we come”, Coach Hilton added.
Coach Hilton leads the 12U team featuring some of the best players in the class of 2024. Khalil KJ Bolden is an elite athlete on both sides of the ball playing wide receiver and defensive end. Hilton “Deuce” Alexander II is one of the top athletes in the country. Deuce is a dynamic player that changes the game every time he touches the ball. “He’s the heartbeat of the team. Deuce can play anywhere on the field.” said Coach Hilton. Jaden Baugh is the star running on the ABA 11U team. Baugh was named Born to Compete Offensive Player of the Year in 2017. Returning at quarterback is Tyshun White.
The Atlanta Bulldogs have some of the top players in the state across all age groups. Taurean Ellinger (last year B2C Player of the Year at 6U) is one of the top players in the country at the 7U level. He’s a standout player that starred as a RB for the championship 6U team last year. Ellinger is also a track athlete that uses his speed on the gridiron. Playmaker Demetrius Carter will be an 8U star this season after being named as a 7U Born to Compete Player of the Year.
Jovani “Chi” McGee will be an electrifying running back for the 11U Atlanta Bulldogs next season. McGee was a Born to Compete Player of the Year for the Welcome All Panthers 10U last season.
After winning five league championships in their inaugural season, the bar is set for the second year program. “Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that the kids can thrive in on and off the field”, added Coach Hilton. “We have a number of partnerships and sponsorships in line for the fall. The future is bright here at ABA.”
The Atlanta Bulldog Academy will host teams from Mississippi on July 28th in all eight age groups to kick off the 2018 preseason schedule.
By Cody Butler
