The Boys of Fall and the Girls who Cheer Them On
Our annual football issue is here, and we've packed these pages with gridiron grit and sideline spirit. The Bulldogs are back, ready to make some big hits with unmatched energy as they get ready to dominate Friday Nights!
Ewan Glass and Keller Copeland
Summer season is officially a wrap! Lake days, travel ball tournaments, and family vacations are turning into sweet memories as we shift our focus back to where it belongs: the GRIDIRON! For North Gwinnett families, football season isn't just a sport—it’s our culture, our community, and our heartbeat under those crisp Friday Night Lights.
Building on the incredible momentum of past seasons, the North Gwinnett Bulldogs enter 2026 primed for another electrifying run. The work put in during hot summer workouts, speed camps, and 7-on-7s is about to pay off, and the expectation in Suwanee remains as high as ever. Right alongside them, the sideline cheerleaders are bringing unmatched spirit, power, and enthusiasm to elevate every single game day.
We spent the past few weeks catching up with some of Edinburgh's most dedicated gridiron players and spirited cheerleaders to get the inside scoop on what drives them. Get ready to celebrate another unforgettable season with this year’s feature on The Boys of Fall—and the girls who cheer them on!
Meet Your 2026 Edinburgh North Gwinnett Football Players
Keller Copeland, North Gwinnett High School, 11, Senior Linebacker
Keller has had a passion for football since early in his toddler years. His passion has grown because of the brotherhood it has created for him. He’s met so many of his closest friends through football, and the bond he’s developed with all his teammates is truly special. This is Keller’s 12th year playing and his senior year of high school. We are excited for the upcoming season, and we’ll be soaking up every moment watching him play. It brings us so much joy watching Keller play and make memories on the field.
Kiptyn Copeland, North Gwinnett High School, 35, Sophomore Linebacker
Kiptyn has been playing football for 9 years, all of them at North Gwinnett, starting at the GFL level and now with the NGHS Bulldogs as a Sophomore. He is passionate about the game and has thoroughly enjoyed practicing and playing alongside many of the same boys since they were all very young. He loves the brotherhood that being part of that team has created and is incredibly proud to be a North Bulldog.
Ewan Glass, North Gwinnett High School, 15, Senior Defensive End and Tight End
At this year’s annual Lift-a-Thon, Ewan was recognized as the strongest player on the team with combined lifts on bench, squat, and power clean equalling 1185 pounds! Last season, he started on defense and offense and was selected to the all-region team. Ewan says, “Football has been great for me as it has helped me pave the way for new opportunities for my future at many places.” As a North Gwinnett Bulldog since he was six years old, and through his hard work and dedication, Ewan has received multiple offers to continue his football career at the collegiate level. He says, “Football has helped me grow mentally and physically. It allows me to become the best possible person I can be.”
Carson Manning, North Gwinnett High School, Freshman Football
Carson says, “My love for football started in second grade! After playing from second through fifth grade, I took a break from football to focus on travel baseball and middle school swimming. I previously played offensive line and wide receiver, and my high school position will be determined later. Although I’m still rehabbing from surgery, I’m proud to support the team by selling 55 NG Bulldog Cards.”
Will McFarland, North Gwinnett High School, 66, Junior Defensive End
Will has met so many friends as a North Gwinnett Bulldog! Football has given him the opportunity to learn many life lessons. One thing he learned daily in practice last season was how to overcome adversity. He got to block current University of Georgia freshman Offensive lineman Zach Lewis every day in practice! Will has also continued his commitment and honed his time management as a high school football player.
Luke Smith, North Gwinnett High School, 21, Senior Receiver
Luke and his family moved to Edinburgh this summer, and he has quickly earned the respect of his coaches and teammates at North Gwinnett. He says, “Football has taught me that success isn’t built on Friday nights—it’s built during the early mornings, hard workouts, and the days when no one is watching. The friendships, brotherhood, and lessons I’ve learned will stay with me long after high school. As I finish my senior season, I’m grateful for every coach, teammate, and challenge that has helped me to be the person I am today. A favorite quote is ‘hard work will always beat talent’.”
Let's Connect With Our Spirit Squad!
Chloe Hager, North Gwinnett High School, Senior Cheerleader
Chloe says, “I love cheer! It’s amazing to be with all my best friends on the sidelines, cheering on my favorite team! It’s been the best of times in high school. So many memories made that I will cherish about my time with NGHS.”
Trishna Kantheti, North Gwinnett High School, Senior Cheerleader
Trishna says, “I started cheerleading my sophomore year, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. My favorite memories are definitely cheer camp and Cheer Olympics because that’s when our team really comes together. I love how everyone always supports and encourages one another, no matter what. Friday Night Lights are always so exciting, and cheering alongside my teammates makes every game memorable. I’m so grateful for the friendships and memories cheer has given me—can’t wait to make even more this season!”
Amelia Pearce, North Gwinnett Football Association and Middle School Cheerleader
Amelia says, “Cheer means so much to me because it has taught me confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. The friendships and memories I’ve made will always be special. I’m excited to continue cheering for the 11-year-old Bulldogs and for NGMS basketball, where I can keep growing while supporting my teams and community.”
Whether they’re making game-winning plays on the turf or leading the stadium in a unified chant, these athletes embody the best of North Gwinnett. As the stadium lights kick on and the band queues up, one thing is certain: Friday nights in Suwanee are built on this community’s relentless drive and spirit. Here’s to an unforgettable season ahead. Go Dawgs!