New Roswell coach looks to lead change

Roswell has won eight or more games every year since 2017 and teams like that rarely have a head coach opening, but that was the case for the Hornets after last season.

Head coach Chris Prewett announced his departure to Dalton following a second round exit to Langston Hughes. Prewett led Roswell for four season and had two region titles and three 10-win seasons at Roswell.

And Roswell is confident in its selection of Jonathan Thompson to take over head coaching duties for the Hornets.

Thompson was Score Atlanta’s 5A assistant coach of the year last season at Lee County where his squad went to the 5A semifinals and averaged nearly 50 points per game. Lee County scored a total of 717 points, which is seventh most in Georgia history, while Thompson was on staff.

“The energy and everything is being increased,” Thompson said. “This is going to be a whole new Roswell team.”

And there’s been a smooth transition from South Georgia to the Fulton power.

“At the end of the day, Roswell is unique and they will get in the mud a little bit. I am excited about this group.”

Coach Thompson credits his team for introducing him to “the Roswell way.”

“I knew that there was a very good group of seniors, and they have been teaching me about how to be a Hornet,” he said. “I have been very impressed with their leadership qualities.”

Thompson is a first-time head coach at the high school level and takes over a team with many returning players.

One of those players is 2026 quarterback Trey Smith. Last year’s starter, Smith ‘threw for 2,493 yards and 23 touchdowns last season to only seven interceptions. His stellar play helped Roswell to win in one of the best games in the entire state last season against Gainesville (48-45), in which he threw for 251 yards and a touchdown as well as three touchdowns on the ground. Smith is currently committed to Furman.

The Hornets are looking to add a fourth state championship to the school’s resume and their first since 2006. Thompson will begin his tenure in Fulton with a trip to Peachtree Ridge.