Class 5A Blog: Hornets right on track under new Coach Jonathan Thompson

Roswell has transitioned to the Johnathan Thompson era better than anyone could have expected. The Hornets were extremely successful under former head coach Chris Prewett. During his five seasons at the helm, Roswell won 10 playoff games, making the quarterfinals or better three times.

Coach Thompson took over a Roswell team in a bit of a transitional year. The team lost three All-State players, all of whom went on to play FBS football. Along with that, the team lost its starting running back and top wide receiver.

The constant from 2024 to 2025 has been quarterback Trey Smith. Smith threw for 2,493 yards and 23 touchdowns to go along with 875 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Even with all the changes to the program, Smith has not missed a beat. In game one against Peachtree Ridge, Smith threw for 202 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another 100 yards. In Week 2, he helped lead a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, setting up the Hornets for a game-winning field goal to beat Walton 30-28.

As a team, the Hornets are playing well. Running back Nick Peal has looked solid, averaging seven yards per carry. The big-bodied Wills Campbell is the team’s top wide receiver. Standing at 6-foot-2, he is the team’s main X receiver and should become even more prominent as the season goes on.

The Hornets once again face a tough schedule this season. Coming off a 9-3 region runner-up finish, expectations are high, but Roswell plays in one of the toughest regions in the state. Rival Milton is coming off back-to-back championships, while Gainesville may be the most talented team in 4A with a multitude of elite 2026 and 2027 recruits. In addition, Lanier is a rising power that should be taken seriously.

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