(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
To be the best, there comes a time when you have to beat the best.
For Athens, that time comes Friday night in Tyler.
The Hornets will face top-ranked Carthage at 7 p.m. at Rose Stadium in the Region 2 final. Athens is the home team. It is a rematch of their district showdown in October, a 61-56 battle that went down to the final minutes.
Coach Zac Harrell said this week is not about revenge. It is about the opportunity in front of them.
“For us, it’s a fourth-round playoff game,” Harrell said. “We have the opportunity to play in the regional final against the best program in the state of Texas for the last 18 years.”
Harrell said blocking out the extra attention is a key part of the week. He wants the players focused on the habits that carried them through three playoff wins.
“You know it’s going to be a huge challenge playing a program like that,” Harrell said. “But our focus has to continue to be what it has been all year, and that’s trying to be the best we can be this week.”
Carthage brings one of the most complete teams in the state, including running back KJ Edwards, who Harrell believes is as good as anyone in Texas.
“I would say the best,” Harrell said. “I’d love to see one better anywhere in high school football.”
Harrell said Edwards is known for his speed but is just as dangerous because of how physical he runs.
“He’s really fast, but people miss how physical he is,” Harrell said. “There’s nobody that plays harder than he does.”
Harrell said tackling well and limiting explosive plays will be vital.
“He’s a threat to score anytime he touches it,” he said. “We have to get as many maroon hats to him as we can and wrap up.”
Carthage’s passing game adds to the challenge with a quarterback who has broken school passing records and Division I receivers.
“They’ve got talent everywhere,” Harrell said. “There are no weak spots.”
The Bulldogs’ defense is built the same way, highlighted by their linebackers, who have great range, can cover, and play physical.
But Harrell said the Hornets can match up if they stay true to who they are. He pointed to the toughness and discipline that have carried Athens into December. He said this team has earned its way into the fourth round.
“We feel like we’re a great football team too,” Harrell said. “If we put the best Athens football team on the field Friday, then let’s see what happens.”
KEYS TO THE GAME
Word of the Week: Us
Harrell said the focus must stay inside the building. He wants his players blocking out the noise, the hype, and the distractions that come with the fourth round.
“Our focus is on being the best team we can be,” Harrell said.
-- Tackle Edwards: Harrell was clear about the challenge of slowing Carthage running back KJ Edwards. Athens must wrap up, swarm, and limit explosive plays.
-- Eliminate the big play: Carthage can score from anywhere. Athens must force the Bulldogs to snap it over and over. Harrell said the key is making Carthage drive the field instead of giving up long touchdowns.
-- All 11 doing their job: Every snap in a game like this matters. Receivers must block. Linemen must finish. Defensive players must stay disciplined. No one can take a play off.
-- Get off the field on fourth down: Carthage does not punt. Harrell said Athens must first get them to fourth down, then finish the stop.
-- Win the turnover battle: Turnovers are critical in games like this. Athens must protect the football and find chances to take it away.
-- Play with max effort on every snap: Effort is non-negotiable against a team this good. He wants every player giving max effort from start to finish.
