(The following interview was recorded Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens Hornets are rolling out of their week off with a 5-2 record overall and a 2-1 record in district. They are primed for a run at the playoffs as they face the final three games of the regular season.
"Last year at this point, we were 2-5 and 0-3," said Coach Harrell. "The makeup of this team and the character and the leadership of this team has really made all the difference."
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Resilience is one of the main characteristics of the 2023 Hornets. They have stuck together and responded when faced with adversity, something the fans can't always see from the stands.
"You don't see what's happening off the field. You don't see what's happening on the sideline," said Coach Harrell, "and those things are just as important, actually more important, than the talent you have."
The Hornets will get another chance to show what they're made of this week when they take on the No. 5-ranked Kilgore Bulldogs -- and they have to do it without their starting quarterback.
QB David Richardson has been having an outstanding sophomore season but was injured in the win over Henderson. Jaxson Stiles will take his place against Kilgore.
"Jaxson will step in a play quarterback, and we have no doubt that he'll play it at a high level," Coach Harrell said. "He's a big-time competitor, as he showed in that second half against Henderson. He'll do whatever it takes for us to win."
The Hornets will need a big effort across the board when they travel to Kilgore Friday night.
"They are a complete football team," said Coach Harrell. "Not only are they really talented, because they are, but they are also really well coached and play really hard. They do everything right."
But they aren't unbeatable.
"I think if we play well, we're going to have a chance to win the game," Coach Harrell said. "We have to prepare and focus that way."
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Kilgore.
Keys to the game
* Word of the Week: Show Up. "Show up and be ready to fight," said Coach Harrell.
* Key 1: Prepare and play to win.
* Key 2: Cause turnovers.
* Key 3: Execute up front.
* Key 4: Continue to be a better team than we were a week ago.
