(This interview with Coach Zac Harrell was recorded Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Athens ISD Field House. We cover A LOT in the interview that doesn't get into the story, so please listen.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens Hornets (3-1) are riding a three-game winning streak as they prepare to start District 9-4A play this Friday night by hosting the Jacksonville Indians.
The Indians haven't fared as well in non-district play and are 0-4 so far in 2023.
But Athens Coach Zac Harrell says that isn't important.
"What matters now is everybody in district is 0-0," he said. "What's happened up to this point really doesn't matter."
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Jacksonville has played a really difficult schedule so far, Coach Harrell said, and is better than its record.
"They're very talented," he said. "They have a wide receiver who also plays corner, No. 3, named Jermaine Taylor, who I think is one of the best athletes in East Texas. He presents a great challenge on both sides of the ball."
Defensively, the Indians run a 3-4 front with a pair of big linebackers. They also have a very athletic secondary.
"If we don't play our best game, we're not going to have a chance to win," said Coach Harrell, "so we've got to play our best game."
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bruce Field.
Keys to the game
-- Word of the Week: Whatever It Takes (WIT). "We've got to do whatever it takes to be successful this week," Coach Harrell said.
-- Start Fast.
-- Take care of the football.
-- Don't let No. 3 (Taylor) beat us.
-- Win the special teams battle.
-- Play with a chip on your shoulder.
Other topics covered in the interview:
* How this year is so much different than last year.
* How well the defense played last week.
* How well the defensive line has been playing.
* A higher level of discipline this year.
* The running game and use of 11 and 12 personnel.
* The evolution of the offense throughout the year.
* Coach Harrell breaks down the hook-and-lateral play from last week.
