(NOTE -- We go deeper on several subjects in the interview, so be sure to listen. -- Michael)
The Athens Hornets (1-1) will host Rusk (2-0) Friday night at Bruce Field as Hornet Nation celebrates Homecoming.
The Hornets are coming off a 49-28 win over Life Waxahachie last week in a game that was never really in doubt after the first quarter.
"It was a good win, especially coming off that first-week loss," said Coach Zac Harrell. "I was really proud of the way the kids responded."
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The Hornets will need that effort Friday night because the Eagles are tough to beat.
"The first thing that stands out is how well they're coached and how hard they play," said Coach Harrell. "But they're also talented."
Rusk is looking to put the ball in the air on offense and throw it on more than 60 percent of their plays.
"It's going to be a great test for our secondary," said Coach Harrell.
Defensively, the Eagles play a 3-4 scheme that is similar to what the Hornets play.
"We want to continue to run the ball," Coach Harrell said. "We want to play physical and run right at you."
Keys to the Game
Word of the Week: One Percent -- Get 1 percent better every day.
Key 1 -- Play with fire and intensity for all four quarters.
Key 2 -- Play disciplined football.
Key 3 -- The secondary has to be ready.
Key 4 -- Make big plays.
Also in this interview:
* More effort plays pay off.
* Julius Brewer keeps making plays.
* Looking at the Hornet offense.
* David Richardson settling in at quarterback.
* The importance of the wide receivers blocking downfield.
* How close on the wheel routes.
* Make plays when the ball is in the air.
* Generating pressure in the 3-4 defense.
This interview was recorded at the Athens ISD Field House on Tuesday, Sep. 5, with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.
