This interview was recorded Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.
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The 2-2 Athens Hornets are banged up but ready to start their run through the District 9-4A competition. As a reminder, besides Athens that district includes: Henderson, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Lindale, Palestine, and Chapel Hill.
The Hornets start things off this Friday on the road at the 1-3 Jacksonville Indians. Jacksonville is coming off a 31-21 win over Pine Tree and will be ready to put up a fight against Athens.
“You see them improve as a football team on film from week to week,” said Coach Harrell.
The Indians have a star player to lean on in WR Devin McCuin.
“He’s probably the best football player we’ve played against up to this point,” said Coach Harrell. “So you’ve got to know where here is.”
The Indians play a 3-4 defense so there shouldn’t be any surprises for the Hornets. Coach Harrell said Jacksonville will look to stop the run first and play man-to-man coverage on the outside.
But schemes aren’t going to be the big challenge for Athens this week. The Hornets are going to have to overcome being banged up Friday night.
“We’re still dealing with some injuries,” said Coach Harrell. “We think, right now, there are potentially four or five starters out.”
Coach Harrell pointed out that Athens made sure a lot of different players received reps early in the year and during scrimmages in case of this scenario.
“I think our kids will be ready,” he said. “I think our kids will play as hard as they can.”
Keys to the Game
Word of the Week: Faith – “We’re all in this deal together,” said Coach Harrell, “and we’ve all got to do this the Hornet Way and not ‘my way.’”
– We can’t let Devin McCuin beat us.
– Attack their man coverage in the passing game.
– Come out and execute early in the second half.
– Make a game-changing play in special teams.
Podcast topics:
* Athens injuries (1:25)
* Last week against Kaufman (3:24)
* Having guys step up (5:47)
* About Jacksonville (7:18)
* Keys to the Game (14:03)
These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.
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