(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
Talking on this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell said the Hornets are focused and ready as they open district play Friday night at Brownsboro.
Time For District Play
The Hornets return from their week off sitting at 4-1 after a strong non-district showing that featured explosive offense and a ball-hawking defense.
Coach Harrell said he was proud of how the team handled the first half of the season but reminded them that the real work starts now.
“We’ve had a great first half,” he said. “Our guys have stayed focused, handled their business, and kept the distractions out. But now it’s time to go. The games count now — this is when it really matters.”
Scouting Brownsboro
Athens begins district play Friday night on the road against rival Brownsboro, a match-up that always brings out the best in both teams regardless of records.
“It’s a big rivalry game,” Coach Harrell said. “You can throw records out the window. They always play really well against us, and we’ve got to be ready for them.”
The Bears are led by senior quarterback Adam Thompson, a three-year starter who runs the offense with confidence and creativity. “He’s a crafty quarterback,” Coach Harrell said. “He can make a lot of throws from a lot of angles that most guys can’t make.”
His favorite target is wide receiver Gabriel Hendricks, who nearly topped 200 yards receiving against Athens last season. Running back Curtis Warren also brings big-play potential.
“They’ve got weapons on offense and they try to get the ball in space,” Coach Harrell said. “We’ve got to be ready to defend that, and we know they’ll have a few trick plays ready.”
Defensively, Brownsboro runs a four-man front and mixes zone and man coverages. Harrell said the Bears change looks week to week, so Athens must be prepared for both.
Keys to Victory
The word of the week is “New Season.” Coach Harrell said the Hornets must focus on their own improvement as district play begins.
* Focus on Us. -- Ignore outside noise and keep improving as a team.
* Play Physical. -- Brownsboro has a smaller roster and several two-way players; Athens wants to wear them down.
* Stay Sound on Defense. -- Play disciplined football and be ready for trick plays.
* Master the Fundamentals. -- Execute position-specific details cleanly.
* Dominate the Turnover Battle. -- Athens has won it each week since Week 2, and Coach Harrell wants to keep that edge.
This Week
* Friday, Oct. 10 – Athens at Brownsboro, 7:30 p.m.
It’s Brownsboro’s homecoming, so fans are encouraged to arrive early and pack the stands.
