(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The regular season will close where it began, under the lights at Bruce Field.
Athens (7-2, 3-1) will host Bullard (3-6, 1-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday for Senior Night, celebrating 32 Hornet seniors who have helped turn the program into a district contender.
“This group has meant a lot to this program,” Head Coach Zac Harrell said during this week’s podcast. “They’ve helped transition Athens from being a .500 team to a dang good football team. ”
The Hornets locked up the No. 2 seed in District 9-4A last week with a 44-26 win at Center. Athens started fast and controlled the game early behind a powerful rushing attack.
Harrell said the goal this week is to keep improving as the team prepares for the playoffs.
“The key going into this week is to be playing the best we can be for the playoffs. That’s what we’re focused on right now,” he said. “That’s what we’re focused on right now.”
Bullard will come to Athens fighting for its playoff hopes.
“They’re coming in here, and if they beat us, they’re going to make the playoffs,” Harrell said. “That’s what they’re preaching to their kids. That’s what they’re preparing to do. So we’ve got to make sure we’re playing our best game.”
Harrell said the Panthers are one of the more unpredictable teams Athens has faced this year.
“They run every formation known to man,” he said. “They’ve done it all. We’ve got to be prepared and be able to line up to all the formations they’re going to throw at you.”
Defensively, Bullard will bring the same variety.
“They’ve lined up in every front. They’ve played every coverage that you could play,” Harrell said. “If I had to pick what they did the most, I’d say it’s a 4-2-5 look, but again, they’ve done everything.”
That kind of flexibility means Athens must stay ready to adapt.
“We’ve got to be ready for anything they’ll throw at us and then be ready, you know, that we have answers in our offense for anything you might throw at us,” Harrell said. “We’ve got to keep it simple, and whatever we have to do to adapt, that’s what we have to do.”
Word of the Week: Playoff Mode
Harrell said the Hornets are approaching this week like the postseason has already started.
“Right now we are treating this week like playoffs, and we are treating this game like a playoff game,” he said. “Because again, the key is to improve.”
Keys to Victory:
* Practice with purpose all week.
* Win starting field position off the kicking units.
* Be a great teammate in everything we do.
* Play the game the right way and keep our composure.
* Have fun and enjoy the process.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bruce Field. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Senior Night ceremony beginning at 7.
