(This interview was recorded Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Athens Field House with Coach Zac Harrell.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens Hornets will try to climb back into the win column this week after falling to Lindale last week.
"We thought our defense played a really good football game, and we thought our kids played hard," said Coach Zac Harrell. "We didn't think they backed down. Offensively, we couldn't gather any momentum."
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The Hornets (1-1 in district) will look to turn that around this week against Henderson (0-1 in district).
"They are very talented," Coach Harrell said. "I think you've got to be careful just looking at that record. They've played a lot of close games."
The Lions have a new coaching staff who've changed some of their schemes. The problem is they haven't exactly settled on anything yet. Coach Harrell said they run every defensive front, and the offense can line up in any formation.
"They throw a bunch at you," he said. "They don't really seem to have a core set of formations."
Coach Harrell said against a team like that, it comes down to being yourself.
"It's more about what we do well, and we've got to be able to do it well against whatever they may throw at us," he said. "On both sides of the ball, that's our challenge."
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Bruce Field.
This is Athens ISD's Pink Out game for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so come dressed appropriately. T-shirts are available at the Athens Fire Department Central Station, Treehouse Cupcakes, and Island Tans.
Keys to the Game
-- Word of the Week: Respond. "Any time something happens that we don't like, you have a choice, in football and in life," said Coach Harrell. "People that respond (positively) to things are usually more successful than people that just react and let their emotions cause their next action."
-- Key 1: Make plays in the passing game.
-- Key 2: Run to the ball on defense.
-- Key 3: Complete your assignment.
-- Key 4: Believe in the other guys in the room.
-- Key 5: Play with relentless effort.
