(This interview was recorded Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell. We discuss topics that don't make it into the story, so please listen.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens Hornets (4-1) are on a four-game winning streak after beating Jacksonville last week, 48-28, to open district play. The Hornets have been playing well in all three phases -- offense, defense, and special teams -- and continue to improve each week as we hit the midway mark of the regular season.
"You know, you can't let the everyday schedule get monotonous, and you can't get in survival mode," said Coach Zac Harrell. "You have to keep saying, 'Hey, I'm going to keep improving. I'm going to keep fighting.'"
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That has been the mindset of the Hornets all year, which is why I don't believe we've seen Athens play its best football yet.
But this week is going to be a real challenge. The Lindale Eagles are just 2-3 on the year, but don't let that fool you. Lindale is averaging over 45 points per game.
"They played a really difficult non-district schedule and had a chance to win all the games that they lost," said Coach Harrell.
The Eagles are powered by their big offensive line. Lindale left tackle Casey Poe is listed at 6'5", 280, and has committed to play at Alabama. Their left tackle, Christian Pettway, is 6'5", 260, and has received multiple DI offers.
"Their offensive line is always so good, and they always do such a good job of coaching," said Coach Harrell. "They want to run their quarterback and they also have two really good outside receivers that they'll throw to, so there's not many weaknesses."
Lindale runs a four-man front on defense, which is a change from what Athens has seen for most of this year.
"That's going to put a little bit more pressure on our guards," said Coach Harrell. "We've got to execute there."
It will be a tough battle, but this is a game Athens can win.
"Our confidence level is really high, and the kids are playing really hard," said Coach Harrell. "To be a playoff team, you've got to beat good teams. This is a great challenge for us."
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Lindale.
Coach’s keys to the game
-- Word of the Week: Dog Mentality. A dog never takes a day off. The dog shows up every day ready to roll.
-- Key 1: When they make a play, we have to respond.
-- Key 2: Win the turnover battle.
-- Key 3: The offensive line has to execute.
-- Key 4: Special teams make one game-changing play.
-- Key 5: Believe and stick together.
Other topics included in the interview:
* Growth of freshman linebacker Jabory Taylor
* Improved play of Kendrick Marshall
* Gage Friedrich's hard work paying off
* Senior leadership from Friedrich, Jaxson Stiles, Jamauri Manning, and Jorien Ray
