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In this week’s episode, Michael talks with Coach Harrell following the Hornets' thrilling 35-28 comeback win over Kaufman last Friday. The discussion covers key moments from the game and a look ahead to their homecoming game against Palestine.
Reflecting on Last Week's Win
Coach Harrell talks about the pride he feels in his team’s response to adversity last week, especially after their challenging season opener. The fourth quarter against Kaufman saw players digging deep, showing grit, and battling through exhaustion. Harrell highlights the team’s resilience and mental toughness, emphasizing how crucial it is for the Hornets to keep that level of intensity moving forward.
Gutsy Plays in the Fourth Quarter
Coach Harrell describes two key plays from the second half that highlighted the Hornets' effort and made a big difference in the game:
* On a crucial fourth-and-one, the Hornets won the line of scrimmage, allowing David Richardson to power through the middle and convert the yard they needed to keep the drive alive.
* Another pivotal moment was a second-and-15 where Jase Warren made a gutsy run, breaking multiple tackles and gaining 16 yards. Despite being visibly exhausted, Warren pushed through, demonstrating the team's commitment to winning.
Mental Toughness and Physicality
Friday's comeback demonstrated growth by the Hornets, with players selling out in the fourth quarter despite injuries and exhaustion. The effort and physicality shown were major factors in securing the comeback win.
Preview of the Palestine Game
Athens will face a familiar opponent this Friday in Palestine, but with a twist. Palestine’s new coaching staff has implemented a spread offense, moving away from the wing-T, and they pose a significant threat. Despite Palestine’s early-season struggles, Coach Harrell cautions against underestimating them.
Keys to Victory
-- Word of the Week: Be Tough – Coach Harrell challenges the Hornets to remain tough, both physically and mentally, as they continue to battle through the challenges of the season.
-- Prepare Better Than Last Week – Coach Harrell stresses the need to prepare with the same intensity as after a loss and avoid the temptation to relax after a win.
-- Limit Missed Assignments – The Hornets need to stay focused and execute their assignments to avoid mental errors.
-- Be Physical At The Start – The Hornets must come out physical and set the tone early, especially against a dangerous team like Palestine.
-- Keep Your Composure -- Games against Palestine can sometimes get chippy, so the Hornets need to control their emotions.
-- Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing – With homecoming festivities and distractions throughout the week, Coach Harrell emphasizes the importance of focusing on winning the game above all else.
This Week
The Hornets (1-1) host the Palestine Wildcats (0-2) at Bruce Field this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and it's homecoming, so the Hornets need a big crowd to show up and support them!
