(This interview was recorded Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens Hornets (6-4) will travel to Nacogdoches to play the Lumberton Raiders (7-3) 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Stephen F. Austin State University in the bi-district round of the playoffs.
In other words -- "Hello, postseason!"
"I'm not sure I've ever been more proud of a group of kids," said Athens Coach Zac Harrell. "We can't just be satisfied we're in the playoffs. We've got a great opportunity in front of us, now let's go attack it."
Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC
Last year, the Lumberton Raiders made it to the third round of the playoffs before being beaten by Chapel Hill. This year, the Raiders cruised through their district undefeated.
"They present a big challenge for us," said Coach Harrell.
According to Coach Harrell, the Raiders offense almost always lines up with four wide receivers. They have a talented quarterback and are a pass-first offense. That is a change from what the Hornets have mostly seen in District 9-4A, where teams have a tendency to use tight ends and H-backs and run right at you.
On defense, the Raiders play a 3-4 with a pair of defensive ends who could be the best the Hornets have seen this year, according to Coach Harrell.
"Those guys present a huge challenge for us of being able to contain them in the run game and the passing game," he said.
While Lumberton is dangerous, so are the Hornets.
The Athens secondary has played well all year with cornerbacks Julious Brewer and La'Zavion Lee, and safeties Brett Horn, Jayden Turner, and Jamauri Manning stepping up for the Hornets.
"This is the best our secondary has played since we've been here," said Coach Harrell.
The defense has been particularly good at not allowing big plays.
"That's been such a big part of the defense. They have limited the big play against a lot of big-play teams," said Coach Harrell.
On offense, the Hornets have been able to grind out first downs with Jaxson Stiles and Jamuari Manning running the ball, but that can't happen without the offensive line. And Coach Harrell said the offensive line played its best game of the year last week.
"I thought they played excellent," he said. "Physical and off the ball moving people."
Keys to the Game
* Word of the Week: Be Hungry. Don't be satisfied to just be in the playoffs.
* Key 1: Control their defensive line.
* Key 2: Fly to the football on defense.
* Key 3: Continue to take advantage of what they give us.
* Key 4: Make a game-changing play on special teams.
* Key 5: Enjoy the experience, but focus on what matters.
