(Video: David Richardson hits Emanuel Moore for a 12-yard touchdown.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
KAUFMAN -- Teams will learn to stop scheduling Athens as a homecoming opponent.
The Hornets (3-1) stormed onto Homer Norville Field in Kaufman Friday night, ruining the Lions homecoming, 43-20.
It didn't take long for Athens to set the tone. The Hornets fumbled the opening kickoff, but Jayden Turner scooped up the loose ball and raced 71 yards for a touchdown.
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The defense then forced the Lions into a 3-and-out, and two plays later, David Richardson hit Jorien Ray for a 71-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Two touchdowns for the Hornets in two minutes, and the rout was on. At one point in the first half, the Hornets led 30-0.
"I thought our kids played extremely hard," said Coach Zac Harrell. "That first half, we didn't do much wrong."
This was as complete a team win as I have seen from the Hornets under Coach Harrell. Athens dominated the game in all three phases.
Offense
Offensively, they were led by QB David Richardson, who went 13-of-18 for 210 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The sophomore gets more comfortable and confident each week.
His top target Friday night was Jorien Ray, who had eight catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Emanuel Moore added a touchdown catch, his third of the year.
The Hornets even completed a hook-and-lateral play for a 28-yard touchdown just before the half.
Jamauri Manning powered the Athens ground game with 162 yards on 26 carries.
Defense
The Athens defense throttled Kaufman through three quarters, forcing the Lions to punt four times and turning them over downs once.
Kaufman gained 246 yards for the night, but 117 of those came during the Lions’ final two drives in the fourth quarter.
"You can't say enough about how well the defense played," said Coach Harrell. "Coach Rives and those guys did a great job of having a great game plan. (The Lions) can throw the ball down the field, and I thought our secondary was really good."
Special Teams
Not only did the Hornet special teams start things off with a touchdown on the opening kickoff, they also created a turnover on the kickoff to start the second half when Mason Shelton recovered a Lions fumble.
Kaufman also tried to get back in the game with a couple of onside kicks in the second half, but Jamarion Williams was on the spot to recover both for Athens.
Nico Castenada continued his excellent season by hitting a field goal for the second consecutive week, this one from 28 yards.
Next Week
The Hornets start district play next week when they play host to Jacksonville. The Indians are 0-4 on the year and were beaten by Pine Tree Friday night, 34-13.
Scoring Summary
ATHENS - 11:45, 1Q -- Zach McLemore 71-yard fumble return. Kick attempt no good. -- 6-0
ATHENS - 9:55, 1Q -- David Richardson 71-yard pass to Jorien Ray. Nico Castaneda kick good. -- 13-0
ATHENS - 5:03, 1Q -- David Richardson 12-yard pass to Emanuel Moore. Nico Castaneda kick good. -- 20-0
ATHENS - 9:36, 2Q -- Nico Castaneda 28-yard field goal. -- 23-0
ATHENS - 4:20, 2Q -- Jamauri Manning 8-yard run. Nico Castaneda kick good. -- 30-0
KAUFMAN - 1:37, 2Q -- Ty Burleson 1-yard run. Kick attempt no good. -- 30-6
ATHENS - :08, 2Q -- David Richardson 15-yard pass to Drayvon Russell, pitch and 13-yard run by Jorien Ray. (Hook and lateral) Nico Castaneda kick good. -- 37-6
KAUFMAN -- 9:27, 4Q -- Ty Burleson 15-yard pass to Jabory Taylor. Burleson run good. -- 37-14
ATHENS -- 4:35, 4Q -- Jaxson Stiles 2-yard run. Kick attempt no good. -- 43-14
KAUFMAN -- 2:17, 4Q -- Ty Burleson 21-yard pass to Jabory Taylor. 2pt pass attempt no good. -- 43-20