Athens falls to Chapel Hill, 57-21
CHAPEL HILL -- Three early turnovers doomed Athens as the Hornets fell to the No. 4 Chapel Hill Bulldogs on the road Friday night, 57-21.
The loss is the first of the year for Athens and moves its record to 4-1, 0-1. Chapel Hill improved to 5-0, 1-0.
After giving up a touchdown on Chapel Hill's opening drive, Athens looked to be keeping pace as the offense drove to the Bulldog 19 yard line. But on 4th down, the Hornets threw an interception that was returned 100 yards for a score.
That started a 6:54 sequence that saw Chapel Hill:
Return an interception 100 yards for a score
Recover an onside kick
Score on a 49-yard WR pass trick play
Score on a 7-yard run
Return an interception 56 yards for a score
The score was 36-0 just 15 minutes into the game.
What do you do if you're the coach on the wrong end of that score? You call a time-out and challenge your team. That's exactly what Coach Zac Harrell did at the 8:48 mark of the second quarter, telling his squad they had two choices, "pout or get better."
They got better. From that timeout to the end of the game, the score was 21-21.
The Hornets were led by senior running back Jecorey Roberts who rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
Athens also found some success through the air with Jaden Crane catching seven passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns, including a highlight reel, juggling catch in the second half.
Jorien Ray also had a big night for Athens with 55 yards rushing and 42 yards receiving, plus he recovered a fumble early on what turned into the Hornets' first scoring drive.
Quarterback Ty Arroyo settled down after those early interceptions and ran for 85 yards and threw for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
The Hornets will return to Bruce Field next Friday to take on Henderson. The 3-1 Lions had their open date this week.
DID YOU NOTICE
-- There wasn't a single flag in the entire first quarter.
-- Athens drove into Bulldog territory on five of its eight possessions.
-- The band! Great job by the Pride of the Hornets Band at halftime.
-- At halftime, Athens Hornets team physician Dr. Michael Swartwood said he'd feel better about the game if Athens could close to a certain score by the end. His prediction: 57-21. #Nostradamus
SCORING SUMMARY
CHAPEL HILL (1Q 9:28): Tyler Jones 25-yard pass to Ilonzo McGregor. Kick good. -- 7-0
CHAPEL HILL (1Q 3:59): Solomon Macfoy 100-yard interception return. Kick good. -- 14-0
CHAPEL HILL (1Q 3:49): Illonzo McGregor 49-yard pass to Tyson Berry. Kick good. -- 21-0
CHAPEL HILL (2Q 9:44): Kevin Brooks 7-yard run. Kick good. -- 28-0
CHAPEL HILL (2Q 8:55): Demetrius Brisbon 56-yard interception return. 2pt run good. -- 36-0
CHAPEL HILL (2Q 5:33): Tyler Jones 14-yard run. Kick good. -- 43-0
ATHENS (2Q 1:50): Ty Arroyo 14-yard pass to Jaden Crane. Zsaid Inestroza kick good. -- 43-7
CHAPEL HILL (2Q 1:27): Tyler Jones 5-yard pass to Solomon Macfoy. Kick good. 50-7
CHAPEL HILL (3Q 5:59): Demetrius Brisbon 2-yard run. Kick good. -- 57-7
ATHENS (3Q 0:26): Ty Arroyo 5-yard pass to Jaden Crane. Zsaid Inestroza kick good. 57-14
ATHENS (4Q 6:04): Jecorey Roberts 4-yard run. Zsaid Inestroza kick good. 57-21
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