Athens falls to Van in bi-district, 38-30
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Michael V. Hannigan
TYLER -- This is not how we wanted it to end.
The Athens Hornets battled Van all game long but came up a little short Friday night, falling in the bi-district round, 38-30.
The loss ends, but doesn't define, a stellar 2024 season by the Hornets, who finish with an 8-3 record.
"I'm so proud of this team," said Coach Zac Harrell after the game. "This is a special group of kids. It hurts, and it should, but that doesn't diminish what this team did and I hope everybody realizes that."
Athens didn't win Friday night, but showed Class 4A when you line up against the Hornets you are in for a fight.
The Hornets jumped out to a 13-0 lead Friday night, thanks to suffocating defense. The offense was also sharp, going 2-for-2 in goal-to-go situations—a spot where Van has been very tough this season.
Senior RB Jase Warren led the way with 93 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He also recovered a fumble in the end zone when the Hornets were trying to score for another touchdown. Julious Brewer had a big first half with 51 yards from scrimmage on three receptions and a run.
Quarterback David Richardson started red hot, completing his first six passes. He didn't have an incompletion until the second quarter.
Van was able to start turning the game, mostly behind the running of Austin Moffatt, to cut the Hornets' lead to 20-14 by halftime.
The senior running back had a standout game for Van, rushing for 196 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries, and adding 53 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions.
The third quarter was the turning point with Van outscoring Athens, 21-3, keyed mostly by two big plays: A 29-yard interception return for a touchdown and a recovered onside kick that allowed the Vandals to score 14 points in the span of three minutes to push Van's lead to 35-23.
The Hornets never stopped fighting, battling back with a big play of their own when David Richardson hit Eli Carnes for a 29-yard touchdown, but that was the last time they would find the end zone.
SCORING SUMMARY
ATHENS - 1Q, 7:32 - Jase Warren 6-yard run. Kick no good. -- 6-0
ATHENS - 1Q, 2:56 - Ja'bory Taylor 1-yard run. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 13-0
VAN - 2Q, 8:52 - Jaxon Moffatt 8-yard pass to Caden Rowe. Aiden Moore kick good. -- 13-7
ATHENS - 2Q, 6:12 - Jase Warren fumble recovery in the end zone. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 20-7
VAN - 2Q, 2:28 - Jaxon Moffatt 44-yard pass to Austin Moffatt. Aiden Moore kick good. -- 20-14
VAN - 3Q, 8:21 - 22-yard interception return. Aiden Moore kick good. -- 21-20
ATHENS - 3Q, 6:30 - Agustin Rodriguez 21-yard field goal. -- 23-21
VAN - 3Q, 3:44 - Austin Moffatt 37-yard run. Aiden Moore kick good. 28-23
VAN - 3Q, 0:52 - Jaxon Moffatt 5-yard pass to Austin Moffatt. Aiden Moore kick good. -- 35-23
ATHENS - 4Q, 11:11 - David Richardson 29-yard pass to Eli Carnes. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 35-30
VAN - 4Q, 6:28 - Aiden Moore 22-yard field goal. -- 38-30