This interview was recorded Tuesday, Aug. 17, at the Athens ISD Fieldhouse. Listen to the podcast because there is stuff in there that isn't in the notes!
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The Athens Hornets are in the grind of the preseason, done with their first scrimmage but waiting on the second. These are the tough days of summer before the season officially kicks off in Brownsboro Friday, Aug. 27.
We started this week's interview with Coach Zac Harrell by asking what he saw after watching the video from last week's scrimmage against Kaufman. Some of the points he highlighted include:
-- Defense (1:22): Coach Harrell talked about how the defense has improved. "I thought our kids on defense played really hard and flew around and swarmed the football," he said.
-- Some Defensive Standouts (2:21): Coach highlights some underclassmen who came up big for the defense against Kaufman. "That sophomore class, we've got a lot of key contributors," he said.
-- Offensive Line (5:06): The Hornet offensive line struggled in run blocking against Kaufman last week, but Coach Harrell said things didn't look as bad on video. Kaufman plays a three-man front, which the Hornets hadn't really practiced against yet this year. "After watching the film, a positive was we played very aggressive, which has been a big focal point," he said. .... The discussion turned to the difference between even- and odd-man fronts and the fact that only two of the teams on Athens' schedule this year is expected to play an odd-man front.
-- Offense (9:48): QB1 Ty Arroyo played very well in the scrimmage even though the coaches kind of limited his running. The receivers dropped some passes but also came up with some highlight-reel catches. Coach Harrell highlights a couple of receivers, including one who hasn't played football in a while.
-- Special Teams (12:18): The Hornets special teams struggled during the Kaufman scrimmage, something that can probably be attributed to it being early in the season. Still, Coach Harrell said it is something they have to get cleaned up before the season begins. "We have to be better," he said.
The Hornets are in their third week and the dog days of summer practice. Coach Harrell said now is the time when average teams plateau and good teams continue to get better. (13:56)
"Football is not easy. It is a grind and it is hard work," said Coach Harrell. "Monday through Friday is a process."
The Hornets' next scrimmage will be Thursday, Aug. 19, when Canton comes to visit Bruce Field.
"We'd love to get as many fans as possible out here," Coach Harrell said. "We'll have the concession stand open so we'd love you to come out and show some support and get a glimpse of your 2021 Hornets."
Some important information from Coach Harrell:
-- Schedule Change (16:46): The freshman and JV will start at 6 p.m. and the varsity will start sometime between 7:15 and 7:30.
-- Scrimmage Structure (17:40): The teams are expected to go 12 plays each for the first team, then 10 plays each for the second team. That will be followed by a live quarter.
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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.
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