Athens gets ready to welcome the Henderson Lions to town

This interview was recorded Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the Athens ISD Field House.

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The Athens Hornets are coming off their first loss of the season, falling to Chapel Hill last week, 57-21.

The Hornets look to get back on track Friday night when they welcome the 3-1 Henderson Lions to Bruce Field. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

I. Players of the Week (1:30)

As we do each week, Coach Zac Harrell and I start off by shouting out the Players of the Week from last week's game. The players are:

• MVP: Jaden Crane

• Offensive MVP: Jorien Ray

• Defensive MVP: Jaxson Stiles

• Special Teams MVP: Zsaid Inestroza

Here's the short version of what Coach Harrell said, but there's a lot more in the main interview above.

Michael V. Hannigan @mvhannigan

Coach @zac_harrell talks about the @HornetAthens players of the week against Chapel Hill. Watch for this week's interview and advance story on Henderson to drop tomorrow.

II. The Henderson Lions (6:04)

The Lions are 3-1 on the year and are coming off their open date. Friday night will be their first District 9-4A game of the year.

"They are a really good football team," said Coach Harrell. "One of the better football teams in the Class of 4A Division I. Again, everybody in our district is and we feel we are, too. Every week is going to be a battle."

Like Athens, Henderson runs a spread offense and a 4-2 defense. The main characteristic of the Lions is physicality, said Coach Harrell.

"They are a very physical football team," he said. "Last year, I'll be honest, they hit us in the mouth and we didn't respond real well."

Coach Harrell said Henderson has a very talented quarterback and his twin brother is his favorite receiver.

"They are a very good offense," he said.

On defense, Coach Harrell said the defense likes to blitz as much as 50 percent of the time.

"They're bringing heat and they are bringing them from different angles," he said.

III. Keys to the Game (10:52)

Word of the Week: Respond.

Coach Harrell said there is a difference between responding and reacting.

"When we respond, we are doing what's best for everybody involved," he said. "We have to respond to what's happened."

The Keys to the Game include:

-- Contain the Quarterback: "We can't let him extend plays and hurt us with his legs."

-- Execute on Offense: "All 11 have to execute on offense consistently."

-- Win the Turnover Battle

-- Play Physical: "Answer the challenge."

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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.