In this week’s Hornet Podcast, Michael sits down with Coach Zac Harrell to look back on last week’s scrimmage with Fairfield, preview Thursday’s trip to Lindale, and get ready for the season opener against Henderson.
Recap of the Fairfield Scrimmage
Coach Harrell came away encouraged by the Hornets’ first scrimmage. The goals were to stay healthy and give plenty of players game reps, and both goals were met.
Offensively, Athens threw the ball often against Fairfield’s seven-man front. The Hornets ran 46 plays, with 36 coming through the air. Coach Harrell said one of the biggest issues was failing to connect on deep passes. Of seven “shot plays,” five had receivers open, but the Hornets couldn’t complete them. Timing, pressure, and footwork all played a role, but Coach Harrell is confident those can be corrected.
Defensively, Athens gave up two touchdowns, but Coach Harrell said the unit was otherwise dominant. The scrimmage also allowed the staff to evaluate depth, especially at linebacker, cornerback, and defensive line, where several new players got the chance to show they are ready for varsity.
Coach Harrell stressed that scrimmages are about finding who can step up as backups and future contributors, not just evaluating the starters.
“You’re going to have injuries in a 4A football season,” he said. “It’s not if, it’s when. That’s why these reps are so important.”
Looking Ahead to Lindale
Athens will scrimmage Lindale on Thursday, Aug. 21, with freshmen and JV at 6 p.m. and the varsity starting around 7:30 p.m. Unlike the Fairfield scrimmage, this one will include a live half with game-style conditions, including a 20-minute warm-up and the use of the new wristwatch system for calling plays from the press box.
Coach Harrell said there were some unexpected wrinkles in using the devices last week, like offensive linemen checking their watches after getting set. In a real game that would be a penalty, something even the referee admitted he hadn't thought about.
“That’s exactly the reason you do this kind of stuff,” Coach Harrell said. “It’s brand new.”
The Hornets will also practice special teams substitutions during the live half, though those plays won’t be fully live. The goal is to prepare for real game routines before the season opener.
Focus on Henderson
While Lindale provides another good test, Coach Harrell made it clear the Hornets’ preparation is already aimed at Henderson, who comes to Bruce Field on Friday, Aug. 29.
“They have a new coaching staff, so there’s some unknown,” he said. “But they’re always one of the best programs in East Texas with high-quality athletes, and we know it’s going to be a challenging opening game.”
Upcoming
Thursday, Aug. 21 – Scrimmage at Lindale. JV/freshmen at 6 p.m., varsity around 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29 – Season opener vs. Henderson, 7:30 p.m., Bruce Field.
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