Athens overcomes challenges to beat Brownsboro in district opener, 44-35
(Sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Athens Hornets overcame adversity and a feisty Brownsboro squad Friday night to open District 8-4A with a 44-35 win in the Battle of Highway 31.
With Athens missing standout quarterback David Richardson because of a foot injury, sophomore Thatcher Diamond stepped in for his first varsity start and went 12-of-17 for 177 yards and three touchdowns.
"Not too many sophomores could handle that kind of pressure the way Thatcher did," said Hornets Coach Zac Harrell. "It speaks to his preparation and the belief his teammates have in him."
Despite coming into Friday winless, Brownsboro made an early statement with Curtis Warren's 92-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff.
Athens answered by scoring 28 unanswered points, including a pair of first quarter touchdown throws by Diamond to AJ White and Dwayne Minifee. The Hornets scored three touchdowns in a little over five minutes of the first quarter, aided by an onside kick recovery by Juan Cleto.
Key during the Athens' scoring outburst was the play of the offensive line, which was shuffled once again because of missing players. Coach Harrell said Gus Wickel moved from right tackle to center and played well, and Aiden Robinson took over at right tackle.
"That speaks to the culture of this team," said Coach Harrell, "being ready when your number is called."
But the Hornets' 28-7 lead wasn't secure as Brownsboro continued to fight back. The Bears scored as the half ended and then again in the third quarter to cut the score to 28-21, but never got any closer.
Athens responded by scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a 27-yard field goal by Agustin Rodriguez and Diamond's third TD pass, a 27-yard strike to E'manuel Moore. Julious Brewer finished the scoring for the Hornets on a 23-yard run.
Brewer had another good game for the Hornets both as a runner and a receiver, including a field-reversing 15-yard run on third-and-15 that kept a drive alive after Brownsboro had made it a one-score game. He had 95 yards and two touchdowns on nine touches. Jase Warren had his best game running the ball for Athens with 118 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
The Hornet defense was led by junior linebacker Eli Carnes who seemed to be in the Bears backfield all night long.
"He's really come on this year and played a huge role for the defense," said Coach Harrell. "He's not missing any tackles, playing downhill, being very physical. He's probably the best player on our defense the last three or four weeks. It comes back to how he practices and the kind of decisions he makes."
Brownsboro added a touchdown with :20 seconds left on a 28-yard pass from Adam Thompson to Gabriel Hendricks for the final score of 44-35. Hendricks was a handful all night, racking up 141 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns for the Bears.
The Hornets (5-1, 1-0) face a big challenge next week when Carthage comes to Bruce Field. The Bulldogs (5-1, 1-0) are the No. 1-ranked team in Class 4A Division II according to Texas High School Football. Carthage beat Center, 59-21, Friday night.
SCORING SUMMARY
BROWNSBORO - 1Q, 11:45 - Curtis Warren 92-yard kickoff return. Bralen Kirkpatrick kick good. -- 7-0
ATHENS - 1Q, 10:25 - Thatcher Diamond 53-yard pass to AJ White. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 7-7
ATHENS - 1Q, 9:12 - Julious Brewer 17-yard run. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 14-7
ATHENS - 1Q, 6:23 - Thatcher Diamond 35-yard pass to Dewayne Minifee. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 21-7
ATHENS - 2Q, 5:35 - Jase Warren 9-yard run. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 28-7
BROWNSBORO - 2Q, 0:58 - Adam Thompson 27-yard pass to Jase Warren. Bralen Kirkpatrick kick good. -- 28-14
BROWNSBORO - 3Q, 2:40 - Bralen Kirkpatrick 5-yard run. Bralen Kirkpatrick kick good. -- 28-21
ATHENS - 4Q, 11:44 - Agustin Rodriguez 27-yard field goal. -- 31-21
ATHENS - 4Q, 7:15 - Thatcher Diamond 27-yard pass to E'manuel Moore. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 38-21
BROWNSBORO - 4Q, 4:24 - Adam Thompson 45-yard pass to Mann Scott. Bralen Kirkpatrick kick good. -- 38-27
ATHENS - 4Q, 1:46 - Julious Brewer 23-yard run. Kick no good. -- 44-27
BROWNSBORO - 4Q, 0:20 - Adam Thompson 28-yard pass to Gabriel Hendricks. Two-point conversion pass from Adam Thompson to Gabriel Hendricks. -- 44-35
DISTRICT 8-4A STANDINGS
Athens (1-0)
Bullard (1-0)
Carthage (1-0)
Brownsboro (0-1)
Center (0-1)
Rusk (0-1)