Hannigan's Notebook
What's Happening in Henderson County
District play begins; the Hornets ready for Chapel Hill
0:00
-16:06

District play begins; the Hornets ready for Chapel Hill

This interview was recorded Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Athens ISD Field House.

==

Athens finished the non-district portion of their schedule with a perfect 4-0 record, but things get a bit tougher this Friday as the Hornets go on the road to take on No. 4 Chapel Hill. The Bulldogs are also 4-0.

I. Players of the Week (:57)

As we do each week, Coach Zac Harrell and I start off by shouting out the Players of the Week from last week's 41-0 win over Wills Point. The players are:

  • MVP: Hunter White

  • Offensive MVP: Jecorey Roberts

  • Defensive MVP: Cody McMicheal

  • Special Teams MVP: Brenson McNeil

II. Chapel Hill (3:48)

Last season, the Bulldogs finished fourth in District 9-4A but then went on a run in the playoffs. Chapel Hill finally fell in the third round to eventual State Championship runner-up Lindale.

"They are a very talented team," Coach Harrell said.

He said the Bulldogs run a spread offense are returning nearly the entire unit with the addition of a new quarterback.

"Tyler Jones does an incredible job of extending the play," Coach Harrell said. "Their passing game is very verticle and down the field. He turns a lot of their plays into a scramble drill."

Chapel Hill has a new defensive coordinator this year and, so far, the Bulldogs have shown exclusively an even front with a 4-2 or 4-1 look.

"Which is similar to what we do as a defense," Coach Harrel said, "so we feel good about being familiar with what they do."

"It's a great test for us on offense just like it is on defense," he said.

III. Keys to the Game (10:51)

For every game, Coach Harrell has a Word of the Week and 5 Keys.

Against Chapel Hill, the Word of the Week is "Believe."

"I challenged our kids this week. It's all about our mentality," Coach Harrell said. "If we truly believe that we're capable of winning then we're going to give ourselves a chance to win this game."

The Keys to the Game include:

  • Truly believe in yourself and your teammates.

  • We've got to contain the quarterback. -- "We can't let him out of the pocket."

  • Run the ball well and dictate the line of scrimmage.

  • Win the turnover battle.

  • Send a message early with physical play.

==

Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen PrintingTinsley Law & Title, and Gibson PharmacyR&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

0 Comments