LINDALE -- The Athens Hornets fell behind 29-0 early Friday and could never catch up as they dropped their District 9-4A game to Lindale, 64-29.
The Hornets record is now 4-3 with all three losses coming in district play.
Athens had chances to stay in this game against last year's State Champion runners-up, but miscues doomed the Hornets. A penalty took a touchdown off the scoreboard on their opening drive and Athens reached the red zone three times in the first half but only came away with 8 points.
Athens cut the lead to just 29-15 after Ty Arroyo hit Jaden Crane for a 22-yard score on the opening drive of the second half, and had a chance to build on that momentum when Gage Friedrich came up with the ensuing onside kick. The referees, however, ruled the ball was touched a yard early and awarded possession to Lindale.
The Eagles scored on the next drive and the Hornets never came any closer.
"They did not quit," said Coach Zac Harrell, "they kept fighting."
Jaden Crane led the Hornets with 10 catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Jecorey Roberts paced Athens on the ground with 18 carries for 96 yards and a score.
The Athens return to Bruce Field next Friday to host Palestine.
DID YOU NOTICE
-- The Hornets may have hit a tough streak, but Athens still controls its own destiny as far as the playoffs. The Hornets have Palestine, Kilgore, and Mabank remaining on the schedule.
-- Coach Harrell challenged his return teams to give the Hornets good starting field position this week and they responded. Athens started drives past their own 40 four times.
-- Turnovers continue to bedevil the Hornets. Athens lost the turnover battle 3-1 Friday night, losing two fumbles and throwing a late interception.
-- The Hornets’ one takeaway came when Gage Friedrich tracked down a tipped ball for an interception and returned it 41 yards to the Lindale 6. One play later, Athens scored on a 6-yard pass from Ty Arroyo to Jaden Crane.
-- Athens was 4-for-6 on fourth downs with a touchdown.
-- Athens tried three onside kicks Friday night.
SCORING SUMMARY
LINDALE (1Q 11:13): Clint Thurman 29-yard run. Seth Baggett kick. 7-0
LINDALE (1Q 8:31): Sam Peterson 75-yard pass to Evan Alford. Seth Baggett kick. 14-0
LINDALE (1Q 1:57): Nashad Lee 1-yard run. Pass good. 22-0
LINDALE (2Q 7:08): Clint Thurman 10-yard run. Seth Baggett kick. 29-0
ATHENS (2Q 0:4): Jecorey Roberts 5-yard run. Jaxson Stiles run good. 29-8
ATHENS (3Q 9:24): Ty Arroyo 22-yard pass to Jaden Crane. Szaid Inestroza good. 29-15
LINDALE (3Q 5:42): Nashad Lee 6-yard run. Seth Baggett kick. 36-15
LINDALE (3Q 2:06): Sam Peterson 3-yard pass to Jacob Seekford. Seth Baggett kick. 43-15
ATHENS (3Q 0:02): Ty Arroyo 13-yard pass to Daniel Stanley. Zsaid Inestroza kick. 43-22
LINDALE (4Q 10:11): Sam Peterson 13-yard pass to Evan Alford. Seth Baggett kick. 50-22
ATHENS (4Q 8:11): Ty Arroyo 6-yard pass to Jaden Crane. Zsaid Baggett kicl. 50-29
LINDALE (4Q 5:47): Kasey Villarreal 5-yard run. Seth Baggett kick. 57-29
LINDALE (4Q 4:36): Kasey Villarreal 10-yard run. Seth Baggett kick. 64-29
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