Hornet Defense Dominates in Win Over Connally
(Sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Michael V. Hannigan
WACO -- The Hornets invaded Mac Peoples Stadium on Friday night and smothered the Connally Cadets' high-flying offense for a 34-21 win.
In their final non-district game of the season, Athens improved its record to 4-1 and is riding a four-game winning streak.
The Athens defense was good in the first half but turned truly dominant in the second. In the second half, the Hornets allowed just 38 yards and two first downs, completely shutting down the Connally offense.
"The defense is playing at a level that we've never played since I've been here," said Coach Zac Harrell. "We haven't had a defense dominate games like this, especially against teams the caliber of Connally."
The Hornets forced three turnovers, with interceptions by AJ White and Ja'bory Taylor, plus a fumble recovery by Charles Livingston. White returned an interception for a touchdown for the second consecutive week and had an interception for the third straight week.
"We're just going to start calling AJ 'Mr. Interception'," Coach Harrell said.
The Hornets held a Cadets team averaging 42.5 points to just 14 points. Connally's other touchdown came on an interception.
After a sluggish first half, the Hornet offense came to life behind a highlight-reel performance by E'manuel Moore. The junior wide receiver was unstoppable in the third quarter pulling in six passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback David Richardson overcame a tough first half—completing just 4 of 12 passes for 34 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions off tipped passes—but found his rhythm in the second, going 9 of 11 for 120 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
"They were playing press man and we just said let's try and run by them and throw some fades," Coach Harrell said. "E'manuel Moore's play really lifted the offense in the second half."
The Hornets will be off next week before hosting Brownsboro on Friday, Oct. 11, to open district play.
VIDEO: E'manuel Moore catches 6-yard TD pass from David Richardson.
SCORING SUMMARY
ATHENS - 1Q, 5:46 - David Richardson 12-yard TD pass to Cody Carter. Kick no good. -- 6-0
CONNALLY - 1Q, 0:03 - Braeden Ford 1-yard run. Bryan Bazaldua kick good. -- 7-6
ATHENS - 1Q, 0:00 - Julious Brewer 91-yard kickoff return. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 13-7
CONNALLY - 2Q, 8:54 - Je'Corey Mays 3-yard interception return. Bryan Bazaldua kick good. 14-13
ATHENS -- 2Q, 3:51 - AJ White 38-yard interception return. Kick no good. -- 19-14
CONNALLY - 2Q, 1:39 - Braeden Ford 3-yard run. Bryan Bazaldua kick good. -- 21-19
ATHENS - 3Q, 3:08 - David Richardson 6-yard pass to E'manuel Moore. Two-point pass from David Richardson to Mason Shelton good. -- 27-21
ATHENS - 4Q, 7:21 - David Richardson 2-yard run. Agustin Rodriguez kick good. -- 34-21