This interview was recorded at the Athens ISD Fieldhouse Wednesday, Aug. 10, with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.
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The Athens Hornets will be on the road this week for their first official scrimmage of the 2022 season. The Hornets will be facing the Fairfield Eagles.
The scrimmage will start with the Freshman and JV teams at 5:30 p.m. The varsity will take the field at 7 p.m.
The varsity scrimmage format is as follows:
15 plays with the first team (offense, defense)
10 plays with the second team (offense, defense)
12 plays with the first team (offense, defense)
8 plays with the second team (offense, defense)
Finish with a simulated overtime with each team getting a possession on the 25
"We don't really have 'ones' yet," said Coach Harrell, "so for us, it will be a lot of the same kids splitting reps."
This week, Coach Harrell talks about how things have been going and the approach for Friday's scrimmage.
I. First Two Weeks (:33)
Summary: The Hornets started regular season practice last week and held their annual Maroon and White Scrimmage on Saturday.
Quote: "We're continuing to evaluate every day," said Coach Harrell, "because that's what this part of the season is for."
Remember: While the Hornets are in pads and hitting, they are also trying to take care of each other. Many of these practice sessions don't include tackling to the ground. That makes Friday's scrimmage even more exciting because it will ratchet up the intensity.
II. A Chance for New Guys (3:40)
Summary: Coach Harrell specifically talks about Eli Perkins after Hannigan brings him up, but he later goes on to discuss how important these practices and scrimmages are for younger players.
Quote: "Eli has done a great job," said Coach Harrell. "When he decided to play football, well he's been all in."
Remember: The Hornets had a tremendous turnout for football this year at both the high school and middle school. More than 360 students combined came out to play football this year.
III. Friday Scrimmage (5:18)
Summary: The Freshman and JV teams will go first Friday beginning at 5:30 p.m. They will both be on the field at the same time going in opposite directions. The varsity will start at 7 p.m.
Quote: "Everybody's going to play, everybody is going to get a lot of reps," said Coach Harrell.
IV. Winning the Scrimmage (7:54)
Summary: The Hornets are using this scrimmage as an evaluation tool. The decisions for who plays and how much they play will be based on considerations other than the "score."
Quote: "You don't win a scrimmage. It's not a win-loss," said Coach Harrell. "Our first game is Brownsboro. That's the first game we win or lose."
These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.
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