(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
In the first Hornet football podcast of 2025, Michael Hannigan and Coach Zac Harrell talk about the new season, the importance of the team's experience, and preview this week’s Meet the Hornets event and the first scrimmage against Fairfield.
A New Season
Coach Harrell says the Hornets are coming off two strong years with back-to-back playoff appearances, but the next step is to become an elite program. That means winning playoff games and making a deep run.
This year’s roster is the most experienced Coach Harrell has ever had in Athens. The Hornets have 30 seniors and 19 players who started a varsity game last season. Key returners include quarterback David Richardson, wide receivers Emmanuel Moore and Julious Brewer, and a deep offensive line with seven players who have starting experience.
On defense, Coach Harrell highlighted nose tackle Jayden “Pookie” Davis, who has dropped 40 pounds and stepped into a leadership role, along with defensive ends Charles Livingston and Gideon Willy, and linebacker Eli Carnes, who recorded 114 tackles last year.
Two positions will feature new faces: the secondary, which lost all four starters from last year, and running back.
Keys to a Special Season
Coach Harrell believes the Hornets have the talent and experience to make 2025 one of the program’s best years. But talent alone isn't enough. He said the biggest factor will be leadership from within the team.
“The best teams are player-led,” he said.
The second piece, Harrell said, is unity. Even a roster stacked with playmakers can falter if there’s division in the locker room. He wants this group to be connected and focused on the same goals.
“If we do that,” Coach Harrell said, “we can be special.”
New Technology
One of the biggest changes fans may notice this season is way the Hornets communicate. A new UIL rule now allows player-to-coach communication on the field. Harrell said all offensive players will be wearing watches that display plays and other quick messages from the coaching staff.
“It should speed things up, cut down on mistakes, and keep other teams from stealing our signs,” Harrell said. Friday’s scrimmage against Fairfield will be the first live test for the new system.
This Week
The Athens Booster Club will host Meet the Hornets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Bruce Field. The free event will feature introductions of all sports teams along with the band, cheerleaders, and Stingerettes.
The Hornets will host Fairfield in their first scrimmage Friday, Aug. 15. JV and freshmen take the field at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity around 7:15 p.m. Harrell reminded fans that scrimmages are about evaluation, not the scoreboard.
Share this post