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In this episode, Michael talks with Coach Harrell about the Hornets' upcoming game against the top-ranked Carthage Bulldogs.
District Opener Recap
The Hornets are coming off their district opener, beating Brownsboro 44-35 for their fifth straight win. Coach Harrell discussed how the team overcame challenges, like having a new quarterback and changes on the offensive line. Sophomore Thatcher Diamond stepped in for injured quarterback David Richardson and had a great game, completing 14 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns. Even with missing players, the Hornets offensive line did a good job adapting to new roles to help get the win.
"There were really three (offensive line) guys at new positions that hadn't played much, so I thought those guys handled it really well," said Coach Harrell.
The defense also played well against a Brownsboro team that wouldn't go away easy. The Bears made plays on third and fourth downs to stay in the game, but the Hornets tightened up down the stretch to win it.
Carthage Preview
This week, Athens faces their biggest challenge of the year so far as they play the No. 1-ranked Carthage Bulldogs at Bruce Field. The Bulldogs are a perennial powerhouse who are also coming off a win.
"They have been very talented, but they're also extremely well coached," said Coach Harrell. " When you combine those two things -- having a lot of talent and some of the best coaching in the state -- it makes a really good football team."
For Athens, this is a chance to see how they measure up against the best. To win, they need to focus on the little things, stay disciplined, and do their jobs with confidence. The team knows they need to bring their best effort and be physical to match Carthage's intensity. This game will show how far the Hornets have come as they try to prove they belong with the top teams in Texas.
Keys to Victory
Word of the Week: Tipping Point - Coach Harrell said this is the point in the season when teams either keep getting better or they flatten out. The Hornets need to keep getting better.
Focus on the Details - Every player needs to stay focused and do their job right in practice and during the game.
Give Your Best Effort - Playing against the top team means everyone needs to give their best effort, be physical, and not give up.
Fight Up Front - The Hornets have to come off the ball and be physical along the offensive and defensive lines.
Stay Confident - The Hornets need to believe in themselves and stay confident no matter who they are playing.
Be Better This Week - The objective is to keep getting better each week and stay pointed at the season's goals.
This Week
Athens (5-1) will host Carthage (5-1) at Bruce Field this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The Hornets need their fans to come out strong, just like last week, to give the team the energy they'll need.
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