Turnovers Hurt Athens in 34-17 Loss to Jacksonville
By Michael V. Hannigan
JACKSONVILLE -- Turnovers are game killers.
Athens played well enough to win for most of Friday night, but four turnovers -- three of them in the opponent's territory -- cost the Hornets a chance to spoil Jacksonville's homecoming and were the major factor in a 34-17 loss to the Indians Friday night.
"I thought we played hard. Overall, I thought we had good plans on both sides of the ball," said Coach Zac Harrell. "But you can't have four turnovers and beat a good team."
The loss drops Athens to 0-1 in District 9-4A.
Friday's game started out well for Athens. The Hornets controlled the first half, outgaining the Indians 201-87. Athens took the lead in the second quarter by scoring 10 points in just under nine minutes of play.
First the Hornets rolled out their Diamond package with three RBs and pounded the ball at the Indians, going 55 yards in six plays. Athens scored on a Jorien Ray 21-yard run.
The first play of Jacksonville's next possession, Hornet Trey Manning stripped an Indian receiver to give Athens the ball. That drive went seven plays and ended in a Nico Castenada 27-yard field goal.
The field goal gave the Hornets a 10-3 lead, but Athens lost two fumbles in Jacksonville territory on their final two possessions of the half that could have given them a significant lead.
"We're probably up 14 points if we don't have those turnovers," said Coach Harrell.
Instead, the Hornets took a 10-10 tie into the half.
Jacksonville swung momentum by putting up two quick touchdowns in the third quarter to build a 24-10 lead.
Athens fought back, going on a 15-play, 75-yard drive that concluded with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Ty Arroyo to Jorien Ray that cut the lead to 24-17 by the end of the third quarter.
But the Hornets two possessions in the fourth quarter both ended in interceptions, sealing the win for the Indians.
The Hornets were led by Jorien Ray with 124 yards from scrimmage (93 receiving, 31 rushing) and two touchdowns. Jamauri Manning added 70 yards rushing on 13 carries.
Athens will be home next week to play host to the Lindale Eagles, who beat Henderson, 44-17, Friday night.
SCORING SUMMARY
JACKSONVILLE - 2:16, 1Q - Jesus Nunez 33-yard field goal. -- 3-0
ATHENS - 11:44, 2Q - Jorien Ray 21-yard run. Nico Castenada kick good. -- 7-3
ATHENS - 8:17, 2Q - Nico Castenada 27-yard field goal. -- 10-3
JACKSONVILLE - 8:05, 2Q - Devin McCuin 87-yard kickoff return. Jesus Nunez kick good. -- 10-10
JACKSONVILLE - 9:31, 3Q - Jermaine Taylor 11-yard pass from Ryan McCown. Jesus Nunez kick good. -- 17-10
JACKSONVILLE - 6:56, 3Q - Ryan Walker 7-yard run. Jesus Nunez kick good. -- 24-10
ATHENS - 0:51, 3Q - Jorien Ray 8-yard pass from Ty Arroyo. Nino Castenada kick good. -- 24-17
JACKSONVILLE - 10:21, 4Q - Jwaylon Kennedy 17-yard run. Jesus Nunez kick good. -- 31-17
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