The Athens Bulldogs entered Friday's matchup against Jackson High School with hopes of not only advancing to 4-0, but securing themselves as a top contender in the Tri-Valley Conference and the Bulldogs did just that with a 49-0 victory against out-of-conference foe, Jackson.
Athens spent little time putting points on the board; the Bulldogs, led by quarterback Joey Burrow, scored on their first drive of the ballgame when sophomore running back Trae Williams rushed 65-yards up the middle for a touchdown.
After Athens' linebacker Troy Stalder forced a fumble on Jackson's opening offensive drive, Burrows and company drove down the field for a 12-yard Zach Saltzman touchdown reception. The Bulldogs struck the end zone once more in the first quarter on a one-yard Trae Williams scamper. At the end of the first quarter, the tally was 21-0, Athens.
Stout defense was the story line for both squads in the second quarter. Jackson's Tyler Humphrey led the Ironmen with a fumble recovering early in the quarter. Athens registered two fumble recoveries of their own, which were both inside the redzone.
Following several stalled drives by both teams, the first points of the second quarter were finally scored on a 94-yard touchdown pass from Joey Burrows to Ryan Luehrman with 39 seconds remaining in the first half. The Hail Mary put the score at 28-0 heading into the half.
Jackson received the ball to start the second half, and as seen in quarters one and two, the Ironmen were forced to punt after a three-and-out. The explosive Bulldog offense took advantage of the opportunity and score on the first play of their first second half possession. It was Trae Williams that housed a 72-yard rush up the middle — his third touchdown of the contest.
Though, the extra point attempt failed which made the score 34-0.
The next scoring play came on special teams when Jackson's punter took the snap and unknowingly knelt in the endzone, resulting in a safety.
Athens, which received the ball following the safety, easily marched down the field and eventually scored on a option play to Trae Williams. The third quarter closed with a 42-0 tally after another missed extra point.
In the fourth quarter, the Bulldog's second-team offenses and defenses gained valuable game-time experience. When the dust settled, Athens remained undefeated with a 49-0 victory over the Jackson Ironmen.
Athens out gained the Ironmen 493-yards to 292-yards. Running back Trae Williams stole the spotlight with 144-yards and four scores with his feet. Highly touted recruit Joey Burrow went completed 15 of his 20 attempts for 335-yards and three touchdowns.
The Bulldogs look to keep their perfect record intact as they take on the Fairland Dragons next weekend.
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