Logan week is a big week for Athens.
Every year, this game brings back nostalgic memories for coach Ryan Adams.
“My three years of high school here in the late ‘80s, we played for the league championship against them (Logan) in week 10,” Adams said. “So it’s very much like our Athens/Nelsonville rivalry in the Tri-Valley Conference is what it used to be for Athens/Logan back in the 1980s. So it’s got a lot of importance to us.”
Athens (4-1, 2-0, TVC Ohio) is the heavy favorite in the game. Coming off a dominating win against Vinton County a week ago, Athens is ready to take that momentum into its game at Logan.
Halfway through the season, the offense is finally starting to click for Athens. With several different weapons and efficiency on the offensive line, Athens has had no trouble in the last few games moving the ball.
“We’ll really be able to spread the field out,” senior quarterback Brendan Sano said. “We have multiple guys that can make plays pretty much anywhere on the field.”
That showed true last Friday as Treyce Albin stepped into his new role playing just about every skill position on the field. In the backfield, Mike Casteel and Tyler Roback split carries, and both finished with just about 100 rushing yards.
At wideout, Robert Dickleman continued to showcase his height and ability to catch anything thrown his way. Senior Andy Kostival showed how he can play both sides of the ball switching between slot receiver and safety/cornerback.
“The best way I can describe that is that I don’t have to worry about personnel,” offensive coordinator Nathan White said.
That philosophy shouldn’t change Friday night as well.
With the amount of offensive weapons Athens has, scoring should no longer be an issue for the Bulldogs. When it comes to the defensive end of things though, there might be some caution.
Athens has had no trouble stopping the run. As long as Logan doesn’t present a threat in the pass game, Athens should improve to 5-1 on the year.
While Logan may not be as strong as Athens, Adams is still telling his players not to overlook this game.
“We’ve got to be really disciplined,” Adams said. “We don’t take anybody for granted, you have to be humble in success and we have to make sure that we are locked down and focused and ready to do what we do well.”
