The Athens High School football program improves to 2-4 after last week's victory against Logan. Following a difficult series of games on the road, Athens will return home to Joe Burrow Stadium to face Meigs. The Marauders come into Friday’s game with a 1-5 record and hopes of salvaging their season.
The non-conference matchup shows promise of high-intensity offense, which the Bulldogs must use to their advantage moving toward the postseason. The team has struggled offensively this season, with turnovers and failed down conversations plaguing three of its four losses.
Despite obtaining rushing and passing leadership status, juniors Alex Pero and Braedon Young account for more than half of the team's fumbles. Ball security and communication must increase for any hope of playoff contention.
Similarly, strugglingly on offense this season, the Marauders have scored just 7.3 points per game. This will be an opportunity for Athens to test its postseason potential on the defensive end of the ball. Sack leader Cohen Stadler and tackles leader Seth Hart will be the examples to watch and will set the tone for this young, defensive team early.
Despite Athens boasting a defensive team, the Marauders will likely look to exploit the Bulldog secondary, whose performance continues to decline as the game progresses. Senior quarterback Griffin Cleland, who accounts for just over 130 yards per game, will be a key player to watch for Meigs. Similarly, junior tight end Dustin Vance will look to continue his receiving yards and total touchdown lead against a questionable Bulldog back row.
Friday’s game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. at Joe Burrow Stadium.
