In this week’s Athens Notebook podcast, Michael Hannigan and Athens Head Coach Zac Harrell look back at what the Hornets learned from their first scrimmage at Fairfield and ahead to a much tougher test Thursday against Lindale.

The conversation also gets into how Athens has developed its young roster, why this year’s offense could feature more running backs, and what the Hornets still need to figure out before the season opener.

Plenty to Like

Harrell came away from Fairfield encouraged by the way his team played, particularly on defense.

“I thought our kids played really hard,” Harrell said. “That’s really what we wanted to see, see how hard and how our kids are going to compete.”

Athens also showed some explosiveness offensively. All three quarterbacks played well, Harrell said, and the Hornets threw six touchdown passes in 42 plays.

There were mistakes, but Harrell said getting those mistakes on film is part of the value of a scrimmage. The Hornets spent time reviewing the video and identifying things that need to improve before Thursday.

Reload, Not Rebuild

Athens graduated more than 30 seniors from last year’s team, leaving plenty of new faces stepping into important roles.

But Harrell said the program has spent years preparing players for those opportunities.

Some players who could have been varsity backups last year remained on JV because the coaching staff believed playing every down would help their development more than standing on the sideline. Harrell said four or five projected starters this season played JV as juniors last season.

“There are no reps like game reps,” Harrell said.

That development is one reason Harrell agrees with the description of this year’s team as a reload rather than a rebuild.

“It’s going to be different,” Harrell said. “We’re not the same team that we were last year, but we definitely think we have the pieces to be successful.”

Running the Football

One of those differences could show up in the Athens offense.

Last season, Athens had depth at receiver. This year, Harrell sees strength in the backfield.

“We’ve got four good running backs, so we don’t need one on the field and three of them sitting on the sideline,” Harrell said.

Harrell said that flexibility has been a feature of the Hornets’ offense throughout his time in Athens. The system changes to fit the players rather than forcing players into the same offense every season.

One thing will not change.

“I believe to be good at football, you’ve got to run the football and you’ve got to have a toughness,” Harrell said.

Final Test

Thursday brings a significant step up in competition.

Lindale is starting the year ranked No. 2 in Class 4A Division I by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.

“They’re going to provide a great challenge for us,” Harrell said. “It’ll be a great test for our kids going into that first game week.”

The scrimmage also represents Athens’ final major evaluation before the regular season.

Game-Like Conditions

The final portion of Thursday’s scrimmage will look more like an actual football game.

After a controlled period, Athens and Lindale will play a live half with a running clock. Coaches will move into the press box and players will operate from the sideline.

For many of the Hornets, it will be their first opportunity to experience those conditions at the varsity level.

It will also give Athens a chance to test its sideline communication, watches, film and replay systems before the games count.

“It’s a good test for everybody,” Harrell said.

This Week

Athens hosts Lindale on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Bruce Field.

The freshman and JV scrimmages begin at 6 p.m. The varsity will begin approximately 20 minutes after they finish, with Harrell estimating a start around 7:20 to 7:30 p.m.

Athens opens the regular season Friday, Aug. 28, at Nacogdoches.

In the first Athens Notebook football podcast of 2026, Michael Hannigan sits down with Head Coach Zac Harrell to reflect on the first two weeks of practice, discuss the standard of sustaining elite success, and preview Thursday’s Meet the Hornets event and Friday’s scrimmage at Fairfield.

Sustaining Greatness

Coming off an 11-3 season that reached the Class 4A Division II Region Final and matched the best record in school history, the Hornets face a new challenge. Athens graduated more than 30 seniors from last year’s squad.

Coach Harrell emphasized that maintaining high-level success requires continuous buy-in, pointing out that while many teams can pull off one great year, sustaining elite-level play is difficult. Now that Athens has established itself statewide, every opponent has the Hornets circled on their schedule.

The Grind

Coach Harrell described the first two weeks of practice as the “biggest grind” of the season.

“You’re stacking practice after practice after practice after practice,” he said. “We practiced five days full go last week. When you get into the season, you’re only practicing three days a week. Now, there’s no breaks.”

“To be great, it’s not easy. It’s hard,” Coach Harrell said. “These first two weeks are a grind, but once you get through this, it starts getting really fun.”

Roster Reload

The Hornets return two starters on offense: center Peyton Mahan and running back Charli Kiser. Mahan will anchor the line, while Kiser is primed for a big year after working as a key contributor last season.

“I think Charli Kiser is fixing to have a massive season,” said Coach Harrell.

The defense brings back six starters and deep experience:

Danny Kelley, Marvin Lyons, and Ja’Bory Taylor, who is working back from injury. An experienced secondary returns safeties Satchel Williams and Kaeden Johnson, plus cornerbacks Gerren Lee Brown and Ja’Coby Wilson.

Community Support

Coach Harrell highlighted the all-in community support required to build a winning program, specifically praising the Athens Booster Club. Over the last three years, the group has raised more than $400,000 to support every 7th through 12th-grade athletic program in the district.

This Week

Meet the Hornets is set for Thursday, Aug. 13, at Bruce Field. The Booster Club will host a meal from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. featuring hot dogs, followed by the main program at 7 p.m.

Athens then travels to Fairfield on Friday, Aug. 14, for its first scrimmage. JV and freshman teams start at 6 p.m., with varsity set for approximately 7:15 p.m.

By Michael V. Hannigan

To be the best, there comes a time when you have to beat the best.

For Athens, that time comes Friday night in Tyler.

The Hornets will face top-ranked Carthage at 7 p.m. at Rose Stadium in the Region 2 final. Athens is the home team. It is a rematch of their district showdown in October, a 61-56 battle that went down to the final minutes.

Coach Zac Harrell said this week is not about revenge. It is about the opportunity in front of them.

“For us, it’s a fourth-round playoff game,” Harrell said. “We have the opportunity to play in the regional final against the best program in the state of Texas for the last 18 years.”

Harrell said blocking out the extra attention is a key part of the week. He wants the players focused on the habits that carried them through three playoff wins.

“You know it’s going to be a huge challenge playing a program like that,” Harrell said. “But our focus has to continue to be what it has been all year, and that’s trying to be the best we can be this week.”

Carthage brings one of the most complete teams in the state, including running back KJ Edwards, who Harrell believes is as good as anyone in Texas.

“I would say the best,” Harrell said. “I’d love to see one better anywhere in high school football.”

Harrell said Edwards is known for his speed but is just as dangerous because of how physical he runs.

“He’s really fast, but people miss how physical he is,” Harrell said. “There’s nobody that plays harder than he does.”

Harrell said tackling well and limiting explosive plays will be vital.

“He’s a threat to score anytime he touches it,” he said. “We have to get as many maroon hats to him as we can and wrap up.”

Carthage’s passing game adds to the challenge with a quarterback who has broken school passing records and Division I receivers.

“They’ve got talent everywhere,” Harrell said. “There are no weak spots.”

The Bulldogs’ defense is built the same way, highlighted by their linebackers, who have great range, can cover, and play physical.

But Harrell said the Hornets can match up if they stay true to who they are. He pointed to the toughness and discipline that have carried Athens into December. He said this team has earned its way into the fourth round.

“We feel like we’re a great football team too,” Harrell said. “If we put the best Athens football team on the field Friday, then let’s see what happens.”

KEYS TO THE GAME

Word of the Week: Us

Harrell said the focus must stay inside the building. He wants his players blocking out the noise, the hype, and the distractions that come with the fourth round.

“Our focus is on being the best team we can be,” Harrell said.

-- Tackle Edwards: Harrell was clear about the challenge of slowing Carthage running back KJ Edwards. Athens must wrap up, swarm, and limit explosive plays.

-- Eliminate the big play: Carthage can score from anywhere. Athens must force the Bulldogs to snap it over and over. Harrell said the key is making Carthage drive the field instead of giving up long touchdowns.

-- All 11 doing their job: Every snap in a game like this matters. Receivers must block. Linemen must finish. Defensive players must stay disciplined. No one can take a play off.

-- Get off the field on fourth down: Carthage does not punt. Harrell said Athens must first get them to fourth down, then finish the stop.

-- Win the turnover battle: Turnovers are critical in games like this. Athens must protect the football and find chances to take it away.

-- Play with max effort on every snap: Effort is non-negotiable against a team this good. He wants every player giving max effort from start to finish.

Michael V. Hannigan

They’re thankful, but still hungry.

That has been the tone all week as Athens heads into its third-round playoff game Friday afternoon. The Hornets play Sunnyvale at 1 p.m. in Ennis in the Class 4A Division II regional semifinals. Athens is the visiting team.

Coach Zac Harrell said this round always brings strong opponents.

“There’s no turkeys left after Thanksgiving,” Coach Harrell said. “There’s no bad teams playing during this week.”

Sunnyvale fits that message. The Raiders are 11-1, with their only loss coming against Pleasant Grove, which is ranked No. 2 in the state. Their offense is explosive, averaging 52 points per game.

Coach Harrell said everything starts with Sunnyvale quarterback Cayson Maupin.

“He’s a warrior,” Coach Harrell said. “You can have everybody covered. You can get pressure on him. But he’s going to get out of it and somehow find a way to make a play.”

Coach Harrell said Maupin ran for 270 yards last week and can also beat defenses through the air.

The Raiders are big up front, and feature Grayson Smith at receiver.

Smith also anchors their defense as a linebacker and brings pressure with a physical front. Coach Harrell said Sunnyvale plays mostly man coverage and try to jump routes.

Still, he believes the Hornets match up well if they stay true to their identity.

“If we play our best game, we’re going to have a chance to beat anyone we play,” Coach Harrell said.

Keys to the Game

Word of the Week: Thankful, but still hungry

Coach Harrell said the team spent time sharing things they were thankful for during practice.

“God has blessed us to be a part of this team and this community,” he said. “We’re thankful for what we have, but we’re not satisfied.”

* Prepare the right way. Coach Harrell said the schedule is different this week without school, but the team has stacked two strong practices.

* Get off the field on third and fourth downs. Athens wants to reach 70 percent on stops in those situations.

* Be the tougher team. Coach Harrell said playoff games often come down to physical play.

* Make plays in the passing game. Sunnyvale is expected to load up to stop the run, which means Athens must protect and hit throws.

* Win special teams. The Hornets have improved in this phase since the Center game and want to keep that edge.

Coach Harrell also called on the Athens crowd to help make Friday special. He said the visitors’ side needs to be packed and loud. He praised last week’s crowd against Krum saying, “It was special. It was loud and big.”

By Michael V. Hannigan

This one has the makings of a shootout.

The Hornets will face undefeated Krum on Friday night in the area round, a matchup between two high-powered offenses. Athens is averaging 53 points per game. Krum is averaging 51.

Krum enters the game at 10-0. One of its early games was canceled, but the Bobcats haven’t missed a beat.

“They’re a really really good football team,” Head Coach Zac Harrell said. “First thing that jumps out at you is their offense. They’ve scored a ton of points.”

Harrell said Krum’s offense is dangerous because it has answers everywhere.

“They don’t have any weak spots,” he said. “They have three really talented receivers. They have a running back that is really good. He’s already over a thousand yards. Their quarterback runs the offense extremely well. And the offensive line is really good.”

Harrell said the Bobcats are just as sound on defense.

“They’re extremely well coached,” he said. “They run their base defense and every position is coached really well on what to do to try to take away what the offense is doing.”

For Athens, that means the margin for error shrinks.

“When you’re playing a team that’s well coached, you got to make sure that you’re executing at a high level,” Harrell said. “Because if we’re not, then they’re going to get us.”

The Hornets are coming off their first playoff win in 10 years, a 57-49 shootout over Gilmer. Harrell said that win was important, but the team has to guard against two dangers this time of year: complacency and looking ahead.

“Once you start looking ahead your focus isn’t on what it has to be,” he said. “Our focus has to be on winning this week.”

Keys to the Game

Word of the Week: Foot on the pedal

“No cruise control,” Harrell said. “We tasted what it could feel like to win a playoff game. Well, let’s go get more. So don’t relax.”

* Fix last week’s mistakes. “Have a heightened focus on areas we must improve on from last week,” Harrell said.

* Get off the field on third and fourth downs. Gilmer ran 92 plays last week. Athens ran 37.

* Play with more physical energy. Match Krum’s effort snap to snap.

* Dominate the line of scrimmage on offense. “When we do that, we are really hard to stop,” Harrell said.

* Win the turnover battle. “Zero turnovers. Cause three,” Harrell said. “In a big game, if you do that, you’re going to be in good shape.”

Coach Harrell praised last week’s crowd.

“The community was a big factor in the game Friday,” Harrell said. “We need you on Friday. We need you to be loud and we need a lot of numbers there.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at E.H. Hanby Stadium in Mesquite.

Michael V. Hannigan

The Cardinals walked into their open week holding the No. 2 seed. They walked out holding a bus ticket to Miami, Okla.

A forfeiture ruling against Navarro College in the final week of the season changed the Southwest Junior College Football Conference standings and moved TVCC into the No. 3 spot. That set up a road semifinal against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Red Robertson Field.

The change sends the Cardinals up against a recent opponent.

TVCC saw NEO two weeks ago at Bruce Field in a 38-31 loss shaped by early mistakes and a slow start. The Cardinals gave up 31 points in the first half before settling in after halftime.

“We’re playing a team we’ve already played with NEO and they’re on a hot streak right now,” Head Coach Sherard Poteete said. “They’ve won, you know, I think three in a row.”

Coach Poteete said the Cardinals used the open week to reset and refocus.

“They’ve been ready to roll since we had our open week,” he said. “We practiced a few days last week, gave them a couple days off. It’s been a long season.”

“When they showed back up here on campus,” Coach Poteete said, “they were locked in and ready to roll.”

The plan is simple heading into Saturday.

“We just have to go play now,” he said.

By Michael V. Hannigan

The regular season is over. The real season begins Friday.

Athens opens the Class 4A Division II playoffs against Gilmer on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Henderson. The Hornets will be the home team and sit on the home side of the field.

Head Coach Zac Harrell knows the challenge ahead.

“You think of Gilmer and you think of all their history and tradition,” Coach Harrell said. “The last 20 or 25 years they’ve been one of the best programs in East Texas. They’ve won at least three state championships, including one two years ago.”

Gilmer enters the playoffs at 4-6, but Harrell said that record is deceiving. The Buckeyes’ losses came against some of the top programs in Texas: Chapel Hill, Kilgore, Lindale, Brenham, Van, and Pleasant Grove. Every one of those teams made the playoffs.

“You turn on the tape, and they’re not devoid of players,” Coach Harrell said. “Their defensive line is the biggest we’ve played against.”

The Buckeyes’ defense features veterans who have started since they were sophomores, including a pair of linemen Coach Harrell described as “huge, quick, and extremely physical.”

On offense, Gilmer runs a spread attack similar to Athens but with a focus on stretching the field vertically.

“Their receivers are super talented,” Coach Harrell said. “Their quarterback throws a great deep ball, and you have to defend it every snap.”

Coach Harrell said the Athens secondary will be tested by the Buckeyes’ downfield passing game, while the defensive front will have to hold its own against a large offensive line that includes a tackle with national recruiting interest.

“We knew two years ago when the UIL came out with the alignment that whoever finishes second in our district is going to play a great football team,” Coach Harrell said. “You’ve got Pleasant Grove, Van, and Gilmer. Every year those three teams are good. It is what it is. We’re not feeling sorry for ourselves. We’ve got to go play and go win.”

That’s playoff football. Every snap matters, and every mistake is magnified.

“In the playoffs, nothing is promised,” Harrell said. “It’s hard to make those plays in the second half, but that’s what it takes. We want to make sure we’re ready to win the game in the second half this year.”

Keys to the Game

Word of the Week: One week season, no regrets.

“We talked Monday about remembering how it felt last year after that loss to Van,” said Coach Harrell. “I told them we have to make sure that everything we do this week leaves us with no regrets.”

* Play Athens Hornet defense. Eleven players flying to the ball with relentless effort every snap.

* Start fast. Build confidence early and try to take momentum away from Gilmer.

* Win the line of scrimmage. Handle Gilmer’s size and physicality up front on both sides of the ball.

* Defend the deep ball. Keep receivers in front, make plays in the air, and prevent explosive passes.

* Finish strong. Stay mentally tough and make plays in the second half when the game is on the line.

By Michael V. Hannigan

The regular season will close where it began, under the lights at Bruce Field.

Athens (7-2, 3-1) will host Bullard (3-6, 1-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday for Senior Night, celebrating 32 Hornet seniors who have helped turn the program into a district contender.

“This group has meant a lot to this program,” Head Coach Zac Harrell said during this week’s podcast. “They’ve helped transition Athens from being a .500 team to a dang good football team. ”

The Hornets locked up the No. 2 seed in District 9-4A last week with a 44-26 win at Center. Athens started fast and controlled the game early behind a powerful rushing attack.

Harrell said the goal this week is to keep improving as the team prepares for the playoffs.

“The key going into this week is to be playing the best we can be for the playoffs. That’s what we’re focused on right now,” he said. “That’s what we’re focused on right now.”

Bullard will come to Athens fighting for its playoff hopes.

“They’re coming in here, and if they beat us, they’re going to make the playoffs,” Harrell said. “That’s what they’re preaching to their kids. That’s what they’re preparing to do. So we’ve got to make sure we’re playing our best game.”

Harrell said the Panthers are one of the more unpredictable teams Athens has faced this year.

“They run every formation known to man,” he said. “They’ve done it all. We’ve got to be prepared and be able to line up to all the formations they’re going to throw at you.”

Defensively, Bullard will bring the same variety.

“They’ve lined up in every front. They’ve played every coverage that you could play,” Harrell said. “If I had to pick what they did the most, I’d say it’s a 4-2-5 look, but again, they’ve done everything.”

That kind of flexibility means Athens must stay ready to adapt.

“We’ve got to be ready for anything they’ll throw at us and then be ready, you know, that we have answers in our offense for anything you might throw at us,” Harrell said. “We’ve got to keep it simple, and whatever we have to do to adapt, that’s what we have to do.”

Word of the Week: Playoff Mode

Harrell said the Hornets are approaching this week like the postseason has already started.

“Right now we are treating this week like playoffs, and we are treating this game like a playoff game,” he said. “Because again, the key is to improve.”

Keys to Victory:

* Practice with purpose all week.

* Win starting field position off the kicking units.

* Be a great teammate in everything we do.

* Play the game the right way and keep our composure.

* Have fun and enjoy the process.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bruce Field. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the Senior Night ceremony beginning at 7.

By Michael V. Hannigan

Playoff football is back at The Valley.

After clinching a postseason spot with last week’s 56-8 road win over New Mexico Military Institute, the No. 7-ranked Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals will close out the regular season Saturday at 1 p.m. against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M at Bruce Field.

TVCC piled up nearly 600 yards of total offense in Roswell, New Mexico, last Saturday. The Cardinals scored 28 unanswered points to build a 28-3 at the half and never looked back.

Linebacker Lazavier Amos continued his steady play in the middle with another dozen tackles, while defensive back Malik Ganaway added 13 stops and a tackle for loss. Jayden Lewis intercepted a pass, and Calvin Kalu-Alexander forced a fumble.

Head Coach Sherard Poteete said he was proud of how his team handled the long trip and stayed focused.

“They did a good job,” Coach Poteete said. “All phases of the game. We took care of the ball on offense and were still able to get a takeaway.”

The win locked the Cardinals into the Southwest Junior College Football Conference playoffs, but there’s still plenty at stake this weekend. NEO enters the game with the inside track for the league’s final playoff spot.

“NEO controls their own destiny,” Coach Poteete said. “They have a lot to play for, and I know Coach Crissup and his staff will have them ready.”

The Golden Norsemen are known for a unique defensive style that differs from most SWJCFC teams. Coach Poteete said it requires some extra preparation.

“They play really good defense like they always do,” he said. “They’re big, they’re physical, and they’re a heavy man-coverage team. You can’t just run your normal offense and expect success.”

Offensively, Coach Poteete said NEO has improved compared to recent years, adding more playmakers at wide receiver and a solid quarterback to balance their traditional power running attack. Their methodical style is designed to control time of possession and limit opposing offenses.

“They’ll get up to the line, look to the sideline, milk the clock and shorten the game,” Coach Poteete said. “If they can limit the opponent’s possessions, that bodes well for them.”

Saturday’s match-up will also carry extra meaning for TVCC fans. The school will recognize members of the 1994 National Championship team, which won the title 31 years ago — against NEO. With NEO moving to the Kansas Jayhawk Conference next year, this could be the last meeting between the programs for a while.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Bruce Field in Athens.

On this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell said the Hornets have shown resilience this season by staying focused and improving each week, no matter the circumstances.

Staying Focused

Last week’s 60-6 win over Rusk came a day early because of weather concerns, but the Hornets didn’t let that rattle them. Coach Harrell said the way Athens handled the change reflected the team’s maturity.

“It speaks to this team,” he said. “To not have a letdown after the Carthage game and to go into a game where you’re the more talented team, it would have been easy to not prepare. But our kids didn’t do that.”

He said the Hornets have learned from earlier mistakes, pointing to the Week 2 loss at Kaufman as a turning point. “That loss helped us,” Harrell said. “It showed we can’t have a letdown from week to week. Our energy and focus have to stay high, and our guys really understand that now.”

In the Trenches

Coach Harrell credited the offensive line for helping drive the team’s success. He said the group has been better than expected, both in execution and toughness.

“They’ve exceeded expectations,” he said. “They don’t get talked about much, but without them our offense isn’t where it’s at.”

The line includes senior leaders like right tackle Gus Wickle, right guard Brandon Casas, and left tackle Jose Pimentel, along with junior center Peyton Mayans and a rotation of seniors Jose Rine, Aiden Robinson, and Jamar Zakall at left guard. Harrell said their effort and experience have allowed the Hornets to control games up front.

“They’ve been rock solid,” he said. “They show up every day, they take coaching, and they take pride in what they do.”

(Full story on the Hornet offensive line coming soon.)

Scouting Center

The Hornets (6-2, 2-1 in district) travel to Center on Friday night for a match-up that could decide second place in the district standings.

“Center’s a really good football team,” Harrell said. “They’re 2-1 in district like us. They beat Bullard and Brownsboro and lost to Carthage, so this game is big for playoff seeding.”

Harrell said Center runs the ball about 80 percent of the time and features two explosive backs capable of breaking big plays. “They can hurt you any time they touch the ball,” he said.

Defensively, Center has been unpredictable. “They’ve mixed things up,” Harrell said. “Early in the season they had everybody standing up and moving around before the snap, then went to a four-man front. We just have to focus on what we do well and execute.”

Keys to Victory

Word of the Week: Athens Tough -- Coach Harrell said toughness has been a defining trait of this year’s team and will be the key to finishing the season strong.

“To be good at this sport, and really to be good at life, you have to be tough mentally and physically,” he said. “Late in the year, when you’re banged up and tired, that’s when it matters most.”

* Be tough all week, mentally and physically.

* Stop the run and limit big plays.

* Be prepared offensively and execute regardless of defensive looks.

* Be the most physical team on the field.

* Keep dominating the turnover battle. Athens is plus-eight for the season and has not turned the ball over in district play.

This Week

* Friday, Oct. 31 – Athens at Center, 7:30 p.m.

Finding Ways to Win

The Cardinals made it four straight victories last week, overcoming a long weather delay and a short-handed roster to take down Kilgore on the road. “Our guys have just found a way to win, taking it one day at a time, one game at a time,” Coach Poteete said. “You can’t win six games on Saturday. You can only win one. And so, they’ve done a great job the last four weeks of doing it one day at a time, one game at a time, one practice at a time.”

Coach Poteete said that mindset helped the team handle a difficult day at Kilgore. “We didn’t play with our two probably most productive guys, stat-wise, at defensive line,” Coach Poteete said. “But we gave up 41 yards passing. So, somebody stepped up into that role.”

The Cardinals weathered a 63-minute lightning delay and returned to finish strong. “You get to the two-minute warning there in the second quarter and we have an hour and five minutes, hour and three-minute rain, lightning delay,” Coach Poteete said. “All that’s new and different and just changes the way you interact when you get into a rhythm or into a routine during a game. And then we played the second half, and man, when that sun popped out, it was hot and steamy.”

Staying Focused on the Road

The Cardinals face their longest road trip of the season this week, traveling roughly nine hours to Roswell, New Mexico. “Can our guys be locked in once we get done with Thursday’s practice to hop on a bus and handle the bus ride and then staying all night and then getting up and handling game day there?” Coach Poteete said.

Coach Poteete said the challenge will be maintaining focus through the long travel schedule. “We’ve had a few good days of practice this week,” Coach Poteete said. “Can we finish up the week focused? That’s the main thing—can we just be locked in, focused on what is in front of us?”

Scouting NMMI

The Broncos bring an old-school approach on offense that stands out in today’s game. “They can milk the clock and they can run the football,” Coach Poteete said. “If they can control the ball offensively, it puts a little pressure on the opposing team’s offense. The most snaps they’ve given up this year to the opposing team is 59 plays.”

“They’re going to line up underneath the center,” Coach Poteete said. “Holy cow, right? No shotgun. They’re going to actually have a fullback, a tight end, a guy in the I. They’re going to do all kinds of stuff that you don’t see anymore.”

Coach Poteete said their offense has been effective with that approach. “They put up 45 points last week running the football, multiple formations, they hit a few big screens,” Coach Poteete said. “They’ve proven and shown that they can put points on the board.”

Defensive Confidence

The Cardinals’ defense continues to be one of the best in the conference, allowing 20 points or fewer in every game this season. “If we can continue to do that, then obviously that bodes well for us,” Coach Poteete said. “If we can just keep on holding teams down, then it makes it easier on the offense to go put some points on the board.”

Facing a Multiple Defense

On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals expect to see a variety of looks from NMMI’s defense. “They’re going to give us a multiple look,” Coach Poteete said. “They primarily play with a two-man shell, but their fronts—they’re going to overload some sides. They’re going to base out of a 3-4 look, but they’re going to make that 3-4 look a lot different ways by walking up linebackers, shifting them over, walking backers up, walking backers down.”

The key will be communication up front. “Can we be on our P’s and Q’s?” Coach Poteete said. “Can we know who’s coming and then kind of sort that out once the ball’s snapped?”

This Week

* Saturday, Oct. 25 – TVCC at New Mexico Military Institute, 3 p.m. Central / 2 p.m. Mountain

* You can watch the game here. 

🏈 Varsity: Now Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Bruce Field

🏈 Freshmen & JV: Wednesday in Rusk — Freshmen at 5 p.m., JV at 6:30 p.m.

🏈 Middle School: Wednesday at Bruce Field, starting 4:30 p.m.

Game Day came early — but Hornet Nation always shows up!

Be there. Be loud. Go Hornets!

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(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)

Talking on this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell said the Hornets are proud of how they battled against No. 1 Carthage, but the focus now is fixing mistakes and staying hungry for more.

No Moral Victories, Just Progress

The Hornets fell just short last Friday in a top-10 matchup at Carthage, but Coach Harrell said Athens proved it belongs among East Texas’ elite.

“We were proud of our kids for going in there and doing what they did, but we weren’t happy that we didn’t win the game because we had a chance to win the game,” said Coach Harrell.

“I think a lot of people were surprised, but I’ll tell you who wasn’t surprised — everybody in this building. We knew if we played well, we were going to have a chance to win the game. And that’s exactly what happened.”

Coach Harrell said the Hornets stood their ground against a team known for both talent and swagger.

“They try to intimidate you. They’ve got all those state championships listed on the field and on the scoreboard, and they play pretty mouthy and celebrate and dance,” he said. “Our kids didn’t care about any of that. I was really proud of the way we fought, but also proud that our kids played with a lot of class.”

He said the game was another marker of how far Athens football has come since his arrival seven years ago.

“When we came here, our goal was to put Athens football right up there with the best programs in East Texas, with the Carthages, with the Gilmers,” Coach Harrell said. “It’s taken a little longer than we wanted to, but we think we’re close. That’s due to the kids who have bought in and the coaches who’ve stayed consistent through the dark days.”

Depth and Discipline

Athens continued to spread the ball around offensively, with five players catching touchdown passes and nine different Hornets touching the ball.

“We told them going into the week we’d have opportunities to make plays down the field,” Harrell said. “Their scheme tries not to let you get behind them, but our guys made plays, one-on-one catches, and a lot of different guys contributed.”

He said that balance comes from players embracing their roles.

“You may be thrown 15 balls, you may be thrown three, but when you get those opportunities, you have to make the most of them,” he said. “You can’t get caught up in how many times you get the ball. What matters is that we’re putting the ball in the end zone consistently.”

Coach Harrell said that same unselfish attitude shows in their composure.

“When you get personal fouls or start responding, you’re making it about yourself,” he said. “Our guys didn’t do that. They make it about the team.”

“This doesn’t just happen because we decided in August we were going to start working hard,” Coach Harrell said. “You’ve given yourself this opportunity because of what you’ve done for six years; in the summers, in the spring, showing up every day even when you don’t feel 100 percent.”

Scouting Rusk

The Hornets (5-2, 1-1 in district) return home Friday night to face Rusk (1-6, 1-1), a young team with a new coaching staff and a mix of offensive looks.

“They’ve played four different kids at quarterback,” Coach Harrell said. “Last week against Brownsboro they went under center, and I expect them to stay with that offense and try to control the ball and shorten the game.”

Defensively, Coach Harrell said the Eagles base out of a four-man front and have been experimenting in coverage.

“They played more of a Tampa 2 look against Brownsboro with super-high safeties and the middle linebacker getting good depth over the middle,” he said. “They’re playing hard. Their head coach is a defensive guy, and their defensive line plays with a lot of energy.”

Rusk’s roster includes 14 freshmen and sophomores, but Harrell said Athens can’t take anything for granted.

“They had a chance to beat Kaufman in the fourth quarter,” he said. “Kaufman beat us. Anybody can beat anybody. It’s about us playing our best game.”

Keys to Victory

Word of the Week: Hungry -- Coach Harrell said the Hornets must keep the same fire they showed last week and continue improving every day.

“We have to remain hungry,” he said. “When you’re starving, you’ll do anything to get food. People work harder when they’re hungry. We have to remain hungry and can’t drop our level of play.”

* Work harder, play harder, focus better — “Do it all week, not just on Friday night.”

* Dominate all three phases — “We haven’t put it all together yet.”

* Stop the run — Force Rusk to throw and get them behind the sticks.

* Zero mental penalties — “We had seven on defense last week, and six were mental. We can’t waste opportunities.”

* Elite effort from receivers on run plays — “They’re playing hard, but we want to be dominant and physical.”

In this week’s Cardinal Podcast, Michael Hannigan sat down with Head Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about last week’s homecoming win over Navarro and Saturday’s road trip to Kilgore. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Homecoming Win

The Cardinals improved to 3-1 in conference play with a 14-7 win over Navarro in front of a packed homecoming crowd at Bruce Field.

“What a great game-day atmosphere last Saturday was,” Coach Poteete said. “There was a lot of red around, you know, and the old Trinity Valley homecoming Cards all over the place, cheerleaders everywhere, some former football players, Hall of Fame induction… it was awesome to see our Athens community and surrounding areas.”

He said the win showed his team’s toughness. “The guys just really found a way to keep playing each play, each series,” Coach Poteete said. “It was a great defensive game, with the offense making some big plays when they needed to… flipping the field on punt and special teams when we needed to do some of that.”

Offensive Balance

Coach Poteete said having reliable tight ends has made the Cardinals more versatile. “If you can find good tight ends, I think it just makes you so much more versatile,” he said. “We might be in 12 personnel, two-tight-end set… and the next play they could be split out wide. So them being able to be versatile kind of helps our offense be versatile as well.”

Quarterback Kaden Brown continues to lead the offense by distributing the ball and protecting possession. “We won the turnover battle. We didn’t turn it over—no picks, no fumbles,” Coach Poteete said.

Defensive Strength

Through six games, the Cardinals are giving up only 13.5 points per game. “Defense is just getting after it,” Coach Poteete said. “This was our least amount of sacks we’ve had in a game this season—we had three this week.”

He said the front seven continues to set the tone. “Those defensive linemen have just been getting after it,” he said. “When your front seven’s getting after the quarterback, it makes it easier on those defensive backs in the back end.”

Looking at Kilgore

“Kilgore’s tough,” Coach Poteete said. “Coach Gooden does a great job with those guys over there. We’re trading one Highway 31 opponent for another Highway 31 opponent. These games are always tough. They’re good football games.”

The Bulldogs are 0-3 in conference play but coming off an open week, and Coach Poteete said he expects them to be ready. “We’ll get Kilgore’s best,” he said. “They’re coming off of their last game being a win and then obviously they’re coming off of an open week, so Coach Gooden and his staff will have his team ready to play.”

This Week

* Saturday, Oct. 18 – TVCC at Kilgore College, 1 p.m.

* Tickets are available here.

Talking on this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell said the Hornets are proud of their progress but focused on what’s ahead, a top-10 match-up Friday night at Carthage.

Staying Grounded

The Hornets are 5-1 overall and 1-0 in district play after a 52-8 win over Brownsboro and are now ranked No. 8 in the state.

Coach Harrell said it’s good to see the recognition, but the team knows what really matters.

“It’s good to see people recognizing the work that’s been done here and to honor these kids and how much that they’ve bought into this program and bought into what we’ve tried to ask of them,” he said. “But on the other hand, it really doesn’t mean anything. You’ve got to go out every Friday and perform.”

Coach Harrell told the team, “It’s nice to have recognition and you’ve earned that. You deserve that. But if we start slapping ourselves on the back and like, ‘Hey, yeah, we’re pretty good,’ well, then you’re going to get humbled real quick. We have to continue to do what got us to this point — and that’s showing up every day and coming to practice whether you don’t feel 100 percent or not, and playing for your teammates and going to work.”

Selfless Football

“Our number-one value is being selfless,” Coach Harrell said. “I believe that’s the ultimate way to live your life.”

He pointed to nose guard Jaden “Pookie” Davis as an example of that attitude.

“Playing nose isn’t a glory position,” Coach Harrell said. “You’re not going to get a lot of tackles or sacks, but he gives tremendous effort and pours into his teammates. He’s 100 percent bought into our culture.”

That mindset, Coach Harrell said, has carried throughout the team. “It doesn’t matter who’s getting the ball or scoring touchdowns; the only thing that matters is the Athens Hornet football team winning together.”

Defensive Dominance

Athens’ defense has become an aggressive unit, forcing four turnovers against Brownsboro and holding the Bears’ high-scoring offense to a single touchdown.

Since Week 2, Athens has gone from minus-five in turnover margin to plus-three on the season.

“Our defense just totally dominated,” Coach Harrell said. “It’s 11 guys playing really hard every snap. It’s not about who gets the accolades, it’s about doing your job for your teammates.”

Top-10 Matchup: Athens vs. Carthage

Friday night brings a major challenge, and opportunity, as No. 8 Athens travels to face No. 1 Carthage, a program that has won 10 state championships since 2009.

“What an opportunity to get to play the best football team in 4A for the last 15 years,” Coach Harrell said. “They’ve earned that title. They’re talented and unbelievably well-coached, and that combination makes them really tough.”

Carthage runs a pro-style offense with a mix of formations and checks at the line of scrimmage, led by the coach’s son at quarterback. Harrell said their defense is equally strong, featuring two elite linebackers and a scheme that shifts between 3-4 and 4-2 looks.

Keys to Victory

The word of the week is All In. Harrell said that mindset applies on and off the field.

“To compete at an elite level, to win a state championship, you have to be all in — in everything you do,” he said. “That’s what it’s going to take for us to have a chance to win this game.”

* Be all in on every snap.

* Make Carthage earn every yard and win fourth downs — they rarely punt.

* Execute special teams. “We can’t make errors in the kicking game and expect to win,” Coach Harrell said.

* Play harder with more energy. Relentless effort from the first snap.

* Protect the football. Continue winning the turnover battle.

This Week

* Friday, Oct. 17 — Athens at Carthage, 7:30 p.m.

In this week’s Cardinal Podcast, Michael Hannigan sat down with Head Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about last week’s win over Blinn and Saturday’s homecoming matchup against Navarro. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Bruce Field.

Rolling Into Homecoming

The Cardinals come into this week after a strong 35-point first half in Brenham.

“It’s always good to go on the road and come home with a win,” Coach Poteete said. “Our guys did a really good job. Our coaching staff, our assistant coaches put a great game plan in Saturday and the young men went out and executed it.”

Defensive Leaders

The defense forced five takeaways against Blinn, giving the Cardinals short fields and quick scores.

“There was a couple drives where we had a one-score drive, you know, then we had a couple like two or three-play score drives,” Coach Poteete said. “It was the least amount of snaps offensively we had taken all year… that was kind of due to the defense giving you some short fields and then scoring quickly.”

Linebacker Lazavier Amos continues to pile up tackles, earning NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week honors.

“You go through the stat line and he’s in double-digit tackles week after week after week,” Coach Poteete said. “It’s been 12 this week, then it’s been 14, then he’s been back to 12 and even threw a couple sacks in this week.”

Coach Poteete also praised the group around him. “Those defensive linemen have done a great job putting pressure on, maybe eating up two blocks… they’re creating a lane for maybe the linebacker to come through.”

Scouting Navarro

Navarro enters the game 3-0 in conference play.

“This is the kind of game that you want to coach in, the players want to play in,” Coach Poteete said. “They’re playing really well on both sides of the football.”

He said Navarro is “very versatile offensively, formation-wise and athletics-wise.”

The Bulldog offense will line up in empty sets and with four receivers wide and also use some tight ends.

Coach Poteete noted, “They’re no stranger to going 12 personnel as well. They’ve got a couple of tight ends that are big human beings.”

On defense, Navarro runs a 3-4 scheme with large, athletic players.

“Their backers are big,” Coach Poteete said. “They play a lot of zone coverage with those four backers… they take up a lot of space. They’ve got a couple D-linemen that are getting after it as well. And then they’re long and rangy on the back end.”

Cardinal Offense

The Cardinals’ offense continues to grow as the season moves forward. “We’re kind of at that halfway point, we’ve been able to evolve, you know, guys’ roles have evolved offensively,” Coach Poteete said. “The longer that they’re in the terminology and the longer they’re in that system, the more we’re able to add to their plate.”

That experience is allowing the Cardinals to vary their schemes.

“We’re getting a little deeper into the playbook and hopefully we can keep people on their toes,” Coach Poteete said, “and maybe keep them off guard through formations and how we’re lining up and how we’re using our guys.”

Coach Poteete said quarterback Kaden Brown continues to lead the way.

“Kaden’s done a really good job for us just kind of being the point guard of the offense, distributing the ball and making things happen when things break down,” he said. “He does a great job of extending plays with his feet.”

This Week

* Saturday, Oct. 4 – TVCC vs. Navarro College, 3 p.m., Bruce Field, Athens

Talking on this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell said the Hornets are focused and ready as they open district play Friday night at Brownsboro.

Time For District Play

The Hornets return from their week off sitting at 4-1 after a strong non-district showing that featured explosive offense and a ball-hawking defense.

Coach Harrell said he was proud of how the team handled the first half of the season but reminded them that the real work starts now.

“We’ve had a great first half,” he said. “Our guys have stayed focused, handled their business, and kept the distractions out. But now it’s time to go. The games count now — this is when it really matters.”

Scouting Brownsboro

Athens begins district play Friday night on the road against rival Brownsboro, a match-up that always brings out the best in both teams regardless of records.

“It’s a big rivalry game,” Coach Harrell said. “You can throw records out the window. They always play really well against us, and we’ve got to be ready for them.”

The Bears are led by senior quarterback Adam Thompson, a three-year starter who runs the offense with confidence and creativity. “He’s a crafty quarterback,” Coach Harrell said. “He can make a lot of throws from a lot of angles that most guys can’t make.”

His favorite target is wide receiver Gabriel Hendricks, who nearly topped 200 yards receiving against Athens last season. Running back Curtis Warren also brings big-play potential.

“They’ve got weapons on offense and they try to get the ball in space,” Coach Harrell said. “We’ve got to be ready to defend that, and we know they’ll have a few trick plays ready.”

Defensively, Brownsboro runs a four-man front and mixes zone and man coverages. Harrell said the Bears change looks week to week, so Athens must be prepared for both.

Keys to Victory

The word of the week is “New Season.” Coach Harrell said the Hornets must focus on their own improvement as district play begins.

* Focus on Us. -- Ignore outside noise and keep improving as a team.

* Play Physical. -- Brownsboro has a smaller roster and several two-way players; Athens wants to wear them down.

* Stay Sound on Defense. -- Play disciplined football and be ready for trick plays.

* Master the Fundamentals. -- Execute position-specific details cleanly.

* Dominate the Turnover Battle. -- Athens has won it each week since Week 2, and Coach Harrell wants to keep that edge.

This Week

* Friday, Oct. 10 – Athens at Brownsboro, 7:30 p.m.

It’s Brownsboro’s homecoming, so fans are encouraged to arrive early and pack the stands.

Open Week Reset

Coach Poteete said the week off was valuable for both development and recovery. Younger players had the chance to scrimmage in full pads, while other players were able to heal up.

“It’s been good to get a few guys that maybe didn’t have to practice as much last week,” he said. “Kind of get those days off to let those bumps and bruises go aside. And now we’re ready to roll.”

Conference Race

The Southwest Junior College Football Conference is once again highly competitive, with only a couple of games separating the standings.

Both TVCC and Blinn enter this week 1-1 in league play.

“It’s every week. You better come prepared. You better be ready to play,” Coach Poteete said. “If you’re not ready to play, I mean, you’re going to get passed up real fast.”

Scouting Blinn

The Buccaneers are led by longtime head coach Ryan Mahon and defensive coordinator Danny Palmer, a longtime SWJCFC coach. Their offense features a breakout running back in Jordan Hayes, who is averaging nearly 100 yards a game and has scored almost twice per contest.

“He’s a good football player,” Coach Poteete said. “They’ve done a good job of kind of spreading the defense out and then letting him be the one back in the backfield and come downhill and pulling a tackle and trying to get an extra hat back in the box and let him go be a football player.”

Defensively, Blinn is adjusting under Palmer after former TVCC standout Drew Coleman stepped away in the offseason. Poteete said they’ve shown a different look in each game so far, which has made preparation more challenging.

Cardinal Leaders

The matchup will feature two national stat leaders. Linebacker Lazavier Amos, who is averaging double-digit tackles, enters the game as the country’s leader in tackles per game. On offense, quarterback Kaden Brown ranks No. 5 in the nation in passing yards per game, averaging 244.

“He’s a gritty football player and a lot of the things I think that go unnoticed with him (leading to) the passing yards is just extending plays, making some negative plays into positive plays,” Coach Poteete said.

Road Trip to Brenham

Coach Poteete said Saturday will be the first trip to Brenham for most of his players, making pregame adjustments important.

“Nobody on our team probably has been to Brenham before,” he said. “So go walk the field, go run around the field, kind of get adjusted to the surroundings… just so you know you make yourself comfortable when it’s time to actually turn the lights on and play.”

This Week

Saturday, Sept. 27 – TVCC at Blinn, 3 p.m., Brenham.

Talking on this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell praised his defense for setting the tone in recent weeks and looked ahead to a tough home matchup Friday night against Waco Connally.

Defensive Standouts

Athens improved to 3-1 with a dominant homecoming win over Jacksonville last week, and Coach Harrell said the defense has been a big part of the Hornets’ success.

“The last three games we’ve given up defensively really 7 points each game,” he said. “We thought it was going to be one of the better defenses we’ve had.”

The Hornets’ front seven has racked up 27 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 27 quarterback pressures in four games. Coach Harrell credited Defensive Coordinator Chayse Rives and the team’s effort for creating negative plays that keep opponents off schedule.

On the defensive line, captain Jaden “Pookie” Davis anchors the middle at nose guard. Charles Livingston, a three-year varsity player, has been steady at defensive end, while sophomore Danny Kelley has earned the other end spot and made an immediate impact.

At linebacker, veterans Eli Carnes, Ja’Bory Taylor, and Juan Cleto bring experience, with Sebastian Delgado and Marvin Lyons also rotating in and making plays. “That’s a pretty athletic front seven,” Coach Harrell said. “Coach Rives has done a great job of generating pressure and putting pressure on people.”

Carnes has led the charge, posting team highs in tackles for loss and sacks. Coach Harrell called him the “quarterback of the defense” who provides energy and leadership.

The secondary has also made strides, led by Kobe Wilson’s physical play and an interception last week. Coach Harrell said the group is young but improving every game.

Scouting Waco Connally

The Cadets come to Bruce Field for Athens’ final non-district game before the open week.

Coach Harrell said Connally is one of the most talented teams Athens will face, though injuries have sidelined several key players. At full strength, he called them “one of the best 4A teams in the state.”

The Cadet’s best player is receiver and cornerback Jamarion Vincent, who is committed to Baylor. Coach Harrell said the Cadets rely on an RPO-heavy attack and athletic playmakers who play on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, Connally plays mostly man coverage, something Athens hasn’t seen much this season. Coach Harrell said his receivers will need precise route running and quarterback David Richardson must deliver the ball on time.

Keys to Victory

The word of the week is Standard. Harrell said the Hornets must continue to meet their own expectations, regardless of the opponent or outside distractions.

* Maintain the Standard. Play to program expectations on and off the field, week in and week out.

* Start Fast. Athens has yet to open cleanly in all three phases.

* Play Fast and Physical. Take advantage of depth and wear down Conley’s two-way players.

* Protect the Quarterback. Harrell challenged the offensive line to eliminate sacks and pressures.

* Play With Passion. Be the more energetic, excited team.

This Week

Friday, Sept. 26 – Athens vs. Waco Conley, 7:30 p.m., Bruce Field

In this week’s Cardinal Podcast, Michael Hannigan sat down with Head Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about how the Cardinals are responding to last week’s loss and preparing for Saturday’s conference matchup with Cisco. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Bruce Field.

Back to Bruce Field

After opening the year with three games in three different stadiums, the Cardinals are looking forward to another Saturday at Bruce Field. Coach Poteete said the team's focus this week has been sharp in practice, and the Cards are eager to get that winning feeling again.

“Our guys are ready to get back out and head out to Bruce again,” he said. “Let’s get it on and show what we’ve been preparing for.”

Looking toward Cisco

The Wranglers are 1-0 after beating Coffeyville in Kansas. Led by head coach Charlie Rizzio, now in his second season, Cisco reached the conference playoffs a year ago.

Their quarterback, Landon Vessel, was last season’s conference MVP. He briefly signed with a Division I program before returning and is the centerpiece of Cisco’s offense. “He’s a really good football player,” Coach Poteete said. “We’ve got to be able to corral him, maybe spy him here and there when the pass rush is coming and he sneaks through run lanes.”

Cisco made a major switch on offense last year, moving away from the triple option to more spread looks with 10 and 11 personnel. Vessel is comfortable throwing from the pocket but is just as dangerous extending plays with his legs. The Wranglers also return several key defenders, including active linebackers and athletic defensive ends who thrive on creating chaos.

“They’re going to play physical up front and funnel things to their linebackers,” Coach Poteete said. “We’ve got to be able to run the football and then win some matchups in the passing game.”

Checking on the Cardinals

Quarterback Kaden Brown continues to progress each week, and TVCC’s receivers are starting to make their mark. Redshirt freshman Jake Peveto has led the team in receptions in all three games, while Chauncey Hogg has been productive in the slot.

“It’s time,” Coach Poteete said. “We’ve got some guys that can really run once we get the ball in their hands.”

Coach Poteete said the team has stacked solid practices this week and he wants to see the Cardinals play more complete football.

"We just didn’t play very complementary football on both sides and throwing special teams in there,” he said.

Day Game at the Bruce

After back-to-back night games, Saturday’s game will kick off at 2 p.m. Coach Poteete said he likes the earlier starts.

“I really enjoy day games. We’re able to wake up, let’s go get on our day,” he said. “It’s get up and let’s get it on.”

Talking on this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell praised his team’s focus and execution in last week’s win and looked ahead to Friday’s homecoming matchup with Jacksonville.

Recap of Last Week’s Win

The Hornets moved to 2-1 after a dominant performance over Palestine. Coach Harrell said the difference was how his team prepared and locked in throughout the week.

“We’re at the point where they play hard every night,” he said. “So now, what are the other areas we have to improve on to get to where we want to be? And focusing for a game is a big part of that.”

Coach Harrell said Athens executed in all three phases — offense, defense, and special teams — better than they have all season. Depth was also a highlight, with six different players scoring touchdowns and more than ten touching the ball.

“That’s really nice to have,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of kids playing both ways, and because of that we’ve been able to get more practice time at offense and defense. That’s been big.”

Scouting Jacksonville

The Hornets will welcome the winless Jacksonville Indians (0-3) to Bruce Field for homecoming.

Coach Harrell said Jacksonville is adjusting under a new coaching staff led by head coach Montey Stevenson, formerly the defensive coordinator at Alvarado. The Indians will use a 3-3 stack defense, which requires Athens to adjust blocking assignments.

On offense, Jacksonville relies heavily on the passing game, with quarterback Ben Bolton throwing the ball about 65 percent of the time.

“It’s going to be a good test for our secondary,” Coach Harrell said. “Really, it’s probably the first pass-first team we’ve played.”

The Athens secondary has been one of the highlights of the season. With only one player returning with varsity experience, the group has steadily improved and came up with key plays last week.

Keys to Victory

The word of the week is "Us." Coach Harrell said the focus is on improvement, not the opponent.

* Nameless Opponent. The goal is to improve each week, no matter who lines up across the field.

* Sharper Route Running. Receivers must improve the depth and precision of their routes to prepare for tougher competition down the road.

* Sound Secondary Play. Jacksonville throws often, so assignment discipline will be critical.

* Cause Three Turnovers. Athens created two last week and is pushing to get on the plus side of the season turnover margin.

* Big Return. The Hornets are still looking for a game-changing play on special teams.

Homecoming Atmosphere

Coach Harrell said last week’s crowd brought great energy and noise, and he hopes to see that again on Friday.

“We need the same energy this week,” he said. “It should be a fun night at Bruce Field.”

This Week

Friday, Sept. 19 – Athens vs. Jacksonville, 7:30 p.m., Bruce Field (Homecoming)

Big Game Atmosphere

Both teams are undefeated heading into the matchup, and with just a half-hour separating the two schools, the game promises to deliver a playoff atmosphere.

“These young men, the time and effort that they spend preparing each day during the week, it’s so they can go play in games like this,” Coach Poteete said. “Two undefeated teams, two ranked teams. This is what you think of when you think college football.”

Defensive Leaders

The Cardinals’ defense has been the story of the season so far. Linebacker Lazavier Amos leads the nation in tackles after two games, while the front seven has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks. COACH Poteete said that group will need another big performance against Tyler.

“The better the front seven does, the less time the back four has got to cover,” he said.

Scouting Tyler

The Apaches opened the season with wins over Dodge City and Snow College, both quality opponents. Their defense has been exceptional, allowing virtually no explosive plays through two games.

“They’ve done a great job of eliminating a big play,” Coach Poteete said. “They put pressure with their front seven, and they’ve got some pretty good guys in the back end as well.”

On offense, Tyler returns its quarterback from last year and features a physical running back from Longview. Coach Poteete described them as balanced, mixing the run with play action.

Cardinals’ Outlook

Quarterback Kaden Brown continues to grow into the offense after joining TVCC this summer. Coach Poteete praised his poise, saying Brown extends plays with his legs and keeps his eyes downfield under pressure.

Special teams are also trending up. Reed Malphurs made every PAT against Monroe, plus field goals from 45 and 50 yards, while punter Max Zuluaga continues to flip the field with long kicks. “When you get down there and cross the halfway point, can you put points on the board?” Coach Poteete said. “And if you have to, can you flip the field? That’s a big part of the game.”

First Responders Day

Saturday’s game is also First Responders Day at Bruce Field. First responders and their families will receive free admission, and there will be pregame recognition and giveaways.

This Week

Saturday, Sept. 13 – TVCC vs. Tyler Junior College, 7 p.m., Bruce Field, Athens

Recap of Kaufman Loss

Athens nearly doubled Kaufman in total yards Friday night and played solid defense, but too many mistakes turned into a 14-13 loss on the road.

Coach Harrell said the Hornets moved the ball well and kept fighting even when errors piled up.

“Our guys kept fighting. They never panicked. They kept playing the next play. And, again, almost had a chance to win it. Almost gave ourselves a chance to win it at the end,” he said.

Non-district games don’t count toward the playoffs, but Harrell said they provide lessons that will pay off later. He reminded his team to ignore outside criticism and not let a loss divide them. “If you stick together and believe in one another and believe in this building, we can ... use it to make us better,” he said.

Spike Rule Explained

Many fans had questions about the final play, when Athens appeared ready for a potential game-winning field goal but instead was flagged as time expired.

Coach Harrell explained that a spike requires a clean snap. If the snap is mishandled, it cannot be spiked into the ground. “The snap can’t be on the ground and then you pick it up and spike it. It turns into intentional grounding if you do that,” he said.

The Hornets’ snap was low and to the left, forcing a bobble. Officials made the correct call. Coach Harrell said it was his responsibility to have the team better prepared for that situation. “Bottom line is it’s our job as coaches to have them prepared to execute in that moment. We weren’t. So we've got to do a better job,” he said.

Coach Harrell said he was disappointed the Hornets didn’t get the chance to try the field goal, but called it an experience the team can learn from when district and playoff games arrive.

Scouting Palestine

Athens now heads to Palestine, a familiar opponent for the Hornets.

Coach Harrell said Palestine is still adjusting to a spread offense under second-year coach Manny Reyes, but has dangerous playmakers including a talented running back and a cornerback committed to Texas Tech who also plays receiver.

Defensively, Coach Harrell said Palestine is one of the better units Athens will face.

“Their defensive line, I think, stands out first. They’ve got two really good ends. They’ve got a really strong defensive tackle, and then in the secondary they have, I think, the best corner in the state of Texas that I’ve seen. He’s extremely talented. So their defense is really good,” he said.

Palestine switches between four- and three-man fronts without substituting, which will test Athens’ offensive line. Coach Harrell expects the Wildcats to mirror Kaufman’s approach: take away the deep ball, shorten the game, and force the Hornets to execute consistently.

Keys to Victory

The word of the week is "Intent Focus." Harrell said effort is never in doubt for the Hornets anymore, but focus is what will fix the costly mistakes.

Win the turnover battle. Athens has five turnovers in two games and has not forced one.

- Focus on details. Players must execute their assignments cleanly, snap after snap.

- Tackle well. Athens cut its missed tackles from 38 in Week 1 to 19 in Week 2. The team goal is fewer than 15.

- Limit self-inflicted mistakes. False starts, dropped passes, and bad snaps have stalled drives. “It hasn’t been the defense is better than us. It’s simply been internal errors,” Harrell said.

- Start fast. Athens has fallen into early holes both weeks. Harrell wants a sharper first quarter to set the tone.

This Week

- Friday, Sept. 12 – Athens at Palestine, 7:30 p.m.

In this week’s Cardinal Podcast, Michael Hannigan sat down with Head Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about Saturday’s match-up against Monroe College of New York. The Mustangs travel south for a 6 p.m. kickoff at Wildcat Stadium in Palestine.

Playing in Palestine

For the first time, TVCC will host a home game on its Palestine campus. Coach Poteete said it’s a way to bring another part of TVCC into the football experience.

“Obviously that campus does a lot for Trinity Valley. Trinity Valley does a lot for that campus,” Coach Poteete said. “So, hey, let’s go have a football game and kind of include another campus and let’s see what we can do for the City of Palestine.”

Scouting Monroe

The Mustangs opened their season with a 28-6 win over Sussex, leaning on a strong defense and short fields. Coach Poteete said their offense didn’t pile up yards, but their defense created opportunities.

“They’ve been a 10-0, 11-0 team in recent years and ranked really high in the polls,” Poteete said. “Coach Pulley has done a really good job there.”

One player who stood out on film is linebacker/defensive end Tavorian Copeland.

“He’s long and rangy, plays really, really hard, and was all over the field,” Coach Poteete said.

He also said that Monroe rotates quarterbacks and runs a diverse offense, with looks ranging from four-wide sets to power formations under center, something unusual in today’s game.

Cardinals’ Outlook

TVCC comes in 1-0 after beating Independence and had an open week to regroup. The break allowed injured safeties to return, and Coach Poteete said he is eager to see the defense at full strength.

“We’ve talked about growth from week one to week two,” he said. “We actually had a little bye week in there to work on some of those things and get a couple guys back. So I’m excited about that.”

Quarterback Kaden Brown will start again, with Jadyn Collins expected to see time as well.

This Week

Saturday, Sept. 6 – TVCC vs. Monroe College, 6 p.m., Wildcat Stadium in Palestine

Talking on this week’s Hornet podcast, Coach Zac Harrell praised his team for finding a way to get it done against Henderson last week and looked ahead to this week’s road trip to Kaufman.

Opening Win Over Henderson

Bruce Field felt like a playoff atmosphere Friday night as the Hornets beat Henderson, 56-49, in the final seconds.

The Hornets piled up 650 yards of offense, with quarterback David Richardson responsible for seven touchdowns. It wasn't a one-man show, however, with E'manuel Moore and Cody Carter each catching multiple passes, and H-back Eli Carnes and RB Charli Kiser both coming down with big catches. Kiser and Ja'Bory Taylor kept the offense moving on the ground.

“We had nine different guys touch the ball on offense, which is really good ball distribution,” Coach Harrell said.

Harrell also pointed to the offensive line’s effort, led by Gus Wickel.

On defense, Athens gave up points early but settled down as the game went along. In the fourth quarter, the Hornets held Henderson to nine plays for nine yards. The defense finished with four sacks and 13 quarterback pressures. Linebacker Eli Carnes was named defensive player of the week, and Kaden Johnson played well in the secondary.

Coach Harrell said the most important part of the win was how the team stuck together. “The team found a way to win,” he said.

Scouting Kaufman

The Hornets will play their first road game of the season Friday when they travel to Kaufman.

Coach Harrell said the Lions are always well prepared under longtime head coach Jeramy Burleson. “They’re really well coached, and they play really hard. That’s the first thing that jumps out about their teams each and every year,” he said.

Kaufman opened with a 20-6 win over Rusk. They are breaking in a new quarterback after graduating a three-year starter, but they still have weapons on offense. The biggest threat is wide receiver Aljour Miles, a highly recruited player with the speed and size to change a game.

On defense, Kaufman plays mostly a four-man front with their safeties deep while the corners help in the run game. Linebackers Martin and Pate Bowers are key players and will see a lot of snaps on both sides of the ball.

Harrell said the match-up has been close in the past and he expects more of the same this week.

“They’re a good football team. We’re going to have to play really well to have a chance to win," he said. "Last year against them, it was a heck of a game. We won at the very end and we’re anticipating a similar type game."

Keys to Victory

The word of the week is "Stacking Bricks." Coach Harrell said the Hornets must stay focused after their emotional win and work to improve every day.

- Improve from last week: Each player must identify mistakes and have a plan to fix them in practice.

- Cause three turnovers: Athens did not create a turnover against Henderson; Coach Harrell wants three this week.

- Stop the run: The Hornets allowed 250 rushing yards last week. Kaufman has physical backs who can wear teams down.

- Limit self-inflicted mistakes: Coach Harrell said too many drives stalled because of false starts, busted protections, and missed exchanges. “They stopped us because we didn’t do our job.”

- Focus on special teams details: Week 1 included several mistakes in the kicking game. Harrell said those mistakes must be corrected with sharper focus in practice.

This Week

Friday, Sept. 5 – Athens at Kaufman, 7:30 p.m.

In this week’s Cardinal Podcast, Michael Hannigan sat down with Head Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about Saturday’s season-opening win at Independence and how the team will use its open week to prepare for Monroe.

Wrapping Up Independence

The Cardinals returned from Kansas with a 28-15 victory, though Hannigan said the score didn’t reflect how dominant the team was. The defense controlled the game, piling up six sacks, including three from Jussiah Ali. Linebackers Lazavier Amos and Paul Singleton III combined for nearly 30 tackles, while Marquel Hambric had two interceptions.

“Our defense played really well, kind of stopped them all day,” Coach Poteete said. “We turned the ball over three times on offense, so we’ve got to clean that up. But our punter, Max Zuluaga, averaged 55 yards and did a great job flipping the field.”

The offense showed flashes of explosiveness. Quarterback Kaden Brown threw a 50-yard touchdown pass and added a highlight-reel scoring run by leaping into the end zone. Jadyn Collins was also sharp, completing six of eight passes, and transfer Jackson La Tour saw late snaps.

Open Week Focus

Coach Poteete said the open week comes at a good time for a young team, especially the offensive line. The Cardinals will use the extra days to clean up mistakes and prepare for a tougher stretch of games.

“We punted three times and took two delay-of-game penalties,” Coach Poteete said. “That comes back to me. I’ve got to make sure our guys are getting out there, getting set, and getting the ball off.”

Special teams are also a priority after TVCC went 0-for-3 on field goals. COACH Poteete said he still has confidence in his kickers, who have been consistent in practice, and expects improvement moving forward.

This Week

* Open Week – No game Saturday, Aug. 30.

* Next game: Saturday, Sept. 6 – TVCC vs. Monroe College, 7 p.m., Wildcat Stadium in Palestine.

In this week’s Hornet podcast, Michael Hannigan sits down with Coach Zac Harrell to talk about last week's scrimmage and Friday’s season opener against Henderson.

Wrapping Up Lindale

Coach Harrell said the Hornets showed progress in the scrimmage at Lindale last week. The offense connected on several deep passes after missing them the week before, and the offensive line handled a strong Lindale front. The defense made stops in key spots and played hard.

“Playing well in a scrimmage means you practiced well," Coach Harrell said. "It doesn't count on the win-loss record. It's just a scrimmage. We've got to make sure we continue to get better and continue to find areas that we must improve.”

The Hornets will face a tough test Friday when they open the season at home against the Henderson Lions.

Scouting Henderson

The Lions bring talent and experience, according to Coach Harrell, along with a new coaching staff with a winning pedigree.

“They've got a new coaching staff. They have a really good coach, Coach Ricky Meeks, who came over from Center. He was the head coach at Center,” Coach Harrell said.

The rest of the staff is also experienced, with coaches who have led successful programs across East Texas. Coach Harrell said the combination of athletic players and proven coaching makes Henderson a tough opening opponent.

“They're extremely talented," he said.

On defense, Henderson has a fast secondary, two strong outside linebackers, a Division I inside linebacker, and a quick defensive line. On offense, they spread receivers across the field and force defenses to choose between stopping the run or covering deep routes. Their running back is a veteran, and the wideouts are dangerous.

“They’re always one of the best programs in East Texas,” Coach Harrell said. “And they’re going to be really well coached.”

Keys to Victory

Word of the Week -- Together. Coach Harrell said the Hornets must play as one unit and put the team first.

1. Play the Next Play -- “When you play good teams, you know, they're going to make plays," said Coach Harrell, "and if you let one play beat you for the next play, you're probably going to lose the game.”

2. Be More Physical -- “We feel like they've got more players than we do playing both ways, so we want to try to wear them out,” said Coach Harrell.

3. Pressure the Quarterback -- “I think that's a big part of the game," said Coach Harrell. "Try to get as many legal hits on him as we can, get after him.”

4. Stay Together -- “We've got to be one unit, and we've got to love each other, and we've got to care for one another. And so we've got to do this thing together.”

5. Win Special Teams -- “It's always important, but especially early on, winning special teams," Coach Harrell said. "The only way to be really good at special teams Week 1 is it has to be important to you.”

Coach Harrell also said the Hornets always emphasize protecting the football and winning third downs.

“We chart third downs. We try to make third downs a priority offensively and defensively,” he said. “And then we also chart turnovers. We've got to win the turnover battle.”

This Week

* Friday, Aug. 29 – Athens vs. Henderson, 7:30 p.m., Bruce Field.

The wait is over. It’s game week for the Trinity Valley Cardinals.

Coach Sherard Poteete’s team will board the bus early Saturday morning and head north to Kansas for an 11 a.m. kickoff against Independence Community College. It’s the first test of the 2025 season and the start of what Poteete believes can be a special year.

The Cardinals are coming off last week’s scrimmage at Louisiana Christian, and now the focus turns to who will take the field. About 65 players will make the trip, including four quarterbacks, with sophomore Kaden Brown set to start. Returner Jadyn Collins will also see action, while transfers and freshmen fill out the depth chart.

The opener brings unique challenges. Independence is not a regular opponent, and new coordinators mean there is little reliable film to study. For many Cardinals, it will also be their first college football game — and maybe their first road trip out of Texas.

Poteete said much of this week has been about preparation off the field as much as on it. “Half our guys, this is their first college football game ever,” he said. “We’re just trying to over communicate. Here’s the itinerary, here’s what to expect, so nothing comes as a shock. Then when that first whistle blows, it’s time to go play ball.”

Fans who can’t make the trip can still watch the action here. https://www.kjcccsports.net/iccpirates/

The Cardinals will have an open week after Independence before a tough stretch of games begins in September.

Now that's how you wrap up the preseason.

The Athens Hornets traveled to Lindale Thursday night for their final scrimmage before the season kicks off for real next week against Henderson. The Hornets were dominant at times against the perennially powerful Eagles, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

After a few possessions of a normal controlled scrimmage, the two teams faced off for a live half with the Hornets finishing on top, 21-13.

Even though the Hornets rotated through their roster, protecting their starters and getting valuable reps for everyone, the Athens offense dominated. Quarterbacks David Richardson and Thatcher Diamond were both solid in guiding the team.

Coach Harrell said he was happy with how the QBs operated the run-pass option plays (RPOs), which is a more complex system with multiple play calls built into each snap.

“To be honest, we had never done that,” Coach Harrell said. “But we feel like we have experienced guys that can handle that, both quarterbacks actually. And I thought they did an excellent job tonight of making the right decision and then getting the ball where it needs to go.”

He also praised the offensive line for handling a Lindale front anchored by two Division I linemen.

Other bright spots for the offense were E'manual Moore, who made a pair of highlight catches including a touchdown, and Julious Brewer who caught touchdowns in both the controlled portion and the live half, showing his speed.

On defense, the Hornets’ starters forced a three-and-out and then came up with a fourth-down stop on the Eagles’ opening series during the live half.

“Eli Carnes looked really good, like we know he is,” Coach Harrell said. “He’s going to be better than he was last year, and he showed some glimpses of that tonight.”

Overall, Coach Harrell said he was pleased with the progress from the first scrimmage to this one.

“I thought our energy was so much better,” he said. “We challenged our guys to encourage their teammates on the sideline, and I thought they did that. Then I thought we made a lot of big plays.”

The Hornets now segue into their regular season schedule and start preparations for their home opener against Henderson next Friday night, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. at Bruce Field.

In the first Hornet football podcast of 2025, Michael Hannigan and Coach Zac Harrell talk about the new season, the importance of the team's experience, and preview this week’s Meet the Hornets event and the first scrimmage against Fairfield.

A New Season

Coach Harrell says the Hornets are coming off two strong years with back-to-back playoff appearances, but the next step is to become an elite program. That means winning playoff games and making a deep run.

This year’s roster is the most experienced Coach Harrell has ever had in Athens. The Hornets have 30 seniors and 19 players who started a varsity game last season. Key returners include quarterback David Richardson, wide receivers Emmanuel Moore and Julious Brewer, and a deep offensive line with seven players who have starting experience.

On defense, Coach Harrell highlighted nose tackle Jayden “Pookie” Davis, who has dropped 40 pounds and stepped into a leadership role, along with defensive ends Charles Livingston and Gideon Willy, and linebacker Eli Carnes, who recorded 114 tackles last year.

Two positions will feature new faces: the secondary, which lost all four starters from last year, and running back.

Keys to a Special Season

Coach Harrell believes the Hornets have the talent and experience to make 2025 one of the program’s best years. But talent alone isn't enough. He said the biggest factor will be leadership from within the team.

“The best teams are player-led,” he said.

The second piece, Harrell said, is unity. Even a roster stacked with playmakers can falter if there’s division in the locker room. He wants this group to be connected and focused on the same goals.

“If we do that,” Coach Harrell said, “we can be special.”

New Technology

One of the biggest changes fans may notice this season is way the Hornets communicate. A new UIL rule now allows player-to-coach communication on the field. Harrell said all offensive players will be wearing watches that display plays and other quick messages from the coaching staff.

“It should speed things up, cut down on mistakes, and keep other teams from stealing our signs,” Harrell said. Friday’s scrimmage against Fairfield will be the first live test for the new system.

This Week

The Athens Booster Club will host Meet the Hornets at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Bruce Field. The free event will feature introductions of all sports teams along with the band, cheerleaders, and Stingerettes.

The Hornets will host Fairfield in their first scrimmage Friday, Aug. 15. JV and freshmen take the field at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity around 7:15 p.m. Harrell reminded fans that scrimmages are about evaluation, not the scoreboard.

The Athens Hornets (8-2) are gearing up for their bi-district playoff game against the Van Vandals (7-3) this Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Tyler Rose Stadium, with Athens as the home team.

Hornets Finish Strong with Win Over Bullard

The Athens Hornets finished their regular season last Friday with a win, beating Bullard 41-6. After Bullard's opening touchdown, the Hornets took charge, scoring three times in the second quarter. This offensive explosion, combined with key turnovers forced by the defense, led Athens to a dominant 27-6 lead by halftime.

The win completed an 8-2 regular season record for the Hornets. This marks only the fourth time in 28 years that Athens has reached eight regular season wins, and the first time since 2013. This accomplishment reflects the team's consistent effort and the culture of high expectations that Coach Harrell has instilled.

"The playoffs are now an expectation here. It's not a goal," he said.

Scouting the Vandals

Van enters the game with a 7-3 record, having faced tough competition in their district. Their three losses came against playoff contenders Pleasant Grove, Gilmer, and Longview Pine Tree, all decided by close margins. Coach Harrell acknowledged the Vandals' strengths, describing them as a "really good football team, really well-coached."

Offensively, Van mirrors Athens with a balanced attack, using a similar scheme and formations. Their key weapon is a 6'4" receiver who averages over 10 catches per game. Defensively, they are fundamentally sound and aggressive. Coach Harrell expects a physical battle at the line of scrimmage.

"They're a really, really good football team," said Coach Harrell. "They're really well-coached, play extremely hard and play really confidently. So it'll be a great challenge for us."

Keys to the Game

Coach Harrell outlined the following keys to the game for the Hornets:

* Word of the Week: "How Bad Do You Want It?" -- The team's actions and commitment throughout the week will determine their success on Friday night. "Anybody can say they want it, but your actions speak to really what you want to do," said Coach Harrell.

* Communication: With both teams familiar with each other's schemes, the Hornets will have to change some things up so they're not predictable. Clear communication and execution will be crucial.

* Winning the Battle Up Front: The offensive line must maintain their technique and fight to stay on blocks against Van's aggressive defense.

* Stopping the Run: The Hornets' defense wants to shut down Van's rushing attack and force them into passing situations.

* Believe: The team must believe in themselves and play with confidence, regardless of external opinions or predictions.

The Crowd Factor

Michael and Coach Harrell stressed the importance of a strong and vocal crowd at Tyler Rose Stadium.

"The crowd could be a big factor in this game," Coach Harrell said, urging fans to be ready to make some noise Friday night.

The Athens Hornets are playoff-bound. The Hornets improved to 7-2 last week with a physical 43-26 win over Center, and now they're getting ready for their regular season finale at Bullard. Coach Zac Harrell's team keeps proving people wrong, especially in big games. First it was Kaufman, then Waco Connally, and now Center -- each time Athens was picked to lose, and each time they showed why that was a mistake.

"Every big game we've had this year, we've been picked to lose. Our kids like that. They like people doubting them. It'll be no different in the first round of the playoffs, and that's perfectly fine with us. We know the only thing that matters is what our room and our building thinks," said Coach Harrell.

Hornets Physically Dominate Center

Athens outworked Center last Friday. The game wasn't perfect - the Hornets had two fumbles and had dropped passes - but they were the more physical team all night long. That's exactly what Coach Harrell has been working toward since he arrived. After the game, Center's coach admitted it plainly: "We got hit in the mouth tonight."

The win showcased what Athens football has embodied all season. Even when things weren’t clicking perfectly, the Hornets kept pushing. Friday night they dominated the line of scrimmage, and as the game wore on, Center’s energy started to fade. That’s becoming a Hornet trademark this season: toughness.

"We talk all the time about controlling what you can control, being mentally tough, and playing the next play," said Coach Harrell. "That's the biggest thing I saw. We had a lot of things go in that game that would have given us reason to point fingers or be down on ourselves, but our kids just kept lining up and kept playing."

Getting Ready for Bullard

Bullard brings a 2-7 record into the game, but Coach Harrell isn't taking them lightly. They run their defense out of a 3-3 stack formation and sometimes switch to a 4-2 look. Occasionally, they'll even stand up all six of their front defenders and walk them around before the snap, trying to confuse the offense.

On offense, they're a run-first team that likes to use their tight end to create mismatches. Even though Bullard's record isn't the best, Coach Harrell pointed out that last year they upset Van in the final game of the season when Van had already locked up their playoff spot. He's using that as a reminder that his team can't let up.

"We believe that if we want to do what we want to do in the playoffs, we have to improve this week, and we have to find a way to play better football," said Coach Harrell.

Keys to Victory

Coach Harrell outlined the following keys to the game for the Hornets:

- Word of the Week: Details - Coach Harrell used a specific example from the Center game: on one third-down play, they ran a rocket screen to the left, but because one player slid the wrong way, it disrupted the timing and the play went nowhere. The very next series, they ran a similar play with proper execution and scored a long touchdown. It's those small details that can turn good plays into great ones.

- The Little Things - Players need to nail their assignments to keep drives alive and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

- Block Effectively Against Unconventional Defense: With Bullard's unique defensive alignment, maintaining proper blocking and clear communication across the offensive line is essential. Everyone doing their job on each snap will prevent breakdowns and keep the offense moving.

- "Kill Their Will" on Defense: The goal is to physically and mentally wear down the opposing offense. Recent games have shown that by the second half, opposing teams have struggled to maintain their energy and focus against the relentless pressure. Sustaining this defensive intensity will be key.

- Play with Discipline – Between the Whistles: Coach Harrell wants his team to stay disciplined and avoid any unnecessary penalties. Keeping emotions in check and playing cleanly has been a strong point this season, and continuing that will maintain their integrity and effectiveness.

- Improve Every Day: The focus is on relentless effort paired with high-level execution. There's no room for regression; each player is expected to show up better than they were the day before.

In this episode, Michael talks with Coach Poteete about the Cardinals' final regular season game against the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Golden Norsemen as TVCC looks to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Last Week's Win

The Cardinals (2-4) secured an important win last week, beating New Mexico Military Institute, 32-9. Because of playoff tiebreaker scenarios, TVCC had to win the game by 17, but found themselves up by just 16 points with 5 minutes left in the game and NMMI with a first-and-goal.

But the defense delivered a goal-line stand, shutting down multiple attempts near the end zone even after a contested pass interference call gave NMMI new life inside the five-yard line. The offense then delivered with a clutch 89-yard drive featuring big plays by QB Champ Harris and WR Germonie Davis.

Linebacker Noah Flemmings, who is ranked second in the nation with 11.3 tackles per game, dominated with 21 total tackles including 11 solo stops and a tackle for loss. The Cardinals' defense continues to excel, ranking third nationally in sacks.

"Our defense has played really well," Coach Poteete said. "We've been able to get pressure by not blitzing. We've been able to rush four and play really good coverage in the secondary."

On the Road to NEO

NEO (1-4) enters Saturday averaging under 20 points per game. However, Coach Poteete said they have a good ground game.

"Their running back might be the best running back we will face since Game 1 against Independence," he said. "He can hit a hole, he can run, he can run through arm tackles."

The Golden Norsemen's defense plays tight coverage and brings their safeties up to stop the run. Their defensive linemen tie up blockers while their safeties lead the charge downfield for tackles. On passing plays, those safeties drop back deep while their cornerbacks stick close to receivers one-on-one.

It will be a tough match-up for the Cardinals' offense, which continues to deal with injuries.

"Its got to be the next guy up, right?” said Coach Poteete. “I mean, that's why you practice and you take those reps, whether it's a scout team rep this week or a rep with with the first team … all those reps matter. That's why we’ve got to have everybody involved in practice.”

QB Champ Harris has emerged as a key leader as the offense works through the challenges.

"Champ's the best teammate," Coach Poteete said. "He's the guy in the huddle getting the next guy ready to go. He's tough, he's a competitor."

This Week

The Cardinals will travel to Miami, Oklahoma on Friday, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. Saturday. A win is essential for TVCC to have any chance at the playoffs.

"We can control what we can control," Poteete said. "We've got to go take care of our business, and then we'll see what everything else turns out."

If you can’t make the trip, you can watch the Cardinals play NEO here. (There is a $10 charge.)

In this episode, Michael talks with Coach Harrell about the Hornets' impressive win over Rusk and their upcoming showdown against Center.

Complete Performance Against Rusk

The Athens Hornets (6-2) delivered their most complete performance of the season last week in their win over Rusk, showing dominance in all three phases of the game. The Hornets are continuing to build momentum as they move through the season.

"It's the best we've played, probably in all three phases," Coach Harrell said. "We've just got to build on it. We've just got to keep building, keep stacking those blocks and if we do, we think great things are ahead."

The Hornets' offense received a boost last week from the return of quarterback David Richardson.

"You can't say enough about what David means to this team," Coach Harrell said. "There's no one that wants to win more than David Richardson."

The team also expanded Ja'bory Taylor's role in the offense and unveiled a new power formation featuring four linebackers in the backfield - inside linebackers Mason Shelton and Eli Carnes at H-back, with Jase Warren at running back and Taylor at quarterback.

Center Presents Major Challenge

This week brings what Coach Harrell calls "the most important game of the year" up to this point as the Hornets host the Center Roughriders (7-1). Center's only loss this season came against Carthage.

The Roughriders present a unique offensive challenge with their up-tempo attack.

"They play extremely fast... every play once the ball is spotted, they're snapping it," Coach Harrell said.

The offense lines up with its receivers wide to spread the field and features a strong vertical passing game. While their scheme is simplified to fit the tempo, their quarterback can throw the ball 50-60 yards downfield, making them a constant big-play threat.

The Hornets' secondary will face a significant test against Center's attack, but Coach Harrell is confident in his defensive backs. AJ White continues his standout play at corner, while Dewayne Minifee earned defensive player of the week honors against Rusk. Sophomore Zyh'ian Tilley has shown his ability to defend deep passes on the opposite side, and the safety duo of Dray'von Russell and Rhys Groom provides solid support over the top.

Center's defense operates from an odd front and brings consistent pressure. "They like to blitz ... they bring at least four, almost every down, a lot of times they'll bring five," Coach Harrell said.

Special Teams Excellence

The Hornets' kickoff coverage unit has become a genuine weapon. E'manuel Moore made three tackles on eight kickoffs and recovered an onside kick against Rusk. Dewayne Minifee earned special teams MVP honors alongside his defensive accolades.

"I'm not sure I've ever seen a high school football team kickoff team play with the effort that ours is playing with," Coach Harrell said. "Pay attention on the kickoff unit if you're not. How hard those guys are playing is pretty unique. It's fun to watch."

Key's to the Game

Coach Harrell outlined the following keys to the game for the Hornets:

* Word of the Week: Payday - Harrell said this game represents the payoff for months of hard work dating back to January. He emphasized that not all programs get to play in significant games like this, making it crucial to capitalize on the opportunity.

* Limit Big Plays - The defense must prevent Center's explosive offense from connecting on deep passes and force them to execute consistently.

* Control the Line of Scrimmage - With Center's aggressive blitzing scheme, the offensive line must continue their strong play from last week. Coach Harrell believes if they win up front, they'll score plenty of points.

* Handle the Tempo - The Hornets want to turn Center's fast-paced offense into a weapon against them. If they're well-prepared for the speed, they can force quick three-and-outs and get their offense back on the field.

* Win the Turnover Battle - In a matchup of two strong teams, protecting the ball and creating turnovers becomes crucial for victory.

* Play Physical Football - Following their dominant performance against Rusk, Harrell wants his team to maintain that physical style of play and show Center "that the Athens Hornets are a different breed with how they play football."

This Week

The Hornets host Center in a crucial district match-up. Coach Harrell emphasized the need for strong fan support: "If you're in Athens come on out. You're going to be treated to a good brand of football and big time East Texas Friday night football."

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Bruce Field.

In this episode, Michael talks with Coach Poteete about the Cardinals' upcoming homecoming game against New Mexico Military Institute.

Loss to Kilgore

Following a tough home loss to Kilgore College, the TVCC Cardinals (3-4, 1-4) are looking to bounce back this week in their homecoming game against the New Mexico Military Institute Broncos (3-4, 2-3). Coach Poteete remains upbeat about his team, emphasizing the strong performance of the Cardinals' defense.

"Our defense did play well enough for us to win," Coach Poteete said. "As you kind of go back and look at it, and I think we talked about it briefly after the game, their first 10 points were off the turnovers and then a kickoff return. So 17 of the 26 points they scored were not given up by the defense."

Next Up: NMMI

Coach Poteete said NMMI has been in a lot of close games and their defense has played well this year. He said the Broncos have been able to limit opponent scoring in conference play.

"They haven't scored a lot of points, but they're not giving up a lot and they control their own fate," said Coach Poteete. "If they can win the remainder of their games, then they're in the playoffs."

Coach Poteete described NMMI's offense as up-tempo, often using the same personnel grouping and incorporating the tight end heavily. On defense, he said they use a variety of fronts and employ stunts and shifts to confuse the offensive line.

To combat that defense, the Cardinals are going to have to avoid long yardage situations and stay ahead of the chains, Coach Poteete said. They don't want to get into obvious passing situations against NMMI.

One thing the Cardinals know for sure is to expect a tough challenge from the Broncos, who will be playing with a playoff spot on the line.

"They're going to come in and give us their best effort," Coach Poteete said.

This Week

The Cardinals will take on NMMI at Bruce Field with kickoff set for 2 p.m.

The Alumni and Family Tailgate starts at 12 p.m. and will include free food, games, music and giveaways. Stop by for photo booths, balloon twister, lawn games, face painting, and more. The first 100 guests will receive a free souvenir popcorn cup. At 1:45 pm, this year’s king and queen will be crowned.

In this episode, Michael talks with Coach Harrell about the Hornets going on the road to face the Rusk Eagles.

Tough Loss to Carthage

Following their first district loss of the year, the Athens Hornets (5-2, 1-1) are looking to bounce back this week against the Rusk Eagles (2-5, 1-1). Coach Harrell remains optimistic about his team's prospects, emphasizing the need to learn from the Carthage game and focus on the challenges ahead.

"We were really closer to making that a game in the second half than probably most people realize," Coach Harrell said. "Our kids fought, played really hard, didn't lay down."

Despite the loss, Harrell was proud of how his team continued to fight in the second half. "Our guys kept playing," he said. "I think that's a tribute to the leadership we have."

He specifically praised the leadership of Jase Warren and Mason Shelton, and the performance of AJ White on offense.

Next Up is Rusk

Coach Harrell emphasized that the team is now fully focused on the Rusk Eagles, who are coming off a big win over Brownsboro. Rusk's offense put up more points against Brownsboro than they had all season, indicating they are finding their rhythm.

"Rusk is a really good football team," Coach Harrell said. "They've got a great coach. Thomas Sitton has been around a long time...and gets his kids to play really hard."

Harrell cautioned against underestimating the Eagles based on their 2-5 record, saying that they have been significantly impacted by injuries. But with key players returning from injury, Rusk's offense poses a threat.

"They run a lot more this year," Harrell said. "They've actually moved their linebacker from last year to quarterback. So they're run first now. They can throw it, and they have two to three really talented players that they move around in different spots."

While the Eagles offense can be a threat, their defense presents a unique challenge for the Hornets. They utilize an odd front and have shown a tendency to blitz frequently, making it tricky for offenses to predict where the pressure is coming from.

Coach Harrell described their blitz packages as complex and involving a variety of players.

"They're walking an inside linebacker out on the edge, and they're bringing the inside linebacker and the outside linebacker on the same side in some different combination," he said. "It's going to present a tough test... We've got to do a great job of recognizing... and we had to kind of install a different game plan on how we're going to block that, because that doesn't really just fit our base rules."

Keys to the Game

Coach Harrell outlined the following keys to the game for the Hornets:

* Word of the Week: All In - Harrell stressed the importance of complete commitment to the program, both on and off the field. This includes practicing hard, making good decisions, and putting the team first.

* Blitz Recognition - With Rusk's tendency to blitz, the Hornets need to be able to recognize and react to pressure effectively.

* Third and Fourth Down Defense - Harrell wants to see improvement in getting off the field on third and fourth downs.

* Win the Field Position Battle - Rusk's frequent onside kicks make field position crucial. The Hornets need to be prepared to cover kicks and gain an advantage in field position.

* Strong Week of Practice - Harrell emphasized the importance of preparation and having a great week of practice leading up to the game.

This Week

The Hornets are on the road and travel to Rusk to take on the Eagles. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

This week, Michael sits down with TVCC Head Football Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about the upcoming game against Kilgore College and how the team is bouncing back after a tough outing against Navarro.

Sweatshirt Weather

Coach Poteete said it's finally hoodie weather in Texas, and that means it's perfect for football. After a long stretch of summer, cooler temperatures settled in and the team is feeling good about it. TVCC took advantage of the fall break to practice in the mornings.

Bouncing Back from a Tough Game

The Cardinals had a tough time last weekend, losing to Navarro. Coach Poteete said the team is disappointed but ready to get back to work. "If the sun rises on Sunday morning, then it's time to go back to work," Coach Poteete said. He added that the players came in, watched film, and had a high-energy practice. "The game plan is in, the kids went back to work, and they're competing," he said. The focus now is on putting the loss behind them and being ready to compete again this Saturday.

One Game at a Time

Even though the Cardinals (3-3, 1-3) aren't where they want to be in the standings, they still have a chance to make a run. Coach Poteete said the key is staying in the moment. "We can't win three games Saturday. We can only win one game Saturday," he said. The goal is to take things one play, one series, one game at a time, and focus on taking care of business against Kilgore.

Kilgore College Preview

Kilgore College (4-1, 2-1) is coming to Bruce Field this Saturday, and Coach Poteete said the Cardinals know it will be a battle. Kilgore has a strong receiving corps and an active defense. "Their defensive line is really active. They're big on the interior. They've got four 300-pounders that they can kind of roll in," Coach Poteete said. He added that their defensive ends are long and fast, and their linebackers are aggressive. "It's going to be a very good team that we're playing this Saturday," he said.

Line of Scrimmage Battle

One of the key match-ups this weekend will be at the line of scrimmage, with both teams boasting talented, aggressive defensive lines. "We get to show up and line up and get to go play football on a Saturday afternoon. I mean, what more could you ask for?" Coach Poteete said.

This Week

The Cardinals will play Kilgore College at Bruce Field on Saturday at 3 p.m.

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.

The TVCC Cardinals travel to Corsicana this Saturday to play the Navarro Bulldogs. Both teams have a 1-2 conference record. The Cardinals want to keep the momentum going after last week’s 13-10 win over Blinn College.The Cardinals' defense has been the star of the season so far. Last week, they forced Blinn to punt 10 times and held them to 3-of-15 on third-down. “Our defense is playing great,” said Coach Poteete. “Coach (Blake) Bryan and his staff are doing a great job putting a scheme together each week, and the players are executing. Field position was huge for us, and that early turnover set us up with a short field.”Coach Poteete is talking about a highlight reel one-handed interception by Paul Singleton that set up TVCC's first touchdown. This was also the first time the Cardinals used the new challenge system, successfully overturning the original call on the field.Now, the Cardinals are getting ready for Navarro, a team that can score a lot of points. The Bulldogs just had a week off, but in their last game, they were leading 30-7 against Blinn before losing a high-scoring game. “They’ve got some good players,” Poteete said. “Their running back might be one of the best in our conference. He was an all-conference player last year, and he’s really good.”The Cardinals' offense has been getting a lot of yards and moving the ball well, but they’ve struggled to finish drives and turn those yards into touchdowns, especially in the red zone. "We’ve moved the ball really well between the 20s," said Coach Poteete, "but can we be more precise in the red zone? When we’re on offense, can we put the ball in the end zone? And when we’re on defense, can we hold them to field goals? Those are the things that are going to determine the outcome.”Saturday’s game starts at 1 p.m. in Corsicana, and Coach Poteete is hoping to see lots of Cardinal fans there. “We’ve got the best fans in our league, and having that energy in the stands makes a difference,” he said.

In this episode, Michael sat down with Coach Harrell to talk about the Hornets' upcoming district opener against the Brownsboro Bears after an open week.

Non-District Recap

Coach Harrell discussed the Hornets' non-district success, finishing 4-1, and the growth of the team each week. He highlighted how Athens faced tough competition, including a dominant victory over Waco Connally, a team that had been averaging 42.5 points per game before being held to just 14 points by the Hornet defense. Harrell praised the defense’s control over the last three games, giving special recognition to Defensive Coordinator Coach Chayse Rives.

Special teams also received high marks for their play against Connally, especially after a kickoff return for a touchdown. Coach Harrell emphasized that while Julious Brewer made the big play, it was the effort of the 10 other players that made the return possible.

District Play Begins

As the Hornets prepare for district play, Coach Harrell reminded the team that records don't matter anymore—everyone starts at 0-0. Athens is set to face the 0-5 Brownsboro Bears Friday night at Bruce Field. Harrell stressed the importance of not overlooking Brownsboro, as the Bears always bring their best effort in this rivalry matchup.

The Bears' offense has been more versatile this season, utilizing both spread formations and heavier sets, sometimes even getting under center to run the ball. Their quarterback, who started as a sophomore last year, is capable of making throws and poses a threat through the air. The Bears also feature standout athletes, including a defensive lineman who occasionally plays running back, and a Division I recruit at cornerback who is expected to contribute on offense as well.

Keys to Victory

* Word of the Week: It's a New Season – Everybody is 0-0 at this point, it's a brand new season.

* Start Strong – Coach Harrell emphasized the need for a fast start in the first quarter to set the tone.

* Special Teams Impact – Coach Harrell is looking for another game-changing special teams play.

* Maintain Composure – In a rivalry game with high emotions, the Hornets need to stay disciplined and not get caught up in the moment.

* Efficiency in the Passing Game – Coach Harrell challenged the offense to complete over 70 percent of their passes, which requires everyone from the quarterback to the offensive line to execute.

* Respect All, Fear None – The Hornets aim to respect their opponent but step onto the field with confidence and focus on their own game.

This Week

The Hornets (4-1) open district play against Brownsboro (0-5) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bruce Field.

This week, Michael talks with TVCC Head Football Coach Sherard Poteete about the big win over Air Force Prep and the upcoming game against Blinn College at Bruce Field.

Big Win Against Air Force Prep

Coach Poteete talked about how good it felt to get a big win after a tough start to the season. "It's good to get that bad taste out of your mouth," he said. The Cardinals beat Air Force Prep 48-0, playing well on both offense and defense. The defense held Air Force Prep to less than 90 total yards, and the offense had more than 500 yards. Coach Poteete praised the defense for stopping Air Force Prep's option offense, which is tough to prepare for in a short week.

Crazy Weekend in the Conference

It was a wild weekend in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC). Cisco upset Kilgore, who was ranked No. 5 in the country, and Blinn made a huge comeback to beat Navarro, 44-43. "In this conference, you better play until the last whistle," Coach Poteete said, talking about how competitive every game can be.

Blinn is Next

TVCC (2-2) is back in conference play this Saturday against Blinn College (2-1). Blinn just won a high-scoring game over Navarro thanks to their quarterback, Rylan Wooten, who was named NJCAA National Player of the Week. "He's elusive—he can throw it, he can run it a little bit," Coach Poteete said. The Cardinals' defense, which is ranked second in the nation with 24 sacks, will have to be ready to keep Blinn’s quarterback under control.

Keys to Winning

The Cardinals need to stop Blinn from making big plays. The defense, which has been great at getting to the quarterback, has to keep Blinn's quarterback from making scrambling. On offense, the team wants to keep up their explosive plays and also put together long drives. "We've got everything still in front of us," Coach Poteete said. He reminded everyone that the Cardinals need to take it one game at a time.

This Week

The Cardinals play Blinn College at Bruce Field on Saturday at 3 p.m.

In this week’s episode, Michael talks with TVCC Head Football Coach Sherard Poteete about the team’s close loss to Cisco and looks ahead to the upcoming game against Air Force Prep at Bruce Field.

Bouncing Back After Cisco

Coach Poteete discussed the frustration of losing another game that the Cardinals felt they had control over. Despite leading at times and having a chance to win at the end, penalties and missed opportunities continued to hurt the Cards. The focus moving forward is on getting back to basics and taking it one day at a time. The Cardinals know they are capable of winning, and Poteete emphasizes the importance of focusing on the immediate task, without looking too far ahead in the season.

Penalties were again a major issue in the game against Cisco, with TVCC being flagged 18 times compared to Cisco’s six. The Cardinals have to correct these mistakes and be more disciplined.

Facing Air Force Prep

The Cardinals face a unique challenge this week as they prepare to play Air Force Prep, a team that runs the triple-option offense. It is an offense the Cards rarely see and requires a different style of defense. Preparation was difficult, however, because of the weather and the short week.

Air Force Prep is known for being disciplined and well-coached, despite not having the size of a typical college football team. The Cardinals hope to spread out the Air Force defense and find mismatches.

Another Award

WR Jemyri Davis was named the NJCAA Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against Cisco. Davis had a huge game, finishing with eight catches for 244 yards and three touchdowns.

This Week

The Cardinals (1-2) are back at home this week for a Friday night game against Air Force Prep at Bruce Field. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.

In this episode, Michael visits with Coach Harrell to break down the Hornets' dominant 31-0 shutout victory over Jacksonville last week and preview this week’s upcoming road game against the 3-1 Waco Connally Cadets.

Last Week’s Win

Coach Harrell looks back on the Hornets' impressive defensive performance last week, holding Jacksonville to under 100 total yards for most of the game and forcing key turnovers, including two interceptions by AJ White, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Hornet defense has been on a tear the past two weeks, with Coach Harrell praising Defensive Coordinator Coach Rives and his staff for having the team prepared.

Despite dealing with multiple injuries, the offense continued to put up points. Harrell highlighted the strong performances of wide receivers E'manuel Moore and Julious Brewer, who stepped up in key moments, as well as Dray'von Russell.

Coach Harrell discussed the importance of the Hornets’ ability to execute, despite missing four offensive starters, and acknowledged that while the offense wasn't perfect, they got the job done.

Waco Connally

This week, the Hornets will travel to Waco to face the 3-1 Connally Cadets in what Coach Harrell calls the toughest test of the season so far. He highlighted Connally’s athleticism and the challenges posed by their dual-threat quarterback, Jamarion Vincent, who has several Division I offers and plays both quarterback and safety.

Coach Harrell stressed the importance of containing Vincent, who has the ability to turn broken plays into big gains. The Hornets’ defense will focus on keeping eyes on the quarterback and preventing him from scrambling for extra yards.

The Connally defense operates out of a four-man front and frequently adjusts their coverage based on the opponent. Coach Harrell said Connally's secondary has shifted schemes week to week, making it a challenge to game plan.

Keys to Victory

- Everything Matters -- This week’s Word of the Week emphasizes the importance of each player’s role, no matter how small, in winning. Coach Harrell reminded the team that details in practice and on the field can be the difference between winning and losing.

- Details in Practice -- Do the things in Practice that are hard to do.

- Don't Take Plays Off -- Have fewer than 30 reps were players don't hustle.

- Contain the Quarterback – The Hornets must keep Vincent in check and not allow him to scramble and make plays outside of the pocket.

- Consistency on Offense – Every player on offense must execute their role to perfection. Even one missed block or assignment could prevent a successful play.

- Effort and Physicality – Athens must bring a physical edge to the game and work to outmatch Connally in every aspect.

Football 101: Slot Receivers

Coach Harrell explains the role of slot receivers in Athens’ offense, focusing on how players like Julious Brewer are used in various formations to create mismatches against opposing defenses. Slot receivers are versatile, often moving across the formation to create opportunities in both the run and passing game, making them a dangerous part of the Hornets’ attack.

This Week

Athens (3-1) will be on the road this Friday to take on the Waco Connally Cadets (3-1) at Mac Peoples Stadium in Waco in a 7 p.m. kickoff.

NOTE: It is a 7 p.m. kickoff this week.

Bouncing Back After Tyler

Coach Poteete talks about the difficult overtime loss to Tyler Junior College, reflecting on how TVCC dominated nearly every aspect of the game, from time of possession to rushing yards, but failed to finish drives. The defense was stellar, only allowing two big plays, but the offense missed several opportunities to score. He emphasizes the importance of learning from the loss.

Poteete commended his defense, highlighting the performance of NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week, Tavion Atkinson, who recorded four sacks and 12 tackles. "The reason that he's successful on Saturdays is because he practices every day just like that," said Poteete.

Looking Ahead to Cisco

As TVCC prepares to hit the road for Cisco, Coach Poteete stresses the importance of maintaining focus and energy on a long travel day. He describes the challenge of playing at Cisco, where the team will need to create its own momentum. "We’ve got to bring our own atmosphere this week," he said.

Poteete praises Cisco's defense, noting the improvements under their new head coach. "Their defense played really hard," Poteete said, acknowledging the physicality they’ll face. Though Cisco’s offense faced challenges in their opener, Poteete is aware of their ability to mix the run and pass, with a focus on capitalizing on big plays when given the opportunity.

This Week

The Cardinals (1-1) travel to Cisco to take on the Wranglers (0-1) in a Saturday afternoon showdown. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Chesley Field.

In this episode, Michael talks with Coach Harrell after the Hornets' decisive 35-9 homecoming victory over Palestine. The two discuss the team's dominant performance and look ahead to this week’s road game against Jacksonville.

Recap of Last Week’s Win

Coach Harrell talks about the homecoming blowout at Bruce Field, where Athens controlled all phases of the game, improving their record to 2-1. Despite being down a few key players, the Hornets stepped up and played gritty, tough football against a talented Palestine team.

The Hornets took control early, scoring 21 points in the first quarter with help from interceptions by seniors Dewayne Minifee and AJ White. Palestine managed to score once in the second quarter but was otherwise stifled by Athens' defense, which pressured Palestine's quarterback throughout the game.

Coach Harrell highlighted the team's ability to execute a smart game plan in the second half, focusing on burning the clock to protect a banged-up roster.

Coach Harrell also praised kicker Agustin Rodriguez, who made a highlight-reel tackle on kickoff coverage. The special teams unit continues to show improvement each week, with Rodriguez's play standing out.

Preview of the Jacksonville Game

The Hornets will travel to the historic Tomato Bowl to take on Jacksonville (1-2) this Friday. Coach Harrell discusses the significance of this rivalry game, noting the changes in Jacksonville's offensive scheme, which now heavily favors the run. Stopping the run will be Athens' top priority, as Jacksonville's offense is built around a physical ground game with multiple tight ends.

Coach Harrell also highlights the adjustments Athens will need to make to handle Jacksonville’s new defensive scheme, which features a switch to an even front with multiple coverages in the secondary.

Keys to Victory

* Word of the Week: Laser Focus – Eliminate distractions and stay focused on improving each day.

* Stop the Run – Jacksonville’s offense is run-heavy, and the Hornets must make stopping the run their top priority.

* Win the Perimeter Battles – Jacksonville's defense funnels plays to the outside, so Athens' perimeter blocking will be crucial.

* Big Plays in Special Teams – Coach Harrell wants to see a big return in the kicking or punt return game to swing momentum.

* Be a Better Teammate – Players are encouraged to find ways to support their teammates and elevate each other's play.

Football 101: Understanding Cover 3

To wrap up the podcast, Coach Harrell breaks down the concept of “Cover 3,” explaining how defensive schemes work and how quarterbacks like David Richardson read the defense before and after the snap.

This Week

Athens (2-1) is on the road to face Jacksonville (1-2). Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at the Tomato Bowl. Be sure to come out and support the Hornets!

In this week’s episode, Michael sits down with TVCC Head Football Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about the Cardinals’ season opener and preview their upcoming game against Tyler Junior College.

The Win Over Independence

Coach Poteete reflects on the Cardinals’ dramatic season-opening win over Independence. The team overcame adversity, scoring a game-tying field goal as time expired and carrying that momentum into overtime, where they sealed the win with a touchdown and defensive stop.

Coach Poteete highlighted the importance of facing adversity early in the season, saying, "You can only simulate adversity so much in practice." The team's ability to keep their composure and respond to a high-pressure situation bodes well for the Cardinals.

Adapting After a Long Break

With two weeks off between games, Coach Poteete discusses how the team handled the layoff and maintained their energy in practice. He’s been impressed with the Cardinals’ intensity throughout the week and their focus as they prepare for the start of conference play.

"I just so pleased with how our guys responded this week," said Coach Poteete. "I thought our energy level was so high."

Preview of the Tyler Apaches Game

The Cardinals will hit the road for the first time this season to take on their conference rivals, the Tyler Apaches. Coach Poteete emphasizes the strength of Tyler’s defense, particularly their aggressive front seven, which has been putting pressure on opponents. He expects Tyler to come out swinging after an 0-2 start and warns that TVCC needs to take care of the football and avoid costly mistakes.

He also touched on the importance of preparing the players for the atmosphere at Rose Stadium, with a loud crowd and ESPN+ coverage adding an extra layer of pressure.

This Week

The Cardinals (1-0) travel to Tyler to take on the Apaches (0-2) in their first conference game of the season. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday at Rose Stadium.

In this week’s episode, Michael talks with Coach Harrell following the Hornets' thrilling 35-28 comeback win over Kaufman last Friday. The discussion covers key moments from the game and a look ahead to their homecoming game against Palestine.

Reflecting on Last Week's Win

Coach Harrell talks about the pride he feels in his team’s response to adversity last week, especially after their challenging season opener. The fourth quarter against Kaufman saw players digging deep, showing grit, and battling through exhaustion. Harrell highlights the team’s resilience and mental toughness, emphasizing how crucial it is for the Hornets to keep that level of intensity moving forward.

Gutsy Plays in the Fourth Quarter

Coach Harrell describes two key plays from the second half that highlighted the Hornets' effort and made a big difference in the game:

* On a crucial fourth-and-one, the Hornets won the line of scrimmage, allowing David Richardson to power through the middle and convert the yard they needed to keep the drive alive.

* Another pivotal moment was a second-and-15 where Jase Warren made a gutsy run, breaking multiple tackles and gaining 16 yards. Despite being visibly exhausted, Warren pushed through, demonstrating the team's commitment to winning.

Mental Toughness and Physicality

Friday's comeback demonstrated growth by the Hornets, with players selling out in the fourth quarter despite injuries and exhaustion. The effort and physicality shown were major factors in securing the comeback win.

Preview of the Palestine Game

Athens will face a familiar opponent this Friday in Palestine, but with a twist. Palestine’s new coaching staff has implemented a spread offense, moving away from the wing-T, and they pose a significant threat. Despite Palestine’s early-season struggles, Coach Harrell cautions against underestimating them.

Keys to Victory

-- Word of the Week: Be Tough – Coach Harrell challenges the Hornets to remain tough, both physically and mentally, as they continue to battle through the challenges of the season.

-- Prepare Better Than Last Week – Coach Harrell stresses the need to prepare with the same intensity as after a loss and avoid the temptation to relax after a win.

-- Limit Missed Assignments – The Hornets need to stay focused and execute their assignments to avoid mental errors.

-- Be Physical At The Start – The Hornets must come out physical and set the tone early, especially against a dangerous team like Palestine.

-- Keep Your Composure -- Games against Palestine can sometimes get chippy, so the Hornets need to control their emotions.

-- Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing – With homecoming festivities and distractions throughout the week, Coach Harrell emphasizes the importance of focusing on winning the game above all else.

This Week

The Hornets (1-1) host the Palestine Wildcats (0-2) at Bruce Field this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and it's homecoming, so the Hornets need a big crowd to show up and support them!

About Henderson

Coach Harrell talks about the Hornets’ 45-35 loss last week in a rain-soaked game. Despite the challenging weather and some early mistakes, Coach Harrell highlights the resilience of his team and their ability to bounce back. He emphasizes that while the Hornets showed promising signs, they need to cut down on self-inflicted mistakes, like bad snaps and fumbles, to be successful against strong teams.

Key Areas of Improvement

Coach Harrell talks about the areas the Hornets need to improve, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. He stresses the importance of maintaining discipline and staying focused, especially when facing bigger, more physical teams. The team's effort in holding their gaps and playing their roles on defense will be crucial for success moving forward.

Coach Quote

Coach Harrell said the Hornets were ready to get to work this week.

"I've been here six seasons and it was, hands down, the best Labor Day practice that we've ever had," said Coach Harrell. "I have no doubt we're going to be able to fix some of those things that we saw Week One to be a better football team this week."

Looking Ahead: The Kaufman Lions

Coach talks about this week’s match up against the Kaufman Lions. Coach Harrell said the Lions have a talented quarterback, who is also the coach's son, and a highly recruited wide receiver. He outlines the challenge posed by Kaufman’s versatile offense and the adjustments Athens will need to make on defense to keep them in check.

Keys to Victory

* Phrase of the Week: "Contenders or Pretenders": Coach Harrell challenged the Hornets to prove themselves this season, emphasizing the need for perseverance and resilience when the going gets tough.

* Be Coachable: The Hornets need to execute their plays as coached, especially when under pressure or facing physical challenges.

* Limit Self-Inflicted Mistakes: Coach Harrell emphasizes the importance of reducing errors like bad snaps, dropped passes, and penalties.

* Special Teams Focus: A strong effort from the special teams, especially the kickoff unit, will be crucial for setting the tone and maintaining field position.

* Start Fast and Finish Strong: The Hornets need to come out strong and maintain their intensity throughout the game, particularly in the second half when fatigue sets in.

* Desire to Win: Coach Harrell stresses the importance of wanting to win more than the opponent, even when everyone is tired in the second half. He reflects on the film from last week's game, questioning if the team allowed fatigue to take over or if they did everything possible to win.

This Week

The Hornets (0-1) play host to the Kaufman Lions (1-0) at Bruce Field Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

In this week’s episode, Michael is back with Athens Head Football Coach Zac Harrell as the Hornets gear up for the start of the regular football season. They dive into the shift from the preseason to regular games, discuss the young team's performance in recent scrimmages, and preview the upcoming game against Henderson.

Transition to Regular Season

Coach Harrell shares his thoughts on moving from preseason scrimmages into the structured schedule of regular-season games. He highlights the importance of this transition, where the real game planning and execution come into play, and his preference for this time of the year.

Reflections on Scrimmages

Despite the team's youth, Coach Harrell is encouraged by their resilience, noting how well they’ve rebounded from early mistakes. The scrimmages have shown promising signs of leadership and big play ability from the Hornets.

Game Week Against Henderson

The conversation shifts to the specifics of the first regular-season game against Henderson. Coach Harrell outlines the challenges posed by Henderson’s talented defensive line and their versatile offense. He underscores the need for effective communication and discipline to handle the diverse threats posed by Henderson.

Keys to Victory

Word of the Week - "All In": Coach Harrell discusses the team's focus for the week, emphasizing commitment and teamwork as essential components for success. He draws from Dabo Swinney’s framework of team member types to inspire his team to embrace every aspect of their roles, from practice to game day.

Control the Line of Scrimmage: Both the offensive and defensive lines must be at their best to handle the physical challenge posed by Henderson.

Maintain High Effort and Discipline: The Hornets are going to have to play smart, disciplined football, especially given Henderson's habit of using multiple formations.

Avoid Self-Inflicted Errors: Coach Harrell stresses the importance of playing cleanly—minimizing penalties, avoiding turnovers, and maintaining positive energy throughout the game.

Special Teams Focus: The play of the special teams will be crucial, particularly early in the year.

This Week

The Hornets will be on the road to open their season against Henderson this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

===

In this episode, Coach Poteete shares his excitement as the Cardinals gear up for their first game of the season against Independence Community College. After weeks of practice and the unexpected cancellation of last week’s scrimmage, the team is ready to hit the field and face an opponent in a different color jersey for the first time.

Key Topics

-- Preparation for Game Week: Coach Poteete discusses the team's readiness after weeks of practice and how the canceled scrimmage was replaced with an intrasquad session to keep the players sharp.

-- Situational Football: The importance of practicing specific scenarios like third down plays, red zone strategies, two-minute drills, and special teams depth charts to prepare the team for game situations.

-- Special Teams Focus: Insight into how special teams are shaping up, including the return of kicker Ty Powers.

-- Opponent Preview: A look at Independence Community College’s tendencies based on last year’s film, highlighting their aggressive man-to-man defense and blitzing on early downs.

-- Quarterback Spotlight: Coach Poteete talks about starting quarterback Diego Tello, his strengths, and the competition at the QB position.

-- Defensive Confidence: Confidence in the secondary and defensive line, with specific players expected to make an impact.

Coach Poteete's Quote

"We're getting to the time now. We're done talking about it, and let's just go play."

This Week

The TVCC Cardinals take on Independence Community College at Bruce Field 7 p.m. Saturday night. This is the season opener for both teams.

In this week's podcast, Coach Harrell talks about the recent feature on DFW Inside High School Sports, highlighting not just the football program but also the spirit of the Athens community. Michael and Coach also discuss last week's scrimmage, the upcoming scrimmage against Lindale, and special teams.

Key Topics

DFW Inside High School Sports: Coach Harrell recounts how he was approached for a video feature, leading to unexpected publicity for the town and the football program. He details the focus of the video, which emphasizes three main attractions: the uniqueness of Bruce Field, community support in Athens, and the standout linebacker group.

Fairfield Scrimmage: Coach and Michael discuss the recent scrimmage, noting the challenges and growth of a young team with many players taking their first varsity snaps.

Julious Brewer: Coach praises Julious Brewer's performance in the scrimmage, noting his transition from a defensive role to becoming a key offensive player. His work ethic and impact on the field exemplify the qualities the coaching staff values.

Lindale: Looking ahead, Coach outlines the plan for the upcoming scrimmage with Lindale, including the intent to play a live half. He explains the new UIL rule allowing the use of video technology in the press box, which will be tested during the scrimmage.

Special teams and the start of the season: The discussion covers the importance of special teams. Coach Harrell emphasizes that the focus is already shifting towards the regular season opener against Henderson, using the scrimmage to finalize preparations.

Quote from Coach

"The thing I appreciate about Julious (Brewer) is he's really talented, but he shows up every day and works harder than anybody else. You never hear him complain. He's not an ego guy."

Upcoming

Final Scrimmage: Join the Hornets this Thursday night at Bruce Field for the Hornets' final scrimmage against Lindale. It's a great opportunity to see the team in action before the regular season kicks off.

Season Opener: The Hornets will face Henderson in their season opener on Aug. 30.

This week, Coach Poteete shares insights from the early practices, highlighting the team's preparation and key position battles as they head into the season.

Michael and the Coach discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the transfer portal and how it has impacted the team's roster composition. They explore the depth and competition in critical areas like the secondary, linebackers, and the defensive line. Coach Poteete also talks about the quarterback competition and the team's offensive strategy, emphasizing the importance of pushing the ball vertically this year.

Additionally, they cover the team's unusual schedule, which includes an intrasquad scrimmage due to a last-minute cancellation, and the upcoming season opener against Independence Community College.

Key Topics

* Overview of the summer practice and roster updates

* Impact of the transfer portal on team composition

* Strengths and competition in the secondary and linebacker positions

* Defensive line and opportunities for new players

* Excitement around the quarterback competition

* Offensive strategy focusing on vertical passing

* The team's unusual schedule and how they're preparing for the season opener

* What fans can expect at the intrasquad scrimmage at Bruce Field

Coach Poteete's Quote

"We want to be explosive. We want to be able to keep our tempo and things that we've kind of done in the past, but we want to be able to push the ball vertically, and I think it takes guys to do that, and I think we had those guys this year."

This Saturday

This Saturday night at 7 p.m., head over to Bruce Field for the intrasquad scrimmage for your first look at the 2024 TVCC Cardinals in action. Come out, show your support, and kick off the season with the Cards!

Hornet Podcast with Michael V. Hannigan and Athens Football Coach Zac Harrell.

--

This week, Michael sits down with Coach Harrell to talk about the recent maroon and white scrimmage and the upcoming scrimmage against Fairfield. Coach Harrell shares his insights on what he saw from the team during the first weeks of practice.

They explore the progress of both the offense and defense, highlighting the team's experience in their sixth year with the current offensive system and third year on defense with Coach Chayse Rives. Coach Harrell talks about the young but talented roster, the importance of player development, and the ongoing evaluations that will determine who earns a spot on the varsity team.

The episode also covers the logistics of high school football, from managing travel for over 165 players to the upcoming scrimmage against Fairfield. Coach Harrell emphasizes the importance of these early scrimmages in shaping the team's performance and finalizing the lineup for the season ahead.

Key Topics

* Recap of the maroon and white scrimmage

* Early observations on the team's performance and areas for improvement

* The impact of the established offensive and defensive systems

* Player evaluations and the importance of competition

* Preparing for the first scrimmage against Fairfield

* Insights into the challenges of high school football logistics

* Details about the "Meet the Hornets" event at Bruce Field

Call to Action

Get ready for the first scrimmage of the season! The Hornets will be taking on Fairfield this Friday, so don’t miss out. Plus, come support the student-athletes at the "Meet the Hornets" event this Thursday at Bruce Field. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. with food from Brookshire's and the Booster Club, followed by the program at 7 p.m. Come out and share your Hornet Pride.

By Michael V. Hannigan

Summer's over and now the real work begins. The Athens Hornets are set to launch their 2024 football season on Monday, building off a summer of sweat.

"We're ready to go on Monday," said Coach Zac Harrell, "and we're fired up about the group we have."

The Hornets saw a strong turnout during the summer, with about 120 players showing up every morning at 7:30 a.m. for strength and conditioning followed by skills-specific training.

"Our kids can now see that if we do these things we have a chance to have a special group," said Coach Harrell. "Last year's group really turned a corner and exceeded a lot of expectations for a lot of people outside of this building."

"We've proven we can compete with the best in the state," he said. "We proved last year we're a playoff team. Now, let's take it a step further."

That process begins Monday with the acclimation period, where players will start with helmets only for the first two days, progress to shoulder pads on days three and four, and then move to full pads on day five. The week will culminate in a "thud" scrimmage on Friday evening, allowing contact without tackling to the ground.

Weeks two and three will see scrimmages against Fairfield and then Lindale before the season opener Aug. 30 against Henderson.

"We open with Henderson which should be a great football game," said Coach Harrell. "They're a great football program with a ton of tradition."

As the Hornets prepare for the challenges ahead, the focus extends beyond just the upcoming games. Academic performance has also been a major focus for Coach Harrell and his staff. Last year, the team achieved a remarkable 100 percent passing rate for boys athletics during the third nine-week grading period after football season.

"We took a hard look at ourselves as a coaching staff and said, 'Hey, if we're serious about preaching this message about doing right all the time, we need to back it up,'" he said. "So we started holding them accountable year-round with grades."

The weight room, the field, the classroom – the Hornets have been putting in hard work across all areas, and now they’re primed for a standout year.

By Michael V. Hannigan

Imagine a football program where kids not only learn to pass and catch, but also grow in character and faith. Well, there's no need to imagine. Athens Upward Flag Football is now accepting registration through July 31.

"Athletics is an area that gives us a great conduit to teach life skills," said Upward Flag Football Director Blake Williamson. "From perseverance, to grit, to what it means to be unselfish, to sacrifice, and those type of things. Sports is a great opportunity, if done correctly, to build up those habits."

This year marks the fourth season of Upward Flag Football in Athens. The program is open to students entering first through sixth grade, with divisions for first and second graders, third and fourth graders, and fifth and sixth graders.

Registration is open until July 31, with three mandatory evaluation dates on Aug. 3, 8, and 10. These evaluations are not tryouts but an opportunity to assess skill levels and ensure balanced teams. Players only have to attend one evaluation practice.

"Everyone who signs up will play," Williamson said. "The evaluation process helps us create competitive yet fun environments for all participants."

Registration is $75, which includes a reversible jersey, flags, and a bag. Practices begin on Aug. 19, and games start the day after Labor Day. (We said $80 in the podcast, but $75 is the correct registration fee.)

To register or for more information, visit www.upwardathens.com or the Upward Athens Facebook page.

Building Character Through Sports

Character development is another cornerstone of Upward Flag Football. Each practice includes a lesson on values like grace, faith, and forgiveness, with coaches leading prayers and discussions to reinforce these virtues. This approach creates a nurturing environment where kids can thrive without the pressure of high-stakes competition.

"They can see that hard work, being a great teammate, and encouraging others help them grow in their faith and are practical to apply in the areas that they love," Williamson said.

With its low stress and focus on building character and faith, the program offers a unique and valuable experience.

"We play hard, but we also have a lot of fun," Williamson said.

Don't miss this chance for your child to grow both on and off the field. Register for Athens Upward Flag Football by July 31 and be part of a program that’s all about building skills, character, and having a blast.

ARLINGTON -- The Malakoff Tigers are undefeated State Champions after beating the Franklin Lions Thursday afternoon, 14-7.

"It wasn't the prettiest game, but it turned out to be beautiful," said Malakoff Head Coach Jamie Driskell. "Our kids are unreal as far as their grit, their toughness. We all know they are good players, but they dig deep."

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy, GILBERT ELECTRIC)

In a game defined by defense, the Tigers made the biggest plays. Malakoff stopped Franklin in the red zone late in the fourth quarter. Facing a fourth-and-seven from the Malakoff 15, Franklin tried a halfback pass, but Malakoff wasn't fooled, and the pass sailed out of bounds.

The Lions scored just once in three red-zone possessions.

"We had a great plan against the Wing T. The kids bought in," Malakoff Defensive Coordinator Brent Watkins said. "We were just eating them up with toughness. They were bigger than we were upfront. Hats off to them; they're a good team, but our kids were just a little bit tougher tonight."

Malakoff throttled Franklin, holding them to just 224 total yards. The Lions had scored no less than 49 points in each of its last nine games before running into the Tiger buzzsaw.

Parker Poteete led Malakoff with 13 tackles and was named the Defensive Player of the Game.

Perhaps the biggest play of the game happened late in the first quarter when Franklin RB Devyn Hidrogo fumbled at the Malakoff 1-yard line, and Bubba Hicks recovered in the end zone. The play preserved Malakoff's 7-0 lead.

"That was probably the play of the game," said Coach Driskell. "You wouldn't think it would be in the first quarter, but that was huge. It kind of took their momentum from them a little bit."

QB Mike Jones paced the Tigers offensively by rushing for 103 yards on 21 carries and throwing for 140 yards and two touchdowns. His main target was Chauncey Hogg, who hauled in seven catches for 108 yards, including touchdowns of 32 and 41 yards.

Jones, the Offensive Player of the Game, and Hogg described the second touchdown during the postgame press conference.

"The safety dropped back a little deep, and I was like, "Chauncey can get behind him," so I put the ball on him and he was in the end zone and snagged it," Jones said.

Hogg added, "Whenever he throws it, I'm going to go get it."

As the press conference closed, Coach Driskell gave a nod to the last 15 years of Malakoff football.

"I want all the ex-players to understand that they're a part of this," he said. "The ex-players that we've had, from '09 all the way through, probably 300 to 350 kids, they're a part of this. They're a part of the reason we won."

"I just want them to know that they're a part of this as well. I wish we could get them all medals."

SCORING SUMMARY

* MALAKOFF -- 1Q, 6:00 -- Mike Jones 32-yard pass to Chauncey Hogg. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 7-0

* MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 9:10 -- Mike Jones 41-yard pass to Chauncey Hogg. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 14-0

* FRANKLIN -- 3Q, 3:57 -- Jayden Jackson 5-yard run. Cort Lowry kick good. -- 14-7

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Tigers have been working for this moment since last season ended.

The Malakoff Tigers (15-0) will face the Franklin Lions (14-1) at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at AT&T Stadium in the Class 3A D1 Championship Game.

"We feel a great sense of accomplishment," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell, "but at the same time, we're not done yet."

It won't be an easy task. This is the fourth consecutive year Franklin has reached the championship game. They are 2-1 over the past three years.

"There's a reason why they're two-time defending state champs," said Coach Driskell. "They've got a great program. Coach Fannin and them over there do an extremely great job."

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy, GILBERT ELECTRIC)

The Lions run a Slot-T offense, which means the quarterback is under center, and they run the ball most of the time, although they do throw the ball a few times a game.

Even though it doesn't look like the spread offenses that are more common today, it is still very explosive. The Lions haven't scored less than 49 points in their last nine games.

Franklin also likes to snap the ball quickly after they come to the line of scrimmage, making it important that the Tigers get lined up properly.

"They feed off of trying to outnumber you all the time," said Coach Driskell. "It's going to be important that we get lined up and then get there and make the tackle."

Field position could be a key factor on Thursday afternoon.

"If they get the ball close to the 50, then the way they see it, they've got four downs to get 10 yards," said Coach Driskell. "If we can keep them on their side of the field, then they've got three downs to get 10 yards, so we think field position is going to be a big part of that."

Franklin will also have its work cut out for it trying to stop Malakoff on the other side of the ball. The Tigers have been held under 40 points just twice all season.

"We have to execute when we have the ball," said Coach Driskell.

Quarterback Mike Jones has been on a roll running the ball, scoring three rushing touchdowns of 30-plus yards in the playoffs. Jerrion Hall has had 12 rushing touchdowns during this playoff run.

Big plays have fueled the Tigers, who have scored on 16 plays of 30 yards or more during the postseason.

The Tigers have been a team on a mission since the offseason and Thursday, they get a shot at their final goal.

"It's been a great season, but we're going there to win this thing. We're not just going to show up and have fun and be satisfied with getting there," said Coach Driskell, "we want to go win this thing."

Find instructions for tickets here.

By Michael V. Hannigan

FRISCO -- Big plays by the defense and special teams powered Malakoff past Brock Thursday night, 38-31, earning the Tigers a chance to play for the state title next week against Franklin.

The biggest play came with the score tied 31-31 and under two minutes left in regulation. Doc Renberg chased down Brock quarterback Brody Woods, hitting him as he started to throw. The ball went up in the air and was intercepted by Daniel Norrell, who rumbled 29 yards to the Brock 16.

Five plays later, Malakoff's Mike Jones scored the winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak.

"This was an unreal game. It was back and forth," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "Our kids never quit. We kind of kept grinding."

It was certainly a grind for the Tigers at first.

Brock broke out on top 10-0 after a field goal and a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first five minutes of the game.

But on a night defined by big plays, the defense got the Tigers rolling when Parker Poteete returned a fumble 67 yards to make it 10-7.

That kicked off a 24-7 run by Malakoff through the second and third quarters to set up the late drama.

It was all fueled by big plays.

First, the two teams traded long touchdown runs, with Mike Jones scoring on a 52-yarder for Malakoff. The score was 17-14 at the half.

Renberg blocked a Brock punt in the third quarter, setting the Tigers up for a field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, James Studley stripped the Brock ball carrier and raced 35 yards to give Malakoff its first lead of the game, 24-17.

Renberg had a huge game for the Tigers, adding a 57-yard touchdown reception to his blocked punt and the forced interception.

"Huge plays," said Coach Driskell.

Malakoff not only beat Brock on the field, it beat them in the stands as well. Tiger fans filled The Star in Frisco, and the energy was palpable on the field.

"They were great. They were loud," said Coach Driskell. "It was unbelievable. We had a lot of people here, and hopefully we get a lot of people at AT&T Stadium next week."

There's one game left in the Tiger's 2023 football season.

See you next week at AT&T.

SCORING SUMMARY

* BROCK -- 1Q, 7:31 -- Caiden Riddle 34-yard field goal. -- 3-0

* BROCK -- 1Q, 6:51 -- Colt Matlock 43-yard interception return. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 10-0

* MALAKOFF -- 1Q, 2:15 -- Parker Poteete 67-yard fumble return. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 10-7

* BROCK -- 2Q, 10:07 -- Brett Tutter 61-yard run. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 17-7

* MALAKOFF -- 2Q, 8:08 -- Mike Jones 52-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 17-14

* MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 4:41 -- Landen Boswell 29-yard field goal. -- 17-17

* MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 4:30 -- James Studley 35-yard fumble return. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 24-17

* BROCK -- 3Q, 2:08 -- Brett Tutter 4-yard run. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 24-24

* MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 1:14 -- Mike Jones 57-yard pass to Doc Renberg. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 31-24

* BROCK -- 4Q, 10:07 -- Brody Woods 12-yard run. Caiden Riddle kick good. -- 31-31

* MALAKOFF -- 4Q, 0:19 -- Mike Jones 1-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 38-31

By Michael V. Hannigan

It's down to the Final Four in Class 3A, Division 1. There's only Malakoff, Brock, Franklin, and Edna left.

Thursday night, Malakoff will face Brock for the opportunity to play in the State Championship. As you would expect, it isn't going to be easy.

"Brock kind of set the standard," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "They played in the state championship the last two years. They have a ton of seniors that have played on both of those teams."

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy, GILBERT ELECTRIC)

Malakoff learned just how good the Brock Eagles are last year, falling to them 21-10 in the state semifinal round at The Star in Frisco. They face each other again this year in the same place and round.

"Our kids obviously remember last year," said Coach Driskell. "We're going to take some of that experience that we got last year and hopefully harness it in the right direction."

The Eagles are big and strong in the trenches and very sound offensively and defensively, which you would expect from two-time state finalists.

But, even though they know it will be a battle Thursday night, the Tigers wouldn't have it any other way.

Everyone understands what it takes to maintain this level of excellence, from the trainers and managers to the stars and the coaches. They've sacrificed and sweated to get here.

"I hope people understand the time and effort that the kids, the coaches, everybody puts in," said Coach Driskell. "We're going to do our best and get after these guys."

TICKET INFO

Malakoff is the visiting team. No passes will be accepted, and tickets are $15 for all ages. Get your tickets here!

Stadium information: https://sites.google.com/.../high-school.../fan-information

By Michael V. Hannigan

FORNEY -- The Malakoff Tigers got off to a fast start on their way to knocking off Winnsboro, 58-20, in the Class 3A, Division 1, Region 2 Championship Friday night.

"We were really tough tonight," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "Our toughness was kind of the difference, I thought."

Malakoff raced out to a 20-7 lead in the first quarter, but it wasn't just the score that demoralized Winnsboro; it was how it happened.

The Red Raiders started well, taking the opening kickoff and driving 45 yards on six plays before throwing three incompletions and then taking a sack to turn the ball over on downs.

Malakoff's offense trotted out onto the field and handed off to Jerrion Hall, who raced 51 yards for a touchdown. One snap, one touchdown.

Winnsboro then put together another nice drive before stalling and turning the ball over on downs.

This time, it took the Tiger offense two snaps before quarterback Mike Jones broke off a 48-yard touchdown run, and Malakoff had a 14-0 lead.

The Red Raiders finally put it all together on their next drive, cashing in on a 7-yard TD pass to close the gap to 14-7. The Winnsboro fans thought their team was finally in the game.

Until Chauncey Hogg took the ensuing kickoff 68 yards for a touchdown.

The Red Raiders had thrown everything it had at Malakoff, twice going for it on fourth down. The Tigers had possessed the ball for a grand total of 43 seconds.

Score: Malakoff 20, Winnsboro 7.

Coach Driskell said the fast start was a big factor in the game.

"I think it made them start pressing a little bit," he said. "You never know how the game is going to start. We were worried about them getting a fast start on us because their offensive is so explosive."

The Red Raiders averaged 55 points per game in 12 games this season and broke 70 points in both of their previous playoff games. But that was before facing the Tigers.

Winnsboro quarterback Kyle Finney was harassed all night by the Tigers' pressure and struggled to find either open receivers or room to run. He threw two interceptions to Chauncey Hogg and Kayland Davis.

Chauncey Hogg had an eye-popping game for the Tigers, scoring on a kickoff return, getting an interception, blocking an extra point, and then returning the block for a 2-point conversion.

Jerrion Hall finished the game with 182 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 19 carries. Mike Jones added 77 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.

With the win, the 14-0 Tigers advance to the State Semifinal against Brock at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Ford Center in Frisco.

SCORING SUMMARY

* - MALAKOFF -- 1Q, 9:18 -- Jerrion Hall 51-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 7-0

* MALAKOFF -- 1Q, 4:29 -- Mike Jones 48-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 14-0

* WINNSBORO -- 1Q, 1:35 -- Kyle Finney 7-yard pass to Tyson Johnson. Rudy Calderon kick good. -- 14-7

* MALAKOFF -- 1Q, 1:22 -- Chauncey Hogg 68-yard kickoff return. Kick no good. -- 20-7

* MALAKOFF -- 2Q, 11:46 -- Jerrion Hall 4-yard run. Jerrion Hall 2 pt run. -- 28-7

* WINNSBORO -- 2Q, 1:50 -- Kyle Finney 3-yard run. Kick blocked by Malakoff's Chauncey Hogg and returned for a 2-point conversion. -- 30-13

* MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 9:07 -- Jerrion Hall 17-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. 37-13

* MALAKOFF -- 3Q, 5:40 -- Mike Jones 1-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. 44-13

* WINNSBORO -- 3Q, 1:19 -- Kyle Finney 44-yard pass to Camden Capeheart. Rudy Calderon kick good. -- 44-20

* MALAKOFF -- 4Q, 10:03 -- Jerrion Hall 1-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 51-20

* MALAKOFF -- 4Q, 4:56 -- Davion Johnson 1-yard run. Landen Boswell kick good. -- 58-20

By Michael V. Hannigan

The next step is the hardest so far for the Malakoff Tigers.

Malakoff will take on the Winnsboro Red Raiders in Forney Friday night in the Class 3A, Division 1, Region 2 Championship game. Both teams are 13-0.

"They'll be the best team that we've seen by far," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "I feel like we're probably the best team they've seen, as well."

Winnsboro is led by quarterback Kyler Finney, son of Head Coach Josh Finney.

"He's an exceptionally good player," said Coach Driskell. "He kind of makes them go offensively. He can run, and he can throw it."

Offensively, the Red Raiders will mix things up using different formations.

"On defense, the first thing is getting us aligned right and getting us in the right spots," Coach Driskell said. "And then, obviously, you've got to fly around and play hard after that."

Defensively, they will try and do the same thing by lining up in a variety of fronts.

"We've got to see what they're going to give us," Coach Driskell said. "We've got to take it and exploit it."

The Tigers are doing a little better on the health front than they have in the past couple of weeks.

"It's the playoffs, and so there's going to be some bumps and bruises and bangs," Coach Driskell said. "They've done well as far as getting treatment and just kind of hanging in there. They've done what they needed to do to get their bodies right, so we're in pretty good shape for this time of the year."

The crowd could be a factor Friday night, according to Coach Driskell.

"Momentum is a huge thing in football and just getting that adrenaline going," he said. "And so the kids need to see fans up in the stands and cheering them on for sure. Especially at this point in the season."

"These last two weeks have been great; hopefully, we can build on that. Get something to eat in Forney, and then come support these kiddos."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC)

By Michael V. Hannigan

Fans have been waiting for this one.

Malakoff will take on Grandview at 2 p.m. Friday at E.H. Hanby Stadium in Mesquite in a Class 3A DI Regional playoff game.

Malakoff comes into the game with a 12-0 record, while Grandview is 11-1. The Zebra's only loss this year came against Malakoff in the second week of the season when the Tigers raced past them, 51-21.

But 10 weeks is a long time in a football season.

"They haven't lost a game since they played us," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "They've gotten hot and on a roll."

These two teams know each other very well, facing off 10 times in the past six years.

"Their staff does a really, really good job with those kids. They're always sound offensively and defensively," said Coach Driskell.

"It's just hard to get them to make mistakes, and that's what's so difficult about playing Grandview," he said.

To win, Malakoff is going to have to overcome some injuries. Running backs Jerrion Hall and Bubba Hicks are both hurting.

"It's the typical time of the year where teams have guys that are banged up," said Coach Driskell. "Jerrion and Bubba have not practiced this week hardly at all. We have some concerns there for sure."

If there's a team experienced enough to overcome adversity, it's the Tigers. This year marks the sixth consecutive season Malakoff has played in the third round of the playoffs and seven of the last eight.

Fans should also know their way to the game. Coach Driskell said this is the fifth time the Tigers have played at Hanby Stadium.

"Hopefully, we'll get a bunch of people there full of turkey and ready to cheer us on," he said.

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC)

By Michael V. Hannigan

It'll be Tiger vs Tiger Friday night in Tyler.

The undefeated Malakoff Tigers (11-0) will face the Mount Vernon Tigers (8-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tyler-Rose Stadium in the Area Round of the playoffs.

Malakoff beat Maypearl 49-0 in bi-district action last week while Mount Vernon is coming off a 49-7 win over Gladewater.

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC)

According to Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell, Mount Vernon is fast and hard-hitting, and has a linebacker with DI potential.

"They've got a couple of kids defensively that will hit you and they play really, really hard," he said.

The Mount Vernon defense will also try and confuse Malakoff by presenting different fronts and rolling its secondary.

"Things are going to change play by play," Coach Driskell said, "so we've just got to be able to think on the run a little bit."

On the other side of the ball, Mount Vernon has some speed on the outside and a running back who runs hard.

"Their quarterback is pretty good, and they've got some receivers that can really go get it," Coach Driskell said.

"We've got our hands full and our work cut out for us," he said.

The good news for Malakoff is they had an extra day to rest, which is important this time of the year when everyone is a little nicked up.

"It's good to have that extra day of preparation; it's good to have that extra day of recovery," Coach Driskell said.

Malakoff also gets to play close to home again. Last week, Malakoff fans turned out to support the team despite the weather, and the team is hoping for more of the same this week.

"Hopefully, we can fill the stands this week because the weather is supposed to be beautiful," said Coach Driskell.

Other topics covered in the podcast:

* Back in Coach Driskell's office

* Drying out after Maypearl

* The need to play physical football

* Keeping the routine during the week

* The offensive line

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Malakoff Tigers (10-0) rolled through the regular season, winning their district and earning a spot in the playoffs. But now it starts all over again.

"It's been fun, and it is always good to go undefeated, but anything can happen on any given night, and we've got to be ready to play," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "Everybody is 0-0 at this point if you're still playing. It is win or go home."

First up for the Tigers are the Maypearl Panthers (7-3). Malakoff faced Maypearl in the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.

"They have a new staff now and look different," said Coach Driskell. "I think they're a little better than they were back then."

Coach Driskell said the Panthers do many different things offensively and have a good running back.

Defensively, Maypearl plays games in the secondary, trying to confuse the opposing offense.

"Their secondary tries to confuse your offense," he said. "They'll run a bunch of different coverages, and they'll bring heat at certain times. We have to have stuff for that, and the kids have to execute it."

"We've got to be ready for that and try not to make mistakes or get behind the chains," he said.

Both teams will also have to be prepared for the weather. There is currently a 90 percent chance of rain for Thursday night in Corsicana.

"Ball security is huge, obviously," said Coach Driskell when asked about the weather. "It's always a concern, and I'm sure it's a concern for them as well."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Tiger Stadium in Corsicana.

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By Michael V. Hannigan

It's deja vu all over again.

The TVCC Cardinals will welcome the Navarro Bulldogs to Bruce Field at 1 p.m. in a SWJCFC Semifinal game this Saturday.

One month ago, the two teams squared off at Bruce Field, with the Cardinals winning 41-24. But the game was close for three quarters.

"It was a tough game," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "Navarro is good. They're coached well and they have some really good football players on both sides of the ball."

Saturday's game will also be the renewal of the series between quarterbacks Darion Peace and Dane Jentsch. This will be the eighth time teams with Peace and Jentsch face each other. Jentsch leads the series 4-3, but Peace is on a three-game winning streak.

There is definitely a rivalry between the two Highway 31 schools.

"There's not much distance between us, and we all kind of recruit the same kids," said Coach Poteete. "It's a little rivalry there."

The fact that the two teams know each other so well will impact the game.

"When you play rivalry games, it’s always a little chippy," said Coach Poteete. "So, which team can eliminate the foolish penalties?"

"Whichever team can be the most disciplined on that, that's going to bode well for them," he said.

Listen to the interview for these other topics:

* Last week's game against NMMI.

* The quarterbacks' play last week.

* Defending Dane Jentsch.

* The importance of converting third downs.

* Situational football.

* The coaching challenge of facing the same team twice in a year.

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By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens Hornets (6-4) will travel to Nacogdoches to play the Lumberton Raiders (7-3) 7:30 p.m. Friday night at Stephen F. Austin State University in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

In other words -- "Hello, postseason!"

"I'm not sure I've ever been more proud of a group of kids," said Athens Coach Zac Harrell. "We can't just be satisfied we're in the playoffs. We've got a great opportunity in front of us, now let's go attack it."

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Last year, the Lumberton Raiders made it to the third round of the playoffs before being beaten by Chapel Hill. This year, the Raiders cruised through their district undefeated.

"They present a big challenge for us," said Coach Harrell.

According to Coach Harrell, the Raiders offense almost always lines up with four wide receivers. They have a talented quarterback and are a pass-first offense. That is a change from what the Hornets have mostly seen in District 9-4A, where teams have a tendency to use tight ends and H-backs and run right at you.

On defense, the Raiders play a 3-4 with a pair of defensive ends who could be the best the Hornets have seen this year, according to Coach Harrell.

"Those guys present a huge challenge for us of being able to contain them in the run game and the passing game," he said.

While Lumberton is dangerous, so are the Hornets.

The Athens secondary has played well all year with cornerbacks Julious Brewer and La'Zavion Lee, and safeties Brett Horn, Jayden Turner, and Jamauri Manning stepping up for the Hornets.

"This is the best our secondary has played since we've been here," said Coach Harrell.

The defense has been particularly good at not allowing big plays.

"That's been such a big part of the defense. They have limited the big play against a lot of big-play teams," said Coach Harrell.

On offense, the Hornets have been able to grind out first downs with Jaxson Stiles and Jamuari Manning running the ball, but that can't happen without the offensive line. And Coach Harrell said the offensive line played its best game of the year last week.

"I thought they played excellent," he said. "Physical and off the ball moving people."

Keys to the Game

* Word of the Week: Be Hungry. Don't be satisfied to just be in the playoffs.

* Key 1: Control their defensive line.

* Key 2: Fly to the football on defense.

* Key 3: Continue to take advantage of what they give us.

* Key 4: Make a game-changing play on special teams.

* Key 5: Enjoy the experience, but focus on what matters.

By Michael V. Hannigan

It's Homecoming for the Cardinals!

The TVCC Cardinals will host NEO for homecoming this Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. at Bruce Field.

This will be the final regular season game for the Cardinals, who have a 4-2 record in the conference. A win Saturday against the 0-6 Golden Norsemen will secure a playoff spot for the Cardinals.

"I think things can be deceiving when you just look at their record," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete, adding that it isn't that easy. "It's not like that in this league. You've got to show up and you've got to play."

Coach Poteete said the Golden Norsemen are particularly good on defense.

"Half their games, they've given up less than 300 yards," he said. "Their defense is really, really good, and so we've got to put a plan together to put some points on the board."

One thing that will help is to eliminate mistakes.

"We've got to cut down on the penalties," Coach Poteete said. "We've got to cut (the opponent's) second chance opportunities down."

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Other Topics

Listen to the interview to hear Coach Poteete talk about:

* Fighting through adversity.

* QB Matthew Duncan.

* RBs Quincy Thompson and Hymond Drinkard.

Homecoming

Before the game kicks off, the TVCC Alumni Association is hosting a one-of-a-kind Tailgate Party in the parking lot from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

By Michael V. Hannigan

The playoffs have arrived a week early for the Athens Hornets.

The Hornets will travel to Palestine Friday night to face the Wildcats. Both teams have identical 2-3 district records, and the winner will advance to the bi-district round of the playoffs. For the loser, the season is over.

"Like you said, it is a playoff game and that's how we're approaching it," Coach Zac Harrell said during this week's interview. "We're extremely proud of our kids up to this point. I think we've had an awesome year and we're excited about the challenge on Friday and playing a high-stakes game in November, which is what good teams do."

Make no mistake, Friday will be a challenge.

"The first thing about Palestine is they're extremely well coached," said Coach Harrell. "(Coach) Lance Angel is one of the best in the business."

Palestine is a team that likes to run the ball. They only throw about 20 percent of the time.

"They have some extremely talented backs," said Coach Harrell. "They have about three or four guys that they try to get the ball to."

The Wildcats will run out of both a Wing T formation and the Spread.

"They've gotten into more spread formations and gotten in shotgun and two-back shotgun," Coach Harrell said. "They're still running the ball, but just from a shotgun spread attack more so than under center."

They will still go under center in the Wing T formation, however.

The Hornets will also try to run the ball against the Wildcats' four-man front, but they are more likely to take shots downfield.

"We challenged our line this week because we've got to create movement," said Coach Harrell. "We've got to find ways to move the line of scrimmage and give our ball carriers some creases."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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Keys to the Game

* Word of the Week: Now. "This is what we fought for, this moment," said Coach Harrell. "It's right here in front of you for you to take."

* Key 1: Win the line of scrimmage

* Key 2: Win the field position battle.

* Key 3: Create turnovers.

* Key 4: Play harder than they do.

* Key 5: Whatever it takes.

By Michael V. Hannigan

This weekend, the TVCC Cardinals will travel to Roswell, New Mexico, to take on the New Mexico Military Institute Broncos.

After a tough loss to Kilgore last week, No. 8-ranked TVCC has a 3-2 conference record. New Mexico has a 4-2 record.

"They're coached well, they're disciplined, and they don't beat themselves," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete.

The Bronco defense will mainly be in a three-man front when they face TVCC, but Coach Poteete said they will rotate their secondary and bring a safety down into the box depending on the play.

"That's something we're going to have to be able to identify," he said.

Expect the Cardinals to lean on their running game.

"We carried the ball last week for 5.8 yards a carry, so we've got to come and establish the run," Coach Poteete said. "And obviously if we can do a good job there, we're going to be able to set up the passing game."

Kickoff in New Mexico is scheduled for 3 p.m. You can watch the game here.

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By Michael V. Hannigan

The No. 2-ranked Malakoff Tigers return to work Friday when they travel to Mexia to take on the Black Cats.

Malakoff is 8-0, 4-0, and Mexia is 3-6, 3-2 and coming off two consecutive wins.

"They're really athletic," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "They've got some speed and some kids that can really play."

Coach Driskell said the Black Cats made a change at quarterback that gave their season a spark.

"They've gotten better the last few weeks when they made that move with him," he said.

Mexia is also fast, according to Coach Driskell.

"We have some concerns about their speed, and they've got some playmakers that go up and catch the ball," he said. "We've got to be ready to counter that and we've got to execute defensively."

Malakoff always has a bullseye on its back, but Mexia has extra motivation this week. The Black Cats need a win to keep control of their playoff destiny.

"We're fixing to get their very best," said Coach Driskell.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Other Topics Covered

* Malakoff's state ranking.

* Malakoff's offense putting up big numbers.

* Tigers health.

By Michael V. Hannigan

It doesn't get any easier for the Athens Hornets.

Athens faced then No. 5-ranked Kilgore last week, and the Hornets gave the Bulldogs a run for their money before coming up short at the end, 28-21.

"We've shown that we can play with the top teams in the state," said Athens Coach Zac Harrell. "Kilgore is one of the best teams in the State of Texas."

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The Hornets will get another chance to prove themselves against a top team this week when they welcome the No. 8 Chapel Hill Bulldogs. Chapel Hill brings a 7-1, 3-1 record into Friday night, while the Hornets have a 5-3, 2-2 record.

Chapel Hill boasts more than 10 players with DI offers, according to Coach Harrell.

"They're extremely talented; that's the first thing that jumps out at you," he said.

The one thing the Hornets showed last week is that they can run the ball against good teams. Jaxson Stiles and Jamauri Manning combined for 177 yards on 42 carries, and Athens controlled the clock behind a great effort by its offensive line.

"It's going to be the same (this week)," said Coach Harrell. "If our offensive line will play physical and do their job and focus, I think we'll move the ball."

Friday night will be Senior Night for Athens High School, with seniors from the football team and the band, Stingerettes, Bell Guard, cheerleaders, trainers, and others recognized.

"Senior night is always a special night," said Coach Harrell. "To honor them and thank them for the countless hours that they have put into being about something more than themselves.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Other Topics Covered

* Blocking against an even front vs. an odd front.

* Importance of the guards.

* Use of the H-back and tight ends.

* Zone blocking and the "dart".

By Michael V. Hannigan

This one promises to be a doozy.

The No. 4-ranked TVCC Cardinals will travel to Kilgore on Saturday afternoon to take on the No. 3 Rangers in a SWJCFC game filled with playoff implications. While Kilgore is ranked higher, and the teams have identical 3-1 conference records, TVCC is currently first in the conference standings with a better overall record.

Just behind them is Tyler at 3-1, and Cisco, New Mexico Military Institute, and Navarro with 3-2 conference records. With only four playoff spots available, some good teams will miss the postseason.

But before thinking about the conference playoffs and beyond, the Cardinals must get past Kilgore on Saturday, and that won't be easy.

"They're a good football team playing really well," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "They're pretty explosive offensively."

The Rangers have scored over 40 points in four of their five games this season. Through five games, Kilgore quarterback Cameron Peters leads the nation in passing efficiency.

On the other side of the ball, Coach Poteete said Kilgore might have the best defensive line the Cardinals have faced this season.

The good news is the Cardinals are on a roll and feeling pretty healthy after a recent open week. TVCC has averaged 38 points per game over their last three games and is leading the nation in takeaways with 21 (15 interceptions, six fumbles).

"If we can intercept the ball, get a takeaway, create turnovers, it's such a big momentum change," said Coach Poteete.

Another momentum changer is special teams, and the Cardinals have been playing really well in the kicking game. Cardinal place kicker Ty Powers was just named the NJCAA Special Teams Player of the Week.

"Yeah, special teams are doing a great job of setting up some short fields," said Coach Poteete. "We've done a good job punting, of flipping the field and giving our defense long fields to defend."

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium in Kilgore.

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By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens Hornets are rolling out of their week off with a 5-2 record overall and a 2-1 record in district. They are primed for a run at the playoffs as they face the final three games of the regular season.

"Last year at this point, we were 2-5 and 0-3," said Coach Harrell. "The makeup of this team and the character and the leadership of this team has really made all the difference."

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Resilience is one of the main characteristics of the 2023 Hornets. They have stuck together and responded when faced with adversity, something the fans can't always see from the stands.

"You don't see what's happening off the field. You don't see what's happening on the sideline," said Coach Harrell, "and those things are just as important, actually more important, than the talent you have."

The Hornets will get another chance to show what they're made of this week when they take on the No. 5-ranked Kilgore Bulldogs -- and they have to do it without their starting quarterback.

QB David Richardson has been having an outstanding sophomore season but was injured in the win over Henderson. Jaxson Stiles will take his place against Kilgore.

"Jaxson will step in a play quarterback, and we have no doubt that he'll play it at a high level," Coach Harrell said. "He's a big-time competitor, as he showed in that second half against Henderson. He'll do whatever it takes for us to win."

The Hornets will need a big effort across the board when they travel to Kilgore Friday night.

"They are a complete football team," said Coach Harrell. "Not only are they really talented, because they are, but they are also really well coached and play really hard. They do everything right."

But they aren't unbeatable.

"I think if we play well, we're going to have a chance to win the game," Coach Harrell said. "We have to prepare and focus that way."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Kilgore.

Keys to the game

* Word of the Week: Show Up. "Show up and be ready to fight," said Coach Harrell.

* Key 1: Prepare and play to win.

* Key 2: Cause turnovers.

* Key 3: Execute up front.

* Key 4: Continue to be a better team than we were a week ago.

By Michael V. Hannigan

After a big road win last week against Blinn, the TVCC Cardinals have a chance to make a move up in the standings this week when they host the Navarro Bulldogs Saturday afternoon.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Bruce Field.

Five teams in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) all have one loss as we enter the final stages of the regular season. Four teams will advance to the SWJCFC playoffs.

Navarro brings a 3-1 conference record with them on Saturday. TVCC has a 2-1 conference record.

"We had our open weeks early in the season," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "Some of the teams in our conference have got a bye week maybe later in the year, so they've got the same loss record; it's just they've got one more win than we do. We've got to go see if we can even that up this week."

For the second consecutive week, the Cardinals will go up against a good running team in the Bulldogs.

"They do a great job of running the football, so that's one thing they've got," said Coach Poteete. "Can we stop them and not give up the big play."

The Cardinal defense has been doing a good job forcing turnovers, and that's something that needs to continue.

"If we can create some turnovers, obviously, that bodes really well for us," Coach Poteete said.

Offensively, this game will mark the seventh time TVCC QB Darion Peace and Navarro QB Dane Jentsch have faced each other. Their rivalry goes back to high school when Peace led Grandview over Peace's Malakoff in the state championship game.

"It'll be fun to let those guys go get at it, but you know they're just one of the 22 that will be participating," Coach Poteete said.

Other Topics Covered:

* Big win in Brenham.

* Shutting down Blinn's rushing attack.

* The Cardinals feeling healthy.

* More on the Darion Peace and Dane Jentsch rivalry.

* The Cardinal tight ends.

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By Michael V. Hannigan

The Malakoff Tigers are undefeated at 7-0 and haven't allowed an opponent to score in their past three games. The Eustace Bulldogs are 0-6 and haven't broken double-digit scoring in their past three games.

The two teams will meet on Friday in Malakoff.

Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell said that Eustace always plays hard.

"Their kids have a lot of heart and they're going to play hard and they are going to get after us," he said. "Hopefully we continue to execute the way we have."

The Tiger defense has been executing at a very high level.

"The kids are really flying around," Coach Driskell said. "Coach Watkins and the defensive staff really give them a good game plan and the kids just buy in and they're flying around and playing fast."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Coach Driskell's Next Win Is No. 150

Malakoff's next win will be No. 150 as a head coach for Coach Jamie Driskell, all coming with the Tigers.

Coach Driskell took over as head coach in Malakoff in 2009, and the Tigers have averaged more than 10 wins a game in his 15 years.

"It's been a lot of work from a lot of people," he said, "and it's been a whole lot of fun to be a part of it."

Coach Driskell and I talked about his time in Malakoff, the changes along the way, and my favorite memory from his first year. Listen to the podcast starting at the 4:12 mark.

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By Michael V. Hannigan

The No. 8-ranked TVCC Cardinals are ready to get back to work.

The Cardinals are coming off an open week after beating Cisco College at Bruce Field, 37-3. This week, they go on the road to face Blinn on Saturday night in Brenham.

The Blinn Buccaneers are 2-3 on the year, with all three losses coming in SWJCFC play.

"This is the game where they've got to turn it around, or they're kind of out of the playoff talk," said Coach Sherard Poteete.

In the SWJCFC, anything could happen, so don't pay too much attention to Blinn's record.

"Everybody's kind of beating everybody up in our conference right now," Coach Poteete said. "You've got to come and play week in and week out, doesn't matter the opponent."

The Cardinals must shut down Buccaneer running back Antonio Martin to beat Blinn. Martin is leading the conference in yards and yards per game.

"I think that Blinn may have one of the best running backs in our conference, so if we can shut the run down, then I think that bodes well for Trinity Valley," said Coach Poteete.

The good news is the Cardinals' front seven has been playing well, including recent NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week McCoy Casey. He had 11 tackles, an interception, and a sack against Cisco.

On the offensive side, the Cardinals heated up against Cisco with Darion Peace going 21-of-27 for 301 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown.

Peace leads the conference in passing yards per game and is second in passing efficiency.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday in Brenham.

Other topics covered in the interview

* The SWJCFC

* More about the Cardinal defensive line

* Darion Peace running the ball

* Hymond Drinkard lining up at receiver

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Malakoff Tigers (6-0, 2-0) look to stay undefeated when they travel to Teague Friday night to face the Lions (4-1, 1-0). The game figures to be a battle for the top of the District 8-3A standings.

"They're extremely athletic," said Coach Jamie Driskell. "They've got really good athletes."

Coach Driskell said the Lions can run, including their quarterback. They also have some experience, with many of their players back from last year.

"It's going to be a good challenge for us," he said.

Coach Driskell said Friday night will be a challenge in the trenches.

"We've got to control the offensive line and defensive line," he said. "I'm anxious to see how we match up with them up front."

One thing for sure is that the Lions have to be worried about matching up with the Tiger defense, which has given up just seven points in the past four games.

"(They defense) is playing good," Coach Driskell said. "They're really flying around to the ball. We may give up some yardage here and there, but when they need to kind of bow their necks a little bit, they step up and do their job."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday in Teague. Coach Driskell is calling on Tiger fans to come support the team.

"I feel like Teague is probably going to pack their side," he said. "It would be nice to get a big crowd over there for us for sure. This is a big game for us."

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By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens Hornets will try to climb back into the win column this week after falling to Lindale last week.

"We thought our defense played a really good football game, and we thought our kids played hard," said Coach Zac Harrell. "We didn't think they backed down. Offensively, we couldn't gather any momentum."

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The Hornets (1-1 in district) will look to turn that around this week against Henderson (0-1 in district).

"They are very talented," Coach Harrell said. "I think you've got to be careful just looking at that record. They've played a lot of close games."

The Lions have a new coaching staff who've changed some of their schemes. The problem is they haven't exactly settled on anything yet. Coach Harrell said they run every defensive front, and the offense can line up in any formation.

"They throw a bunch at you," he said. "They don't really seem to have a core set of formations."

Coach Harrell said against a team like that, it comes down to being yourself.

"It's more about what we do well, and we've got to be able to do it well against whatever they may throw at us," he said. "On both sides of the ball, that's our challenge."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Bruce Field.

This is Athens ISD's Pink Out game for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so come dressed appropriately. T-shirts are available at the Athens Fire Department Central Station, Treehouse Cupcakes, and Island Tans.

Keys to the Game

-- Word of the Week: Respond. "Any time something happens that we don't like, you have a choice, in football and in life," said Coach Harrell. "People that respond (positively) to things are usually more successful than people that just react and let their emotions cause their next action."

-- Key 1: Make plays in the passing game.

-- Key 2: Run to the ball on defense.

-- Key 3: Complete your assignment.

-- Key 4: Believe in the other guys in the room.

-- Key 5: Play with relentless effort.

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Malakoff Tigers (4-1) and the Fairfield Eagles (1-4) combined to score 143 points last week. Of course, they weren't playing each other.

That changes this week.

Fairfield will visit Malakoff Friday night as the Tigers celebrate Homecoming 2023.

"It's Homecoming Week with a lot of extra things going on, and the kids are having fun," said Coach Jamie Driskell, "but we've got to remember the most important thing is to win the game and get after those guys."

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Fairfield should present a challenge for Malakoff.

"I feel they're going to be a team that's going to make the playoffs in our district," said Coach Driskell.

He said the Eagles will be aggressive on defense and will be balanced on offense.

"They've got a good little quarterback who can throw it," Coach Driskell said. "They're about fifty-fifty as far as run-pass. They're going to try to keep us off balance."

The Tigers will be shorthanded for the game. Malakoff OL Judd McNaughton hurt his knee and is expected to miss at least a few weeks.

"I think that we'll be OK, but when you lose a senior lineman for a little while, it hurts," Coach Driskell said.

Kickoff Friday night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Kenyon Butler

Malakoff Senior Kenyon Butler received a lot of attention last week, not for what he did in the game, but for what he did afterward.

After the game, Butler saw a young special needs child from Kemp playing ball in the end zone, so he went to play with him. The child's mother posted about it on Facebook, and social media went wild.

"Yeah, he's Facebook famous," Coach Driskell said with a laugh. More seriously, he said, "He didn't do that for any kind of special attention. He had no idea that it would develop into what's happened. He saw the kid out there throwing the ball around, and he went over there and played with him a little bit."

"He brings a lot of high character and a lot of energy to our football team and our program."

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens Hornets (4-1) are on a four-game winning streak after beating Jacksonville last week, 48-28, to open district play. The Hornets have been playing well in all three phases -- offense, defense, and special teams -- and continue to improve each week as we hit the midway mark of the regular season.

"You know, you can't let the everyday schedule get monotonous, and you can't get in survival mode," said Coach Zac Harrell. "You have to keep saying, 'Hey, I'm going to keep improving. I'm going to keep fighting.'"

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That has been the mindset of the Hornets all year, which is why I don't believe we've seen Athens play its best football yet.

But this week is going to be a real challenge. The Lindale Eagles are just 2-3 on the year, but don't let that fool you. Lindale is averaging over 45 points per game.

"They played a really difficult non-district schedule and had a chance to win all the games that they lost," said Coach Harrell.

The Eagles are powered by their big offensive line. Lindale left tackle Casey Poe is listed at 6'5", 280, and has committed to play at Alabama. Their left tackle, Christian Pettway, is 6'5", 260, and has received multiple DI offers.

"Their offensive line is always so good, and they always do such a good job of coaching," said Coach Harrell. "They want to run their quarterback and they also have two really good outside receivers that they'll throw to, so there's not many weaknesses."

Lindale runs a four-man front on defense, which is a change from what Athens has seen for most of this year.

"That's going to put a little bit more pressure on our guards," said Coach Harrell. "We've got to execute there."

It will be a tough battle, but this is a game Athens can win.

"Our confidence level is really high, and the kids are playing really hard," said Coach Harrell. "To be a playoff team, you've got to beat good teams. This is a great challenge for us."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Lindale.

Coach’s keys to the game

-- Word of the Week: Dog Mentality. A dog never takes a day off. The dog shows up every day ready to roll.

-- Key 1: When they make a play, we have to respond.

-- Key 2: Win the turnover battle.

-- Key 3: The offensive line has to execute.

-- Key 4: Special teams make one game-changing play.

-- Key 5: Believe and stick together.

Other topics included in the interview:

* Growth of freshman linebacker Jabory Taylor

* Improved play of Kendrick Marshall

* Gage Friedrich's hard work paying off

* Senior leadership from Friedrich, Jaxson Stiles, Jamauri Manning, and Jorien Ray

By Michael V. Hannigan

And now comes district.

The 4-0 Malakoff Tigers move into the next phase of their season Friday night when they travel to Kemp to open District 8-3A play against the 1-3 Yellowjackets.

The Tigers rolled through their non-district schedule fairly easily, scoring over 50 points in three of the four games and holding opponents to just seven points in the last eight quarters.

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That doesn't mean there aren't things to fix, according to Coach Jamie Driskell.

"We're playing hard, but we're still making some mistakes," he said. "Eventually, if you get into the playoffs and start meeting these better teams, you're going to have to clean those things up."

So that's what the Tigers have been working on in practice, something that is helped along by leaders like Mike Jones, Chauncey Hogg, Josh Garcia, Mason Logan, and Judd McNaughton.

Jones is having a great season so far, completing 73 percent of his passes and throwing for eight touchdowns with no interceptions.

"He's had a good year so far," said Coach Driskell. "We've got to keep him healthy, and we've got to keep getting better. We're going to keep adding things and do things that exploit the defenses we're facing."

The next defense is the Kemp Yellowjackets, who pitched a shutout in their last outing, beating Rice 28-0.

"They're very aggressive on defense and going to bring a lot of pressure and a lot of heat," said Coach Driskell.

Offensively, Coach Driskell said Kemp's sophomore quarterback Hutson Cromer has been playing well. He has thrown for five touchdowns and three interceptions so far in 2023.

"He does a really good job for them," she said, "and Coach Rider does a good job with those kids."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday night.

By Michael V. Hannigan

It has been a difficult week at The Valley.

TVCC assistant football coach Bill Neal died Sunday at the age of 82.

"Coach Neal has been with us and been a very, very big part of our staff, our family, our program," said Coach Sherard Poteete.

You can read about Coach Neal here.

Cisco

The Cardinals (2-1) fell to No. 9 in the NJCAA DI Football Poll this week after Saturday night's 20-17 loss to Tyler.

Two problem areas against Tyler were red zone offense and third-down conversions. The Cardinals were just 4-of-17 on third down Saturday night.

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"We moved the ball really well," said Coach Poteete. "We had good yardage, good gains, big plays, but we've got to be better on third down and in the red zone."

The Cardinals are concentrating on those areas this week as they prepare for the Cisco Wranglers, who come into Bruce Field this week with a 2-0 record.

Coach Poteete said it is a little hard to know who the Wranglers are right now because they've only played one game against a quality opponent, beating Blinn. They also have a new coaching staff.

"We've got very limited sample film from them," he said. "I know their coaches had success in the past and so they're going to be ready to play."

One thing TVCC does know is that Wrangler quarterback Christian Kaopua can play.

"He's an athletic kid," said Coach Poteete. "He throws the ball well, he can run a little bit, and he's playing really well for them."

Controlling Kaopua will be key for the Cardinals.

"He has been very slippery when he's gotten out and run, and he's been very accurate when he's thrown," said Coach Poteete. "So, can we get him out of his comfort zone and put him in long situations?"

Saturday is Family Day at The Valley. Kickoff against Cisco is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bruce Field.

(Travis Tapley Photo)

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens Hornets (3-1) are riding a three-game winning streak as they prepare to start District 9-4A play this Friday night by hosting the Jacksonville Indians.

The Indians haven't fared as well in non-district play and are 0-4 so far in 2023.

But Athens Coach Zac Harrell says that isn't important.

"What matters now is everybody in district is 0-0," he said. "What's happened up to this point really doesn't matter."

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Jacksonville has played a really difficult schedule so far, Coach Harrell said, and is better than its record.

"They're very talented," he said. "They have a wide receiver who also plays corner, No. 3, named Jermaine Taylor, who I think is one of the best athletes in East Texas. He presents a great challenge on both sides of the ball."

Defensively, the Indians run a 3-4 front with a pair of big linebackers. They also have a very athletic secondary.

"If we don't play our best game, we're not going to have a chance to win," said Coach Harrell, "so we've got to play our best game."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bruce Field.

Keys to the game

-- Word of the Week: Whatever It Takes (WIT). "We've got to do whatever it takes to be successful this week," Coach Harrell said.

-- Start Fast.

-- Take care of the football.

-- Don't let No. 3 (Taylor) beat us.

-- Win the special teams battle.

-- Play with a chip on your shoulder.

Other topics covered in the interview:

* How this year is so much different than last year.

* How well the defense played last week.

* How well the defensive line has been playing.

* A higher level of discipline this year.

* The running game and use of 11 and 12 personnel.

* The evolution of the offense throughout the year.

* Coach Harrell breaks down the hook-and-lateral play from last week.

The No. 5-ranked Cardinals (2-0) will be at Bruce Field Saturday night to host No. 15 Tyler (1-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Both teams were on the road last week, with TVCC beating Air Force Prep, 38-26, and Tyler taking care of Georgia Military, 52-28.

That big score by the Apaches isn't a mirage. Tyler has averaged 50 points in its first two games.

"Tyler's played really well the first couple of weeks," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "They've been scoring a lot of points."

Coach Poteete said the Apaches are looking to spread the defense, run tempo, and push the ball down the field.

"They've got some guys that can really run," he said. "This will be a great test for our young secondary."

Coach Poteete said turnovers will play a big part in the outcome.

"When you get two good teams playing each other, it's going to come down to who can take care of the football and who can make a big play," he said.

Other topics Coach Poteete covers in the interview:

* Playing the "Highway 31" teams.

* Mental toughness after playing in three different stadiums.

* TVCC is pretty healthy.

* The Cardinals climbing in the rankings.

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This interview was recorded with Athens Coach Zac Harrell at the Athens ISD Field House on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The Hornets, 2-1, will be looking for their third consecutive win when they travel to Kaufman Friday night to take on the 0-3 Lions.

Last Week

The Hornets are coming off an exciting 45-38 win over Rusk last week.

"We were really proud of our kids," said Coach Zac Harrell. "I thought we did a lot of good things."

As we talked about last week's game, Coach Harrell discussed:

-- The importance of the defense down the stretch

-- A big game by Brett Horn

-- The special teams stepping up

-- Big play by Jayden Turner

-- David Richardson and Jaxson Stiles at quarterback

-- The importance of the H-back; 10 personnel vs 11 personnel

Please make sure to listen to the interview to catch all of that.

Kaufman

The Hornets will face a physical challenge when they take the field this week. Coach Harrell said don't be fooled by the Lions’ record.

"Kaufman is a big, good, physical football team," he said. "They play a physical brand of football. They're very tough."

Kaufman's defense lines up in multiple fronts, which means the offense line will be tasked with knowing their blocking assignments.

"Kaufman has played all four main fronts that you could possibly play," Coach Harrell said.

He said this will be a great test for the Hornets before they start district play.

Keys to the Game

* Word of the Week: Togetherness. Keep finding ways to grow together.

* Be a great teammate.

* Win the turnover battle.

* Adjust to multiple defensive fronts.

* Keep playing with high effort on defense.

* Find something to improve this week.

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===

Malakoff is off to a sizzling start. The Tigers have put up over 50 points twice on their way to a 2-0 record, but Malakoff is back on the road again this week to face a tough Salado Eagles team that is also undefeated and scoring plenty of points.

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Offensively, the Tigers have gotten some impressive efforts from their leaders to start the season.

* Mike Jones (Jr.) is a combined 18-25 for 202 yards and three touchdowns passing, plus another 103 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

* Bubba Hicks (Sr.) has racked up 116 yards on 14 carries for a 7.25 yards-per-carry average.

* Chauncey Hogg (Sr.) has 108 yards and two touchdowns on two receptions.

* Jerrion Hall (So.) has 240 yards and four touchdowns on 10 carries.

Things are going just as well on the other side of the ball, with the defense scoring twice last week after forcing Grandview into five turnovers.

"They're flying around to the ball and playing really hard," said Coach Jamie Driskell. "We give up some things here and there, but again, that's early season stuff that we're going to learn from. The key is they're flying around and playing hard."

The Tigers must continue that effort when they travel to Waco-Midway this week to face Clas 4A Salado. Malakoff won in double overtime when these two teams met last year.

Coach Driskell said Salado has a big quarterback who can throw well and also has a good running back. He said they also play fast defensively.

"They're pretty good," he said. "They're going to be a solid challenge for us."

Coach Driskell emphasized that the main thing at this time of the year is improving each week.

"Our challenge right now is us and trying to get better," he said.

The Cardinals will travel to Colorado Springs, Colo., to take on the Falcons, who run the typical Flexbone offense employed by the military academies.

"That's when we see dive, dive dive," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete. "Can we tackle the dive guy and can we draw out the option on the perimeter."

Coach Poteete said the guys on the defense will have to play their roles and execute their assignments.

"Our defense is going to have its hands full," he said. "They're a well-coached, well-disciplined football team."

Offensively, Coach Poteete said the Cardinals must take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

"We've got to turn those red zone trips into seven points," he said. "When we get down there, we've got to convert touchdowns; we've got to get touchdowns."

Kickoff for Friday's game is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.

The Cardinals will open SWJCFC action against Tyler the following week (Sep. 16) when the Apaches visit Bruce Field.

===

This interview was recorded on Tuesday, Sep. 5, at the TVCC Field House with Coach Sherard Poteete and Michael V. Hannigan.

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The Athens Hornets (1-1) will host Rusk (2-0) Friday night at Bruce Field as Hornet Nation celebrates Homecoming.

The Hornets are coming off a 49-28 win over Life Waxahachie last week in a game that was never really in doubt after the first quarter.

"It was a good win, especially coming off that first-week loss," said Coach Zac Harrell. "I was really proud of the way the kids responded."

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The Hornets will need that effort Friday night because the Eagles are tough to beat.

"The first thing that stands out is how well they're coached and how hard they play," said Coach Harrell. "But they're also talented."

Rusk is looking to put the ball in the air on offense and throw it on more than 60 percent of their plays.

"It's going to be a great test for our secondary," said Coach Harrell.

Defensively, the Eagles play a 3-4 scheme that is similar to what the Hornets play.

"We want to continue to run the ball," Coach Harrell said. "We want to play physical and run right at you."

Keys to the Game

Word of the Week: One Percent -- Get 1 percent better every day.

Key 1 -- Play with fire and intensity for all four quarters.

Key 2 -- Play disciplined football.

Key 3 -- The secondary has to be ready.

Key 4 -- Make big plays.

Also in this interview:

* More effort plays pay off.

* Julius Brewer keeps making plays.

* Looking at the Hornet offense.

* David Richardson settling in at quarterback.

* The importance of the wide receivers blocking downfield.

* How close on the wheel routes.

* Make plays when the ball is in the air.

* Generating pressure in the 3-4 defense.

This interview was recorded at the Athens ISD Field House on Tuesday, Sep. 5, with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.

===

The Malakoff Tigers got their season off to a hot start last week by beating West Rusk, 56-14. Things won't be as easy this week as the Tigers travel to Grandview to take on the Zebras.

Malakoff started the season ranked No. 5 in the state by Dave Campbell's Texas High School Football, while Grandview was ranked No. 8.

"It's kind of a playoff atmosphere early in the year," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "It'll be a lot of fun."

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While Malakoff and Grandview have become rivals since they faced each other in the state title game in 2018, they have also become respected adversaries.

"They're very well coached," said Coach Driskell. "Their kids play really hard. They play really fast."

Coach Driskell said the Zebras are hard to fool on defense.

"It's hard to get them misaligned with their defense," he said.

Grandview will spread the field offensively, and even their linemen will have wide splits to spread out the defense.

"They're just solid all the way through," Coach Driskell said.

With all that said, remember that this is an early season, non-district game, and the Tigers are mostly looking to improve.

"This is a game to get us better," said Coach Driskell. "There's bigger fish to fry down the road."

"It's a good measuring stick for both teams," he said.

Keys to the game, according to Coach Driskell:

* Take care of the ball.

* Limit unforced penalties.

* Play hard no matter what's going on in the game.

==

The Athens Hornets will host Life Waxahachie in their home opener this Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Hornets are looking to bounce back from a tough late-game loss to Brownsboro last week. Mistakes cost Athens in what was a winable game.

"We lost the game because of a lot of mistakes that we made," Coach Zac Harrell said, "penalties that happened before the snap."

Coach Harrell said the Word of the Week has been "Own It" and clean up those mistakes.

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There were positives to take from the game, however, like the experience gained by the large number of Hornets playing in their first varsity game. Of the 40 varsity players Friday night, 29 were seeing varsity action for the first time.

But although they are young, Coach Harrell said they showed they belong under the Friday Night Lights.

"I thought our kids that didn't have a lot of experience played really hard and played well," he said.

They must have a big effort this Friday night when Life Waxahachie comes to town. The Mustangs are coming off a 69-0 win over Newman International Academy. Newman didn't play football last year, so take that score with a grain of salt. However, Coach Harrell said the Mustangs are looking good this season.

"They're playing harder than they've ever played since I've seen them on tape, and they have a lot of confidence," he said.

* The Keys to the Game, according to Coach Harrell.

* Play with relentless effort every snap.

* Make the decisions throughout the week to be ready to play on Friday.

* Eliminate the self-inflicted wounds.

* Start both halves with intensity and focus.

The Tigers will lean on their defense as things get underway in 2023. They have several starters returning in the front seven.

"I think that's where we start," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "Those guys are flying around, and they're being leaders."

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The Tigers won't be as experienced on the offensive side, but they will bring back quarterback Mike Jones.

"Our starting quarterback coming back is always a strength offensively," said Coach Driskell, "but we have a lot of new faces on offense."

One unsung strength for the Tigers is the continuity of the coaching staff. Defensive Coordinator Brent Watkins has been with Malakoff as long as Coach Driskell, and most of the assistant coaches have been with the Tigers for a long time.

"We're kind of a step ahead of some of the other teams because (the players) have done our system for so long offensively and defensively and they know it pretty well," said Coach Driskell.

Expect the Raiders to give the Tigers a battle. They are a playoff team from last year, and even though they have a new head coach, he was West Rusk's offensive coordinator last year.

"They're going to play hard and get after us, and they're going to try and come in here and spoil our home opener," said Coach Driskell. "Hopefully, our kids are ready to play."

Coach Driskell said energy and execution will be key Friday night.

"They have to fly around and just don't give up anything cheap," he said. "Offensively, we just need to execute. We need to handle their front with our offensive line."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Listen to the interview to also hear Coach Driskell discuss:

* How Coach feels about his team at this point

* Filling some spots in the secondary

* More about the importance of the coaching staff

The Athens Hornets will open their season Friday night on the road against Brownsboro in the annual Battle of Highway 31.

The Hornets won a barn-burner last year, 34-27, in a game that saw the two teams combined for almost 800 yards of offense. Athens was led in that game by senior QB Ty Arroyo, but he's gone now, and the Hornets will be turning to sophomore David Richardson to lead the offense.

"We're really excited about him," said Athens Coach Zac Harrell. "He's very poised. You know he's a tall kid; he's about 6'2" as a sophomore, so he doesn't really look like a sophomore due to his build and his height. But in these scrimmages, he's thrown the ball really well."

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Richardson may be new to the Friday Night Lights, but not Coach Harrell's scheme. He's been playing in the offense since middle school, and that experience showed during the scrimmages.

"He hasn't looked like a sophomore," said Coach Harrell, "so we're really excited about his ceiling and what he can accomplish this year and beyond."

Another place experience is starting to show is on defense. The players are now in their second season playing the 3-4 front that Defensive Coordinator Chayse Rives brought with him. The defense looked fast and aggressive in the scrimmages.

"Our kids are more comfortable and are playing faster, and that's why we installed this scheme," Coach Harrell said.

The defense will have to step up Friday night to stop a potent Brownsboro team. The Bears have a lot of experience and are dangerous at both receiver and running back.

"We have to contain those guys," said Coach Harrell. "Offensively, they scare you because they have some guys that can go to the house on one play."

Defensively, Brownsboro also plays a 3-4 front, which could be helpful for the Hornets.

"It's a scheme that we see every day with our defense, so we're pretty familiar with it," Coach Harrell said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Listen to the interview to also hear Coach Harrell discuss:

* More from the scrimmages.

* The positive vibe surrounding the team.

* The importance of senior leadership.

* Gage Friedrich coming back.

Snow starts the season ranked No. 4, while the Cardinals are ranked No. 15 in the nation.

This isn't your average opener. Classes started this week at TVCC, and the Cardinals are playing in a different stadium because Bruce Field was already booked. It's been a disrupted week.

"The guys have been really good at being flexible," said Coach Sherard Poteete.

Coach Poteete didn't find an easy opponent to start the season. Thursday will be a tough matchup for the Cards.

"I'd rather play a good team any day than play a team that you roll out the ball, and it's going to be a 70-point victory," he said. "Snow is a very good opponent."

The Cardinals will be led by QB Darion Peace, an SWJCFC All-Conference selection last season. Peace also knows Thursday night's field because he graduated from Malakoff High School.

The Cardinals also bring back experienced players on the front seven defensively.

Ultimately, Thursday night will come down to who can execute best this early in the season.

"It's so hard the first game," said Coach Poteete. "There's nothing like Game Day."

Listen to the interview to hear Coach Poteete talk about the possible impact of the weather, the Cardinals running back depth, their experience at linebacker, and changes in the kicking game.

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===

Another season of Hornet football has gotten underway in Athens, and to beat the heat, the seniors, juniors, and sophomores are working out early in the morning.

"It's a great group of kids," Coach Zac Harrell said. "They like being around each other. It's fun every day to come to work."

The freshmen class is getting to practice in the evening, even though it means a double day for the coaches.

"We want to put our kids in the best possible scenarios to be successful," said Coach Harrell. "We felt as a staff that, for our freshmen, we need to have them separate from the very beginning, then those guys get coached at a high level with all eyes on them."

These are important practices for all the players because the Hornets have plenty of jobs up for grabs this summer.

"Offensively, besides slot receiver and running back, every other position on the field is pretty much wide open," Coach Harrell said.

While the Hornets will be young overall, there are important senior leaders who are making a difference.

"It's the best player-led team we've had, and these guys lead the right way," Coach Harrell said, specifically highlighting Jaxson Stiles, Gage Friedrich, Jamauri Manning, and Jorien Ray.

Coach Harrell is not only excited about the team but also his coaching staff.

"From top to bottom, there's not one weak spot on our coaching staff," he said. "The way these coaches work together and get along, you really think the whole theme of the year is just how everything fits."

"Like I said, it's different," Coach Harrell reiterated. "It really is as far as togetherness and the type of bond they have together."

The Hornets will scrimmage Fairfield at Bruce Field on Friday, Aug. 11. Freshmen and JV starts at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, Aug. 17, the Hornets will travel to Corsicana for their second scrimmage.

Listen to the podcast to hear about other topics from Coach Harrell:

* Player turnout numbers.

* Great energy at practice.

* Planning for scrimmages.

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The Tigers are coming off a state semifinal run last year and enter 2023 ranked No. 5 in the state by Dave Campbell Texas Football.

"They (the players) know expectations are high, and they're kind of pushing each other a little bit," Coach Jamie Driskell told me during a phone interview Tuesday. "It's always good to see those guys trying to make each other better."

The early part of the season is about evaluating team strengths and weaknesses, which change from year to year, Coach Driskell said.

"We have the same base schemes every year," he said, "but we tweak it to fit our kids and what we're good at it and maybe not do what we're not so good at."

That process takes time, but he knows he's already got the building blocks for a good defense.

"Defensively, we have a lot of returning starters," Coach Driskell said. 'We look really fast, and those kids know our defense kind of like the back of their hand."

The Tigers will need to rely on those returning starters to reach their goals.

"We're expecting to be a good team every year," said Coach Driskell, "but it's tough. You're going to get teams' best every week, and they're going to get fired up to play Malakoff. And our kids have got to understand that. And they have, for the most part. There've been weeks where we didn't play as well throughout seasons, but all in all, it's been good through the last few years of kids, understanding that these non-district games, we got to continue to get better and think about the big picture, and they've done a good job with that."

The Tigers will travel to Arp for a scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 11. They will then host Crockett for a scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 17, for the annual Meet the Tigers and Soap Scrimmage.

Listen to the podcast to hear about other topics from Coach Driskell:

* How are they beating the heat?

* Schedule for first two weeks of practice.

* Handling expectations.

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"Today, Monday the 31st, is the quiet before the storm," Coach Sherard Poteete said Monday when I visited him at the Field House.

Tuesday, 90 players will be out on the practice field for the Cardinals, getting ready for the upcoming Southwest Junior College Football Conference season.

Not that the Cardinals have been doing nothing.

For about three weeks in July, the Cardinals worked on speed and agility in the morning, then came in and hit the weight room. They also were able to do some organized team activities (OTAs).

"The OTA's we go out and start teaching offense, start teaching defense, start teaching some schemes," said Coach Poteete, "so that when tomorrow comes, we can put a helmet on, we know which direction we're going. We don't have to waste our time teaching that install."

It is important for the Cardinals to hit the ground running because their first game is just a little over three weeks away when TVCC hosts Snow (Utah) College at Malakoff High School Thursday, Aug. 24.

"It's just going to work out where we're going to be able to play the HCJC, right," Coach Poteete said. "The old Henderson County Junior College will go represent over at Malakoff.

Please listen to the podcast to hear Coach Poteete talk about:

* How the coaching staff is approaching the summer.

* His thoughts on ESPN+ games.

* What he is looking forward to watching this summer. (Clue: The secondary)

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==

In this week's episode, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse talks about National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Deputies of the Quarter, and the Henderson County First Responders Rodeo.

I. Statistics (1:49)

Summary: There are currently 391 inmates in Henderson County Jail, with 104 of those being contract inmates. The average inmate population for the year is 412.

II. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (2:35)

Summary: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is April 9-15 and is a time to recognize the hardworking individuals who are the first point of contact in emergency situations. These professionals work tirelessly to ensure that emergency responders can quickly and effectively provide assistance to those in need.

Quote: "They are the backbone of this office, in my opinion," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "They take care of all of the citizens. They take care of every first responder in Henderson County."

III. Deputies of the Quarter (6:08)

Summary: Last week, Sheriff Hillhouse presented three outstanding employees with awards for their service and dedication to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Samuel Addkinson was named Deputy of the 1st quarter of 2023. Communications Officer Amanda Rose was named Communications Officer of the quarter. Detention Officer Jacklyn Hart was named Detention Officer of the quarter.

IV. First Responders Rodeo (10:22)

The Henderson County First Responders 37th Annual PRCA Rodeo is scheduled for April 28-29 at the Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission for adults is $20 and $12 for kids aged 4-12. Children 3 and under get in free. Bullfighters Only (BFO) will perform following the rodeo.

Tickets can be purchased from Elder Dodge, Cowboy Headquarters, Cavender's, Boot Barn, Verabank, and First State Bank. For more information, call 903-677-6313.

There will be a raffle each night of the rodeo for two Radical Arms SR-15223s, and a ticket will cost $10. The raffle ticket will be good for both Friday and Saturday night draws. BYOB with a 20-quart max cooler charge of $20, but absolutely no glass is allowed. The GO TEXAN Committee will host a fried fish and crawfish boil Friday night and a BBQ cookoff on Saturday. Contact Stephen Magee at 903-677-2292 for more information.

==

One trophy down, another one in sight.

The TVCC Cardinals are the Conference Champions after going undefeated through their regular season with an 8-1 record, and a perfect 7-0 run through the Southwest Junior College Football Conference.

Now the Cardinals are looking to add a Regional Championship trophy to the case and first up are the Kilgore Rangers, who are coming to Bruce Field 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

"There's still hardware out there to be won," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "I know that's where these guys are focused at right now."

Kilgore is 6-3 on the season with a 4-3 conference record.

The Rangers visited Bruce Field on Oct. 22 and were beaten by the Cardinals, 24-14, on a windy afternoon at Bruce Field.

"They're tough year in and year out, week in and week out," said Coach Poteete. "They are playing their tails off."

"They are going to pose a battle for us," he said.

Kilgore's strengths are its defense and rushing attack.

"Their defense is good," Coach Poteete said. "They've got one of the best defensive lines as a group."

The fact the two teams played so recently could be a factor on Saturday. Coach Poteete said sideline adjustments during the game will be key as each team tries to find something new.

The turnover battle will also be important.

"When you get evenly matched teams, teams that have played back-to-back, (it comes down to) who can make the least amount of mistakes," Coach Poteete said. "Special teams, who is going to win that battle? Who is going to win the turnover battle?"

Saturday starts the postseason and TVCC starts its run at home against Kilgore. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Podcast Topics

* New trophy in the case (0:35)

* Kilgore coming to town (1:46)

* Kilgore defense (2:54)

* On playing a team twice (3:34)

* Keys to the game (4:19)

* Field position battle (6:05)

* Ranked No. 3 (7:52)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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By Michael V. Hannigan

This interview was recorded at the TVCC Field House with Coach Sherard Poteete and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

The TVCC Cardinals vaulted to No. 4 in the nation this week after beating NMMI, 40-21, last week at Bruce Field. That win locked in the Cardinals as the regular season conference champions and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs which begin next week.

But before all that happens, the Cardinals have to travel to Miami, Okla. this week to face Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in the season finale. The game is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.

Don't let the 1-5 Norsemen conference record fool you.

"They're a good football team," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "Their record does not indicate how good they are."

In the past month, NEO lost to Tyler 5-0, Cisco 7-6, lost to NMMI by a field goal, and last week finally broke through and beat Blinn, 28-17.

"They have a really stout defense and they're going to be ready to play," Coach Poteete said.

Coach Poteete said NEO is a man coverage team.

"They are going to get after us man-on-man and that's what we're going to see," he said.

Coach Poteete specifically highlighted the NEO safeties, saying they are good at coming down to stop the run.

"Against their defense it is going to come down to if their safeties make tackles or can we make that safety miss," he said.

Offensively, Coach Poteete said to watch out for NEO quarterback Quintevin Cherry as a runner. Cherry hasn't completed many passes on the year, but he is No. 10 in the conference in rushing.

"We know they are going to run the football," Coach Poteete said. "Even when they drop back to pass and you play coverage, their quarterback can go and he can make some yards up with his feet."

Key for the Cardinals will be staying disciplined in their assignments on defense to stop the NEO rushing attack.

Podcast Topics

* The week so far (1:04)

* On the road to NEO (1:52)

* NEO defense (4:41)

* TVCC rushing attack (5:49)

* NEO offense (6:49)

* Deundre Blanton (8:58)

* Playing unselfishly (10:31)

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==

There's a classic matchup on the schedule for Saturday's TVCC Homecoming game. The No. 7 Cardinals will face the defending national champions, No. 5 New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), at Bruce Field starting at 1 p.m.

The NMMI Broncos are 5-1 in the conference and coming off a 27-24 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M last week. TVCC is 5-0 in the conference and beat Kilgore last week, 24-14.

"They're a good football team. They've got a good program," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "It ought to be a great Saturday afternoon for some highly-ranked football teams here in East Texas."

After having trouble finding the end zone in the first half over the past few games, TVCC is looking to get started faster this week.

"Our defense and special teams have been playing really well early on in the game," said Coach Poteete. "As of late, the offense has been a second half team, but I know we're going to continue to work and continue to get after it."

"We need to score early, score often, and then let the defense keep doing their thing and we'll have a great Saturday," he said.

Despite the slow starts, the Cardinals are leading the conference in points-per-game with 34.7. That effort is being led by WR Trent Hudson, who is leading the conference with 78.7 yards receiving per game and 5 touchdowns. Quarterback Darion Peace is leading the conference in passing with an average of 232.9 yards per game and is second in touchdowns with 13.

NMMI isn't far behind. Broncos QB Koby Muasau is third in yards-per-game with 185.6 and first in touchdowns with 14. NMMI is averaging 32.5 points per game.

"He throws the ball well," Coach Poteete said of Muasau. "If the coverage is really good he can take it and tuck it and run and move the chains with his feet.

Coach Poteete said discipline and focus would be magnified this week.

"NMMI does a good job of they don't beat themselves," said Coach Poteete. "They're not going to turn the ball over, they're not going to make dumb penalties, they're not going to make dumb mistakes."

The Cardinals are going to have to match that focus this week, he said.

"We've got to do a good job of being a disciplined football team because I know they're not going to beat themselves," Coach Poteete said.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Bruce Field.

Podcast Topics

* Big game (1:00)

* Homecoming (1:50)

* TVCC last couple of weeks (2:25)

* QB Darion Peace's game against Kilgore (3:53)

* NMMI (6:10)

* Keys to the Game (9:37)

* Balanced offense (10:58)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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This interview was recorded Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

For the second straight week, the Athens Hornets will face a Top 10 team when they take the field.

Last week, the Hornets battled No. 8 Kilgore and this week they get to be on the road to Tyler to meet the No. 9 Chapel Hill Bulldogs.

Although their record isn't what they'd hoped it would be at this point in the season, the Hornets proved last week that they are not giving up on the field.

"I couldn't really be more pleased with how hard we played," said Coach Zac Harrell. "That's what we challenged them to do all week."

"It would have been easy just to kind of show up and sleep walk through the game, but our kids fought, and our kids believed we had a chance to win and we did," said Coach Harrell.

The Hornets will need the same type of effort in Tyler Thursday night when they face Chapel Hill.

Chapel Hill returns most of the team that reached the state quarterfinals last season.

"Chapel Hill is extremely talented," said Coach Harrell.

Coach Harrell said Chapel Hill plays a different style than Kilgore, which was a power team that ran straight ahead. Chapel Hill, on the other hand, wants to get its skill players in space on the edges.

"Everything with them is spread the field and get the ball on the perimeter," he said.

ATTENTION: THIS GAME HAS BEEN MOVED TO THURSDAY NIGHT AT 7:30 P.M.

Podcast Topics

* Hornets kept fighting against Kilgore (1:20)

* Playing together (2:13)

* Running game against Kilgore (2:55)

* Red zone opportunities (3:34)

* An effort to grow by (6:44)

* Chapel Hill (8:15)

* Keys to the Game (10:13)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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This podcast was recorded at the TVCC Field House on Wednesday, Oct. 23, with Coach Sherard Poteete and Michael V. Hannigan.

===

There’s going to be a battle in Corsicana this Saturday afternoon.

The No. 14 TVCC Cardinals will be on the road to take on No. 6 Navarro. Although the Cardinals are lower in the national rankings than the Bulldogs, TVCC is in first place in the conference.

Not that the Cardinals are looking to rest on their laurels.

“You know, those standings, it matters at the end of the season,” said Coach Poteete. “That’s when it matters.”

Navarro will present a real test for the Cardinals this week.

“They’re good on offense, they’re good on defense,” said Coach Poteete. “It’s going to be a good ballgame. It’ll be fun to go out there and just compete versus them.”

While the Cardinals knew they had to stop Blinn’s rushing attack last week, this week Navarro is going to have a more varied offense.

“They are going to get in every formation possible. They are going to be very multiple,” Coach Poteete said.

The Bulldog offense is led by quarterback Dane Jentsch.

“He can beat you with his legs, he can beat you with his arm through the air,” said Coach Poteete. “He’s just a gritty, gutsy ballplayer.”

Jentsch plays behind what Coach Poteete called “probably the biggest offensive line we’ll face.”

“We do have a challenge in front of us to go out there and slow them down,” he said.

On the other side, the TVCC offense has been improving on a weekly basis and that is showing up in the stats. Quarterback Darion Peace is leading the conference in passing yards per game at 215 and Quincy Thompson is second in the conference rushing with 87 yards per game. Add in Trent Hudson, who is second in receiving with 59 yards per game.

This week, the Cardinals will see a defensive alignment they don’t often see: the 3-3 stack.

“Depending on formations, they’re still trying to keep that integrity of six people in the box, three defensive linemen and three linebackers,” Coach Poteete said. “It’s some different angles in our blocking schemes, so we’re trying to get all that mapped out and simplified.”

Whatever the Bulldogs put on the field, the Cardinals have shown a grittiness this year to respond.

“I don’t think it matters to these guys what’s gone on so far, it’s we’re playing the next play. They’ve continued to do that,” said Coach Poteete.

Tickets

All tickets for Saturday's TVCC at Navarro game MUST BE purchased online at https://navarrobulldogs.com/tickets. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Game time in Corsicana is 3 p.m.

Podcast Topics

* Cardinals in first place (:36)

* Navarro up next (1:20)

* Navarro offense vs. TVCC defense (2:37)

* TVCC offense vs Navarro defense (6:20)

* Darion Peace (7:47)

* Gritty Cardinals (9:33)

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==

The TVCC Cardinals will take an 2-0 SWJCFC record into Saturday’s game against the Blinn Buccaneers. The Cardinals should be well rested coming off an open week while the Buccaneers (1-2) will be looking to rebound after a 39-27 loss to Navarro last week.

TVCC has looked better every week since starting off the season with a loss against Snow College.

“The kids are playing well,” said Coach Poteete, “the defense is playing really good, it’s kept us in games.”

This week will be a challenge, however, because Blinn is playing better than its record suggests. The Buccaneers lost to No. 1-ranked New Mexico Military Institute by a field goal two weeks ago and nearly came back against Navarro last week after falling behind early.

“They’ve lost close games,” Coach Poteete said.

Coach Poteete said the Buccaneers may have the best two running backs in the conference and, in fact, Blinn is leading the nation in rushing and is averaging 265 yards per game on the ground. Both running backs – JJ Branham and Willie Eldridge – are in the Top 5 in rushing in the conference

“That’s what they’ve been doing really well,” he said.

TVCC has also been running the ball well, and Quincy Thompson is second in the conference in yards per game with 95.8 and is in the Top 5 in rushing attempts, total yards, yards per rush, and touchdowns.

So Saturday could come down to who can run the ball the best.

“We have to stop the run,” said Coach Poteete. “That is the first and foremost on defense.”

Saturday is Family Day at TVCC with activities scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gym including the introduction of TVCC students, games, and free food. The game against Blinn will kick off at Bruce Field at 3 p.m.

Podcast Topics

* To this point in the season (1:15)

* Blinn a tough challenge (2:01)

* TVCC starting to come together (2:43)

* About the Buccaneers (4:21)

* Keys to the game (6:10)

* Scoring on special teams (6:59)

* Important stretch of games (7:31)

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==

The Athens Hornets will be on the road Friday night and look to bounce back from a tough outing last week when they take on the Henderson Lions.

“Our kids continue to fight,” said Coach Zac Harrell, “they continue to play when the odds are against them.”

Both teams have struggled lately with Athens sporting a 2-4, 0-2 record while Henderson brings in a 0-5, 0-1 record.

But don’t let that winless record fool you, Henderson isn’t a bad team.

“Their record is a little misleading,” said Coach Harrell.

Coach Harrell said the Lions have three players with Division I scholarship offers including quarterback Jacobe Robinson, who was the difference in last year’s Hornets-Lions game.

“We can’t let that guy beat us, we’ve got to contain him,” Coach Harrell said.

Defensively, the Lions mostly play a 4-2 and mix coverages in the secondary.

“They’ll play Cover 2 and they’ll play man,” Coach Harrell said. “They’ll press and get in your face at times, so it presents some opportunities for us to throw the ball down the field.”

Both teams will be playing with a sense of urgency Friday night as they try and fight their way back into the district race.

“We feel like it is a game we definitely have a chance to win,” Coach Harrell said.

Keys to the Game

Word of the Week: Line in the sand. Coach Harrell talked to the Hornets this week about the Alamo and how Col. Travis drew a line in the sand for the men to decide whether they were going to fight or surrender. “I want the guys who are going to practice extremely hard, play extremely hard, and then keep being a great teammate,” Coach Harrell said.

– Contain the quarterback, don’t let him beat us.

– Don’t give up a big pass play to the running back up the seam.

– Beat press coverage.

– Keep being a great teammate.

Podcast Topics

* Last week. (:40)

* Hornets never give up (3:20)

* Henderson Lions (5:00)

* Impact of injuries (10:49)

* Keys to the Game (17:30)

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==

Despite playing well and giving themselves a chance to win in each of their matchups this season, the Athens Hornets (2-3, 0-1) have hit a tough stretch, falling short in their past three games.

“We’re really close,” said Coach Zac Harrell. “We just have to break through and get over that hump.”

The Hornets will look to get back into the win column this week when they host Lindale (3-2, 1-0) Friday night at Bruce Field. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Lindale beat Henderson last week 44-17.

Friday night figures to be physical.

“Number 1, what stands out, is that they’re always really well coached and they play extremely hard,” said Coach Harrell. “This year, the strength of their team is the offensive line.”

Coach Harrell said the Lindale offensive line is probably one of the best in Class 4A in the state. Not surprisingly, the Eagles run the ball about 75 percent of the time.

Defensively, Lindale will play a 3-3 stack with five in coverage behind them.

“They want to stop the run,” said Coach Harrell, “they are a physical team on defense.”

Keys to the Game

Word of the Week: Lunch pail mentality. “We have to wake up and come to work,” said Coach Harrell. “We have to do a better job on Monday and Tuesday of getting here and working with a purpose.”

– Be physical and tough, we must match their effort.

– Take care of the football.

– Create turnovers.

– Win in the second half.

– Win the field position battle on special teams.

Podcast Topics

* Progress (1:03)

* Lunch pail mentality (2:33)

* Turnovers hurt against Jacksonville (6:00)

* The Lindale Eagles (8:47)

* The Keys to the Game (10:38)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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==

The (2-1, 1-0) TVCC Cardinals will be on the road for the third straight game as they travel to Cisco Saturday night to take on the (2-1, 0-1) Cisco College Wranglers.

The Cardinals are coming off a gritty win against Tyler Junior College last week, 28-27, that saw TVCC come back from being down two scores in the fourth quarter.

“They stuck together and that’s why we were able to pull the win out late,” said Coach Sherard Poteete. “They never quit on each other.”

In that game, the Cardinals used a lot of two tight end sets and ran the ball very well.

“We showed our dominance early on in the run game. We just have to be able to sustain it,” Coach Poteete said.

The Cisco Wranglers are also coming off a win last week. The Wranglers beat Rezolution Prep, 48-8.

The Wranglers will employ an offense similar to what the military academies run, the triple-option flexbone. Wranglers’ Head Coach John O’Mera is in his first year at Cisco but has typically run the triple-option.

“That’s just not something you see week in and week out,” said Coach Poteete.

The Wrangler defense also has a new coordinator and is a little bit of an unknown, but has shown a propensity to blitz and play zone behind it while mixing in man coverages.

“They’re going to play hard,” said Coach Poteete.

One thing that isn’t unknown is that every game in the SWJCFC is a battle and Saturday night promises to be more of the same.

“As I told the guys yesterday, we’re not going on a vacation. We’re not going on a sightseeing tour. We’re going out there on a business trip,” said Coach Poteete.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Cisco.

Podcast Topics:

* The Tyler game (0:44)

* TVCC offense (4:07)

* Developing a personality (5:55)

* Cisco Wranglers offense (6:54)

* Cisco Wranglers defense (9:50)

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====

The 2-2 Athens Hornets are banged up but ready to start their run through the District 9-4A competition. As a reminder, besides Athens that district includes: Henderson, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Lindale, Palestine, and Chapel Hill.

The Hornets start things off this Friday on the road at the 1-3 Jacksonville Indians. Jacksonville is coming off a 31-21 win over Pine Tree and will be ready to put up a fight against Athens.

“You see them improve as a football team on film from week to week,” said Coach Harrell.

The Indians have a star player to lean on in WR Devin McCuin.

“He’s probably the best football player we’ve played against up to this point,” said Coach Harrell. “So you’ve got to know where here is.”

The Indians play a 3-4 defense so there shouldn’t be any surprises for the Hornets. Coach Harrell said Jacksonville will look to stop the run first and play man-to-man coverage on the outside.

But schemes aren’t going to be the big challenge for Athens this week. The Hornets are going to have to overcome being banged up Friday night.

“We’re still dealing with some injuries,” said Coach Harrell. “We think, right now, there are potentially four or five starters out.”

Coach Harrell pointed out that Athens made sure a lot of different players received reps early in the year and during scrimmages in case of this scenario.

“I think our kids will be ready,” he said. “I think our kids will play as hard as they can.”

Keys to the Game

Word of the Week: Faith – “We’re all in this deal together,” said Coach Harrell, “and we’ve all got to do this the Hornet Way and not ‘my way.’”

– We can’t let Devin McCuin beat us.

– Attack their man coverage in the passing game.

– Come out and execute early in the second half.

– Make a game-changing play in special teams.

Podcast topics:

* Athens injuries (1:25)

* Last week against Kaufman (3:24)

* Having guys step up (5:47)

* About Jacksonville (7:18)

* Keys to the Game (14:03)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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==

Now things get real for the Cardinals.

TVCC will open SWJCFC play this Saturday night in Tyler when they take on the Apaches. The Cardinals are 1-1 heading into the match up after a loss to Snow in the opener and a win over Southern University two weeks ago.

Tyler is also 1-1 after a win over Resolution Prep and a loss to Kilgore.

The Cardinals are coming off of an early open date last week, but Coach Sherard Poteete said his guys are ready to play.

"The spirits have been high and the enthusiasm is up," he said. "They're ready to go play somebody else."

To those who have been around for a while, Tyler will look different. They have a new head coach and new coordinators.

"They've got some really good players on that football team," Coach Poteete said. "Some talented guys and some guys that can fly around."

The good news for the Cardinals is that the new players are settling in and getting better.

"Those young guys, they can't be young anymore," Coach Poteete said.

ESPN+ will be in town Saturday as the Cards and Apaches start conference play. You can be, too. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler.

Podcast Topics

-- The week of practice (0:46)

-- About the Tyler offense (1:25)

-- TVCC defense - Zayteak McGhee (3:43)

-- TVCC offense - Darion Peace (5:02)

-- Young players (6:46)

-- Keys to the game (9:45)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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This interview was recorded Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Athens ISD Field House with Coach Zac Harrell and Michael V. Hannigan.

==

It's Homecoming Week for Athens ISD and the Hornets are looking to get back into the win column 7:30 p.m. Friday when they host Kaufman at Bruce Field.

Athens (2-1) is coming off a tough 45-42 road loss to Rusk that came in the final seconds last week, but Coach Zac Harrell said his team has had a good week of practice and is ready to rebound against Kaufman (2-1).

"So far this week, I've been really pleased with our practice output," he said.

Coach Harrell said the Hornets have focused on improving in three areas after last week's loss.

1. Penalties: Coach Harrell said Athens committed 12 self-inflicted penalties for 120 yards. "We have to clean those up," he said.

2. Respond to Adversity: "When you play good teams, they're going to make plays sometimes," Coach Harrell said. "When you face adversity, do you stick together."

3. Take Advantage of Opportunities: When the game is on the line, you have to make a play to win, Coach Harrell said. "We felt like we had multiple opportunities to make plays that would have decided the game," he said, "and we didn't make them and Rusk did."

The Hornets are going to have to fix those three areas to beat a tough and physical Kaufman team. Coach Harrell said the Lions run the ball 75 percent of the time with a talented running back and a strong offensive line.

"They're a playoff-caliber opponent," he said.

On the defensive side of the ball, Kaufman plays multiple fronts and stacks the box to stop the run.

"We always try to take what the defense is giving us," said Coach Harrell, "so if they are playing a run heavy box, we have to be efficient throwing the football."

Keys to the Game

-- Eliminate the self-inflicted penalties.

-- Win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

-- Make a game-changing play on special teams.

-- Take the necessary action to take the next step as a team.

Podcast Topics

* This week of practice (:51)

* Focus on three things (1:40)

* World of the Week: Take Action (5:45)

* The Kaufman Lions (8:04)

* Athens offensive line (9:36)

* Jamauri Manning (10:43)

* Keys to the game (13:17)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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==

Trinity Valley Community College has an open date this weekend but here's an off week interview with Coach Sherard Poteete to give Cardinal fans their fix.

The Cardinals return to action next Saturday when they travel to Tyler to take on the Apaches.

Watch for my advance column and interview with the coach next week.

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==

By Michael V. Hannigan

The competition takes a step up for the Hornets this week as Athens hits the road to face the Rusk Eagles Friday night.

Rusk is 2-0 to start this season and is coming off a playoff run in 2021. The Eagles beat Crockett, 53-21, last week.

The 2-0 Hornets are also flying high after beating Life Waxahachie last week, 48-18.

"The effort (last week) was a huge uptick and I was pleased with that," said Coach Zac Harrell.

Athens has looked good on both sides of the ball to start the year and has shown the ability to move the ball at will both on the ground and through the air.

There are still things to work on, however.

"We have to clean up special teams," Coach Harrell said. "That's kind of the most glaring deficiency of Week 1 and Week 2. "

Playing better in the kicking game and limiting penalties are going to be factors this week because Rusk is a well-coached, balanced team.

"They are a complete football team," said Coach Harrell. "They are an extremely well coached football team."

One of the most interesting features of the Eagles is their defense. Rusk plays a system that Coach Harrell said he's never seen in his career. It includes three defensive linemen, three linebackers in a unique alignment, and three safeties.

"It is hard to get a feel for where they're going to be or what they're going to do because they're all over the place," he said.

Friday night promises to be a test for Athens, so make the trip to Rusk to cheer on the Hornets. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Level Up

The Word of the Week for the Hornets is "Level Up."

"If we want to beat the playoff-caliber teams. If we want to be one. Then we've got to raise our level," said Coach Harrell.

Coach Harrell identified the keys to the game:

* Play assignment defense, especially in the secondary, and Generate a pass rush and pressure the Rusk QB.

* Offense has to focus and communicate.

* Win all special teams.

* Play physical.

* Do whatever it takes throughout the week to raise your level.

Interview Topics

* Pleased With The Effort (:47)

* Complete Game From Offense and Defense (2:17)

* Penalties (4:03)

* Rusk Eagles (6:10)

* Level Up (7:07)

* Rusk Offense (7:50)

* Rusk Defense (10:08)

* Keys to The Game (13:20)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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==

By Michael V. Hannigan

The TVCC Cardinals will look to bounce back from a difficult opener last week when they lost 36-14 to No. 5-ranked Snow College in Utah. This Saturday, the Cards will be in the friendly confines of Bruce Field as they take on the Southern Shreveport Jags.

Last week, the Jags were beaten 44-0 by the Northeastern Oklahoma Golden Norsemen.

While the Cardinals had to fight through some bad weather and injuries against Snow, there were still some positives for Coach Sherard Poteete to build on.

"I thought they did a great job of overcoming some adversity," he said.

Things were a little tougher on the other side of the ball.

"We had some negative things we had to work on this week in practice as we get ready for Southern Shreveport," Coach Poteete said.

There were definitely some highlights, though, including the play of quarterback Darion Peace off the bench and wide receiver Trent Hudson.

"There were some bright points for us to build upon going into this week," Coach Poteete said.

Southern Shreveport's defense will present a challenge for the Cardinals this week.

"Their defense played really hard (against NEO)," Coach Poteete said, adding that 21 of NEO's points came off special teams.

"Those guys are going to be ready to play football," he said.

Coach Poteete stressed the need for the Cardinals to take care of the football this week.

The Cardinals are scheduled to kickoff against the Jags at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bruce Field.

Topics in the podcast include:

* Playing Snow (0:51)

* Defense against Snow (1:57)

* Offense against Snow (2:59)

* Bit by the injury bug (4:16)

* Southern Shreveport (5:55)

* Keys to the game (7:41)

These posts are free thanks to Hannigan Media sponsors Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, Gilbert Electric, Hunan Buffet, and Holt Wrecker.

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==

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens Hornets will look to improve on their 1-0 record this Friday night when they travel to Waxahachie to take on Life High School.

The Life Waxahachie Mustangs are 0-0 on the year after their opener was canceled.

The Hornets beat the Mustangs last year, 40-7.

Athens is coming off a 34-27 win over Brownsboro last week that saw the Hornets hold on in the second half with a strong effort from the defense.

"It's a big rivalry game, so we feel really good that we came out of there with a win," said Coach Zac Harrell.

Against Brownsboro, the Hornet defense was a terror against the run.

"(The defense) did a great job of shutting down the run," said Coach Harrell. "In the first half they tried to run it a little bit and we stuffed the run pretty good."

That ability to stop the run will be tested this week against a Life Waxahachie team that runs the ball 75 percent of the time.

"We have to get 11 hats to the running back," said Coach Harrell, "because he is a legit running back. Big kid, runs hard, runs downhill, and has good speed. So it will be a good challenge."

Defensively, they run a 3-4 like Athens and Brownsboro.

"There are some similarities so our offensive line should have a good idea what we're going to face," Coach Harrell said.

This week's keys, according to Coach Harrell, are stopping the run on defense and protecting the ball on offense.

"We feel like we have an elite-level offense," he said, "and we feel like teams will have a hard time stopping us if we don't help them."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 Friday at Mustang Stadium in Waxahachie.

Topics in the podcast include:

* The win over Brownsboro (0:43)

* Trouble with penalties (1:31)

* Defense against Brownsboro (3:20)

* Life Waxahachie (5:30)

* Mustang offense (6:15)

* Mustang Defense (7:00)

* Injury to Gage Friedrich (7:50)

* Keys to the game (9:35)

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==

The regular season is here and it is time to get to work. The Athens Hornets will welcome the Brownsboro Bears into Bruce Field Friday night for the annual Battle of Highway 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

"The kids are excited about opening up at Bruce Field against Brownsboro in Week 1," said Coach Zac Harrell. "It's been a good week of practice up to this point."

Topics in the podcast:

I. Hornets Look Good in Preseason (1:53)

Athens looked good in its two preseason scrimmages and looked particularly crisp last week against Corsicana.

"I think it is the best team we've had since we've been here," Coach Harrell said.

Coach Harrell attributed the improvements to having a good group of juniors and seniors, and also in the fourth year in the system.

"Our kids know what we expect," he said. "Our kids have put in more work up to this point than we have in the past."

II. Playing Fast (3:04)

On both sides of the ball, the Hornets have been quick and efficient during the preseason. While that may be expected from the offense which has been in the same system for four years, the defense is changing to a 3-4 look.

The new defensive coordinator for the Hornets is Chayse Rives.

"Defensively, we've really changed our concepts and we've tried to make it simple, and let's fly to the football," Coach Harrell said.

So far, it has worked and the defense looks like it is playing faster than it has in the past.

"I have seen a difference, so far, in the energy and effort our defense is playing with," Coach Harrell said, "and I think a lot of that is because we're not having to think as much."

III. The Offensive Line (5:04)

When asked to highlight someone who will make an impact Friday night, Coach Harrell pointed to the offensive line. There will be four seniors on that line against Brownsboro.

"I was really pleased at the scrimmage with how physical our offensive line played," he said.

Friday night's OL will be Ivan Pinedo, Slade Haresnape, Zach Carranza, Dillon Normandin, and Daniel Banuelos.

"Those guys need to be talked about and are going to have as much to do with the success of our team as anybody else," Coach Harrel said, "but they don't get talked about because they play offensive line."

IV. About Brownsboro (9:28)

The Brownsboro Bears are in their second year under head coach Lance Connot. Now that the players have a year of experience in the system, expect the Bears to come out playing hard.

"Brownsboro is a very good football team," said Coach Harrell. "Offensively, especially, they are very good."

Coach Harrell said the Bears are talented at quarterback and receiver.

"They are a complete team on offense," he said. "It is going to be a great challenge for us defensively."

On defense, the Bears play multiple fronts which will challenge the Hornet offensive line.

"We're kind of preparing for everything," Coach Harrell said.

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==

The TVCC Cardinals will be kicking off the season in Utah Thursday night when they face No. 5 Snow College.

Coach Sherard Poteete isn't surprised the Badgers are ranked that high to start the season.

"Week in week out, year in year out, they're always a Top 5 team," he said. "It wasn't but two football seasons ago they were playing for the national title."

Coach Poteete said the game will be a great measuring stick for the Cardinals.

"For us (it's a chance) to see and learn a lot more about our football team," he said.

Thursday's game will kick off at 8 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Topics in the podcast:

I. Travel Plans (1:23)

Not only are the Cardinals starting the season against the No. 5-ranked team in the nation, but the team is also getting on a plane to fly to Utah and organizing the logistics of traveling to Utah and finding space to practice while there has been complicated.

"Throw the routine out the window this week," said Coach Poteete. "There is nothing routine at all about this week. But I know our guys are excited about hitting somebody else in a different colored jersey."

II. Spotlight on TVCC (2:59)

Thursday night's game will also be streamed nationally on ESPN+. The Cardinals will be featured twice by the network in the first five weeks of the season.

"I'm fortunate, our kids are fortunate, that the people who support us made the decision to allow that to happen," Coach Poteete said.

"It's not just going to be a Henderson County thing, or a state thing, or an East Texas thing, we're kind of getting to a national audience now," said Coach Poteete. "Maybe that helps us in recruiting down the road or just get our guys a little bit more exposure moving on to the next level."

III. What to Expect From Snow (5:27)

With so much turnover at the Juco level, teams change from season to season. It can be difficult to know what to expect in Week1.

One thing Coach Poteete knows is that the Badgers will be big and tough.

"They're going to run the football and they're going to run power," he said. "They're going to try and do some of that against us and I know they are going to throw the ball vertically. That's just kind of what they've done offensively the last few years."

"And then they're going to bring the pressure on defense," Coach Poteete said.

IV. What About TVCC (6:51)

Coach Poteete said the Cardinals are deep along the defensive line and he is looking for that group to penetrate and cause problems for Snow.

"That will be a key to us having success this week," he said.

Offensively, sophomore Tucker Yarbrough will get the start at quarterback Thursday night. Yarbrough has experience in the system for the Cardinals.

"That's one of the things that separated him from the guys right behind him," Coach Poteete said. "Tucker has been in our offense for a while. He knows it. Tucker has made some really good plays the last few weeks doing a great job of when the box is loaded up, making some really good checks, delivering really good footballs, playing under pressure, and making good decisions with the football."

V. Prayer Box (11:25)

Outside the Coach's office, there is a prayer box set up by a player for people to leave prayer requests.

"We've got some really good young men that care about each other," said Coach Poteete. "We don't always know what people are going through in life."

Coach Poteete also talked about how the Cardinals were hosted by First Baptist Church of Athens and Gates Community Church the past two Sundays.

"We get to use the game of football but there's more to it than just football," Coach Poteete said.

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==

Coach Aaron Austin is entering his third season at the helm of the Athens ISD volleyball program. In this episode, we discuss the growth of the program throughout the district and some of the steps Coach Austin is taking to make volleyball more mainstream in Athens.

"We've worked hard in the last couple of years to set a culture and an environment that's positive and so this year we've got a really good positive vibe," Coach Austin said.

The keyword for the Lady Hornet volleyball program is "grit."

"Grit is our goal," Coach Austin said. "It is the saying that's on the back of our shirts."

Topics in this episode:

* The growth of the program (1:25)

* Substitution rules and the impact on rosters (2:05)

* How has the season started for full program (5:42)

* Varsity Lady Hornets (7:04)

* Big Athens Tournament (9:24)

* Building the program through younger students (12:24)

* Start of varsity season (14:00)

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==

Football that counts is almost here.

The Athens Hornets have been working long hours getting ready for their season opener next week against Brownsboro.

"Most of the time this week in practice has been on improving what we have to improve on from position to position for our kids to be able to play at a high level," said Coach Zac Harrell. "So that's kind of our focus this week."

The Hornets are coming off a very good showing against Fairfield in last week's scrimmage. You can read my notes about that scrimmage here.

Next up for Athens is Corsicana, which is coming to town for a scrimmage Thursday night at Bruce Field.

Action will start Thursday night with the JV and Freshman teams at 5:30 p.m. Those squads will each get four 15-minute sessions.

The varsity will take over around 7 p.m. The varsity scrimmage will use the following format:

* 12 plays first-team offense

* 12 plays first-team defense

* 10 plays second-team offense

* 10 plays second-team defense

* One live quarter

Coach Harrell said the three things he wants out of a scrimmage is to get everyone plenty of reps, to evaluate the players, and to keep players healthy.

"We're going to get out there, get it done, and get ready for Brownsboro," Coach Harrell said.

Topics in the interview include:

* This week's practices (:45)

* Fairfield Scrimmage (1:50)

* The defense (3:50)

* Defensive line (6:19)

* Ty Arroyo (8:25)

* Quarterback decision-making in this offense (11:27)

* The receiving corps (14:09)

* The running backs (17:38)

* Corsicana Scrimmage (22:28)

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==

The Athens Hornets will be on the road this week for their first official scrimmage of the 2022 season. The Hornets will be facing the Fairfield Eagles.

The scrimmage will start with the Freshman and JV teams at 5:30 p.m. The varsity will take the field at 7 p.m.

The varsity scrimmage format is as follows:

* 15 plays with the first team (offense, defense)

* 10 plays with the second team (offense, defense)

* 12 plays with the first team (offense, defense)

* 8 plays with the second team (offense, defense)

* Finish with a simulated overtime with each team getting a possession on the 25

"We don't really have 'ones' yet," said Coach Harrell, "so for us, it will be a lot of the same kids splitting reps."

This week, Coach Harrell talks about how things have been going and the approach for Friday's scrimmage.

I. First Two Weeks (:33)

Summary: The Hornets started regular season practice last week and held their annual Maroon and White Scrimmage on Saturday.

Quote: "We're continuing to evaluate every day," said Coach Harrell, "because that's what this part of the season is for."

Remember: While the Hornets are in pads and hitting, they are also trying to take care of each other. Many of these practice sessions don't include tackling to the ground. That makes Friday's scrimmage even more exciting because it will ratchet up the intensity.

II. A Chance for New Guys (3:40)

Summary: Coach Harrell specifically talks about Eli Perkins after Hannigan brings him up, but he later goes on to discuss how important these practices and scrimmages are for younger players.

Quote: "Eli has done a great job," said Coach Harrell. "When he decided to play football, well he's been all in."

Remember: The Hornets had a tremendous turnout for football this year at both the high school and middle school. More than 360 students combined came out to play football this year.

III. Friday Scrimmage (5:18)

Summary: The Freshman and JV teams will go first Friday beginning at 5:30 p.m. They will both be on the field at the same time going in opposite directions. The varsity will start at 7 p.m.

Quote: "Everybody's going to play, everybody is going to get a lot of reps," said Coach Harrell.

IV. Winning the Scrimmage (7:54)

Summary: The Hornets are using this scrimmage as an evaluation tool. The decisions for who plays and how much they play will be based on considerations other than the "score."

Quote: "You don't win a scrimmage. It's not a win-loss," said Coach Harrell. "Our first game is Brownsboro. That's the first game we win or lose."

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==

The 2022-23 sports year got underway for the ACPA Storm this week with soccer, volleyball, and cross country beginning practice.

Friday, I had the opportunity to talk with the architect of ACPA sports, Ronnie Raines, and the newest addition to the coaching staff, Hanner Shipley, who will be bringing 6-man football to the school in 2023.

"When we first started, we had four sports at the school," Coach Raines said. "In five years, we're up to 11 sports that are offered."

In this episode of The Stormcast, we cover the following topics:

* Growth of ACPA sports (1:46)

* 6-man football and Coach Hanner Shipley (4:03)

* New facilities (10:08)

* Sports year gets underway (15:10)

* Coaching staff grows (16:00)

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==

The Athens Hornets began practice this week for the 2022 football season. I will meet with Coach Harrell each week to talk about the team and the upcoming opponent.

This week we discuss the first couple of days of practice, Meet the Hornets night, and Saturday's Maroon and White Scrimmage.

I. Big Turnout (:56)

Summary: The Hornets have had a great turnout for football this year. There are 161 high school players and 163 middle school players. Coach Harrell said these numbers represent more than 40 percent of the male students at the high school and almost 70 percent at the middle school.

Quote: "That's a credit to our kids for buying in," Coach Harrell said, "and to our coaches."

Remember: The quality of the middle school program is important to what happens at the high school.

II. Start to Practice (2:42)

Summary: Because Athens started school on Aug. 1, the Hornets went straight to a regular practice schedule. That means they practice in the afternoons in the heat. Coach Harrell said there are water stations and trainers at practice pushing water.

Quote: "We don't have the luxury of practicing in the morning," Coach Harrell said. ... "Our kids have handled that challenge incredibly well."

III. This Is A Veteran Team (4:50)

Summary: The 2022 Hornets have a lot of experience in key positions. Athens has 22 seniors this year and 17 with varsity experience.

Quote: "Our kids, because they've played at a high level, have an understanding of what to do," Coach Harrell said, "and what we expect out of them." ... "We have so much experience with that senior class."

Remember: Quarterback Ty Arroyo will be a three-year starter for the Hornets in 2022.

IV. Meet the Hornets (10:22)

Summary: Athens ISD will be hosting its annual Meet the Hornets night at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at Bruce Field. The event is sponsored by the Athens Booster Club and Brookshire's. There will be free hot dogs, chips, cake, and drinks.

Quote: "We've got great kids here in Athens," said Coach Harrell. "Every sport that we play we have great student-athletes."

Remember: Meet the Hornets is open to the public.

V. Maroon and White Scrimmage (11:38)

Summary: The Hornets will hold their Maroon and White Scrimmage Saturday morning at Bruce Field. The scrimmage will start immediately after team photos, at about 10 a.m.

Quote: "It is an evaluation tool for us," said Coach Harrell. "It's our first time to see guys in live action."

Remember: Saturday will be the first time the Hornets can hit full speed.

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===

The TVCC Cardinals held their first official practice of the 2022 season Monday.

Tuesday, I caught up with Coach Poteete for o

ur first podcast of the season. We talked about the high roster turnover, looked at the offense and defense, and talk about the first game of the season, which is a road trip to Utah.

As show notes for this first podcast, I am going to reshare the season preview story written by TVCC Sports Information Officer Benny Rogers.

===

By Benny Rogers/TVCC Sports Information

Cardinal football turns 75 this season. It may feel more like starting over.

Roster raids by D-1 schools in May have resulted in a far different personnel look than fifth-year head coach Sherard Poteete had anticipated. Gone, in a one-month period, are 17 players, including eight offensive and two defensive starters.

When the dust settled, the Cardinals were left with no returning offensive starters, four on defense, and just 15 lettermen.

But you will not find Poteete, his staff, and the Cardinals feeling sorry for themselves. They are also aware the rest of the Southwest Junior College Football Conference will not.

“Yes, we were hit hard,” Poteete said. “But everyone took hits, and we will still be expected to get off the bus ready to line up and compete on Saturdays this fall.

“The timing of losing the players we did was unfortunate, but we are here to move our players on to the next level. Due to the portal, junior college is becoming a one-year program.”

Though it may seem like it, the cupboard is not completely bare for the Cardinals. They return four starters on the defensive side of the ball – all up front in the trenches – and highly-regarded kicker/punter Jake Gaster.

Expected to anchor the defensive unit while the newcomers grow up are ends Darren Roberson (6-3, 230), Elliot Spiller (6-0, 235), and tackles Deundre Blanton (6-4, 270) and Alvino Carbajal III (6-0, 300).

Roberson was a major contributor as a freshman in the Cardinals’ 5-4 campaign last year. He was in on 65 tackles, eight of which were for losses, and four sacks. Spiller had 49 tackles and Carbajal 44 and Blanton 38.

Although the secondary is void of starters, Poteete has three returners he knows he can count on. Rashad Onezime (5-11, 170), Zayteak McGhee (5-10, 185) and Dabari Hawkins (6-4,190) all took meaningful snaps in 2021.

For the first time since 2006, the Cardinal defense will be under the tutelage of a new coordinator. Mark McMillan, beginning his third tenure at the college, will now lead the way. He returns after a two-year stint as defensive line coach at Hardin-Simmons University.

“I am so excited to have Mark back with us,” Poteete said. “He is an excellent fit for our coaching staff -- a young, energetic coach who is wise beyond his years.”

While the defense will feature newcomers on the back end, the Cardinals are set at kicker-punter. Gaster proved a weapon as a freshman and Poteete is expecting more of the same this season.

“Jake can do it all, as we saw last year,” Poteete said. “He’s gotten stronger, and we expect more great things from him.”

Gaster hit 11-of-14 field goals last season, including a 54-yarder as time expired to beat Cisco 34-31 and keep the Cardinals unbeaten at 5-0. He was 39-of-40 on PATs and averaged 39.8 yards per punt.

Questions abound offensively without a single starter back. But at least at quarterback, the Cardinals have two returners having taken snaps in games last year and four transfers to choose from.

Both Tucker Yarbrough (6-1, 215) and Riggs McDonald (6-0, 205) are in their third falls with the Cardinals, which Poteete says is an asset. Yarbrough completed 30-of-43 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Also in the mix to lead the offense are transfers Darion Peace (6-2-235), Brock Nellor (6-2, 220), Matthew Duncan (6-1, 215), and Gavid Kuld (6-6, 225).

“We feel good about our six kids at the position,” Poteete said. “We are just waiting for the cream to rise to the top.”

Though coaches come and go, and rosters flip from year to year, Poteete said one thing that never changes is how competitive the SWJCFC remains.

“You know what you are going to get each week – a battle,” Poteete said. “There are no Saturdays off in this league … none.

“Just look at last year. NMMI was picked fourth in the preseason poll. They went on to win the league and the national championship.

“It just goes to show you that preseason polls are a joke.”

Poteete says the Cardinals are ready for the challenges ahead.

“We will line up and be prepared to go,” Poteete said. “Our expectations will always be high.”

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==

You might not have noticed here in the depths of summer, but the Athens Hornets will face Fairfield in the first scrimmage of 2022 in just one month. I stopped by to check in on the SWARM to see how things are going with the season on the horizon.

I. Summer Conditioning Program (1:08)

Summary: The Hornets are in the 5th week of their summer conditioning program. Athens averaged about 115 athletes in the first three weeks. Numbers have gone down a little recently as families go on vacations, but there have still been between 70 and 80 athletes showing up every day.

Quote: "We've had really good senior leadership this year," Coach Harrell said. "We feel like probably the best that we've had since we've been here, our seniors are really stepping up and leading in the summer."

II. Schedule as Season Starts (3:30)

Summary: UIL allows teams to do two hours of conditioning and one hour of sports-specific skills, so the Hornets worked on skills throughout June. Regular practice and school will start on Aug. 1 and the Hornets will get into their regular season practice routine at that time.

Quote: "We don't really have two-a-days anymore," Coach Harrell said.

III. Changes (6:10)

Summary: The Hornets have hired four new football coaches. Senior basketball player Eli Perkins has come out to play football this year.

Quote: "It's been kind of a busy spring from the hiring standpoint," Coach Harrell said. "We're excited about all four of them. They all bring something different to the table."

Quote: "All Hornet fans know (Eli Perkins) because he's a great athlete."

IV. Numbers Out for Football (7:58)

Summary: Athens is projecting that 158 athletes are coming out for football, freshmen through seniors.

Quote: "It's the most we've ever had," said Coach Harrell.

IV. Fourth Year (9:15)

Summary: Coach Harrell is about to start his fourth season as coach of the Hornets. With that time, there is familiarity with the playbook and the program for players. That can be an advantage for the Hornets.

Quote: "Our kids are really good at what we do," Coach Harrell said, "and when you get to that point you don't have to spend so much time running Day 1 plays."

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==

The No. 4-ranked Athens Christian Preparatory Academy (ACPA) Lady Storm will take on Faustina Academy 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Valley Community College in TAPPS playoff action.

The Lady Storm finished the regular season on a 15-game win streak. They boast a 22-5 record and went 8-0 in district earning a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Friday, I sat down with Coach Ronnie Raines and senior leaders Kacie Wallace and Riley Jackson to discuss the season and the upcoming game. Topics include a look back at the season, playing at a small school, relying on the defense, and the expectations that come with being a state-ranked team.

Kacie talked about joining the 1,000-point club, and Riley discussed having a shooter's attitude.

Coach Raines addressed playing to win at a Christian school and before the end of the interview, even thanked the members of the What's Happening in Henderson County group for their love and support. Hey, followers of Hannigan Media, you're making a difference!

I really enjoyed recording this podcast so I hope you'll listen in as we talk about a range of topics before Tuesday's game.

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This interview was recorded at Malakoff High School Wednesday, Nov. 23.

==

The Malakoff Tigers will face their most difficult challenge of the playoffs when they face the undefeated West Trojans 2 p.m. Friday at E.H. Hanby Stadium in Mesquite.

"They're really good at what they do," said Malakoff Head Coach Jamie Driskell. "One thing we've noticed is their kids play extremely hard. They fly around defensively, they really block you and stay on you offensively."

"We have to match their intensity," Coach Driskell said. "Our kids have got to fly around and play fast. They play really fast. It is going to be a fun game to watch."

Malakoff is on a roll having won its first two playoff games against Maypearl and Pottsboro by a combined score of 101-0, while West knocked off Fairfield and Mineola.

Malakoff Tiger fans have done a great job traveling to playoff games and making noise and the Tigers are going to need that energy again this Friday afternoon.

"These kids deserve to have a big crowd," said Coach Driskell. "Hopefully, everybody is full of turkey and wanting to get out of the house a little bit and come watch a little football. These kids love seeing a big crowd and it sure gets them going, so hopefully, people can turn out and be careful coming."

Podcast Topics

* Football at Thanksgiving (0:38)

* So far in the playoffs (2:46)

* Complimentary football and special teams (3:17)

* The West Trojans (5:42)

* Power football, multiple formations from the shotgun (8:32)

* Defending a multiple formation offense (9:29)

* Keys to the game (10:24)

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==

(NOTE: Coach Driskell and I spend some time talking about X's and O's before getting into this week's game. We discuss the importance of different formations both on offense and defense. Listen to that from 1:15 to 10:30.)

The Malakoff Tigers will face a familiar opponent in their Area Round playoff game this week.

Malakoff will play Pottsboro in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year -- the fifth time under Coach Jamie Driskell -- 7 p.m. Thursday night in Sulphur Springs.

The playoff series stands at 2-2.

"It's kind of been back and forth," said Coach Driskell. "They do a great job. It's gotten to the point where we know each other pretty good, the staffs and what schemes they try to do and we try to do."

The Pottsboro Cardinals are more of a running team than they have been in the past, according to Coach Driskell, although they aren't afraid to throw the ball.

"They have some big offensive and defensive linemen," he said. "Of course, everybody is usually bigger than us, we're not real big, and so it's a concern."

Defensively, the Cardinals present a challenge because they will line up in multiple ways.

"They're going to give us an even front, an odd front," said Coach Driskell. "We've seen five different coverages from them in the secondary."

"They do that to confuse your offense and to confuse your blocking schemes," he said.

This will be a battle between two battle-tested teams with plenty of playoff experience.

"It's pretty neat that we've played in so many playoff games now that our kids kind of understand the steps and what it's going to take," said Coach Driskell. "Hopefully we perform Thursday night."

Here's a link to online tickets for the game. https://www.ssisd.net/page/Tickets

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This interview was recorded Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Malakoff High School.

==

It's that time of year for the Malakoff Tigers.

The No. 10-ranked Tigers will begin their annual playoff run this Friday against Maypearl at Midway Panther Stadium in Hewitt, just outside of Waco. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Tigers enter the playoffs with a 7-3 record and as champions of District 8-3A. They are on a seven-game winning streak. Maypearl finished fourth in District 7-3A with a 5-4 record.

In the Maypearl Panthers, the Tigers will face a familiar opponent. The Tigers beat the Panthers in the first round of last year's playoffs, 83-7.

Maypearl runs similar schemes as the Tigers on offense and has an attacking defense, according to Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell.

"They have some big skill kids, we're probably faster than they are," he said. "They're pretty well coached."

Coach Driskell said the Panthers will look to throw the ball about 40 percent of the time.

"They're more of a ball-control spread," he said. "A lot of screens."

"Their coach will do a good job of playing to their strengths and doing what their kids can do," Coach Driskell said.

IMPORTANT: According to Malakoff ISD, all tickets for this game will only be sold online and can be purchased here.

The Tigers will be the home team for Friday night's game.

PODCAST TOPICS

* Looking back at the season (1:49)

* Reviewing the Malakoff offense (4:00)

* Reviewing the Malakoff defense (8:16)

* Turning point for the season (9:49)

* Maypearl (11:46)

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==

The TVCC Cardinals are on the road this week to take on New Mexico Military Institute.

The Cardinals enter the game with a 3-3 conference record, in a four-way tie for third place with Blinn, Kilgore, and Cisco.

All those teams are fighting for a playoff spot on the final weekend of the year, but TVCC may have drawn the toughest assignment with NMMI, which leads the conference with a 5-1 record.

"Basically, the playoffs start for us a week early," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete.

The Cardinals have been decimated by injuries in recent weeks. It has been so bad that last week two offensive players had to move to the other side of the ball to play linebacker and the backup quarterback was playing on special teams.

The two positions that have been hit the hardest are quarterback and offensive line. The Cardinals have had five QBs take snaps this year and have started three different quarterbacks in the last three games.

But none of that will matter on Saturday.

"Gotta go win," said Coach Poteete. "That's all we can really do anyway, it doesn't really matter what somebody else does, we can't control that."

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==

The Athens Hornets will finish up their 2021 season Friday night at home when they take on the Mabank Panthers.

The Hornets are 4-5 on the year while the Panthers are 6-3.

Friday is senior night for the Hornets, so come out and show your appreciation for these players.

"Senior night is always a special night to just honor these kids who have put so much into their high school career," said Coach Zac Harrell.

The Hornets will look to finish the season with a win over rival Mabank, a team Coach Harrell said has been playing very well this year.

"Coach Hudson over there in Mabank has done just a tremendous job," he said.

WORD/KEYS

Word of the Week: Find your why.

This week, Coach Harrell asked his players to think about the reasons they have committed so much time and effort into being a part of the Hornet football team.

"Nobody in that room -- and those seniors -- said I'm playing this because I want to play in the NFL," Coach Harrell said. "You're not playing for you. You're playing for reasons so much bigger than that."

Keys to victory:

-- Zero turnovers from the offense.

-- Play harder than they do.

-- Be ready for onside kicks.

-- Score points in the red zone.

-- Play for the right reasons.

INTERVIEW TOPICS

* Snapshot Friday and a possible drop in classification (1:07)

* MVPs from last week (5:44)

* Senior Night (9:34)

* The Mabank Panthers (11:20)

* Keys to the Game (15:45)

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==

The TVCC Cardinals will look to bounce back from two straight losses when they travel to Kilgore Saturday to take on the Rangers.

The Rangers are also looking to get right after dropping four straight games.

"You can't change the past, we can only fix the future," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete, "and that's how we've had to look at our season right now."

Coach Poteete said the Ranger offense is very explosive.

"They're going to throw the football deep," he said. "They've got some explosive running backs, they've got a couple of transfer Division I running backs."

Coach Poteete said the Cardinals would have to limit the big plays and try and make Kilgore drive the ball the length of the field.

Offensively, the Cardinals are dealing with several injuries.

"As a team, you just have to have a next man up mentality," said Coach Poteete.

The Cards are hoping to get Jordan Davis back at quarterback to lead TVCC against Kilgore, but that decision won't be made until later in the week.

The Cardinals and Rangers will kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday in Kilgore.

Podcast Topics

* Being resilient (:58)

* The week of practice (1.52)

* About Kilgore (2:48)

* Strange Kilgore stats (4:18)

* Importance of special teams (5:00)

* Injuries (6:02)

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==

The Athens Hornets will head out on the road for the final time this season as they travel to Kilgore to take on the 7-1, 4-0 Bulldogs.

Dave Campbell's Texas Football has Kilgore ranked No. 6 in the state in Class 4A Division I. https://www.texasfootball.com/rankings

"Kilgore is, just like last year, I would say the most talented team in the district," said Coach Zac Harrell.

Coach Harrell said the Bulldogs have a balanced offense that is as likely to run or throw the ball. Kilgore will also come out in a variety of formations, mostly lining up in a shotgun spread but also lining up under center occasionally.

"We need to stop the run," Coach Harrell said.

The Bulldogs are mainly an odd-man front on defense but, just like the offense, will present multiple looks to confuse the opposition. Kilgore's defensive line is their strength.

"They are very physical," said Coach Harrell. "Probably across the board, the biggest most physical defensive line we've played."

Keys to the Game

The Word of the Week is "abnormal," as in don't be average.

"There are a lot of average people in this world," said Coach Harrell. "So what do average people do? They blame their circumstances on other people. They don't take responsibility and don't find ways to fix it. They don't live in the present, they want to live in the past and talk about 'why are we here' instead of focusing on what we can do at this point to improve."

The coach's keys include:

* Execute on third down.

* Block multiple fronts and communicate.

* Can't have miscues in special teams.

* Play harder than we've played all year.

Podcast Topics

* Last week's MVPs (1:07)

* Kilgore offense (4:36)

* Kilgore defense (13:13)

* Hornets need to be assignment sound. (6:41)

* Word of the Week: Abnormal (7:15)

* Keys to the game (9:31)

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==

It's a big week in The Valley.

Trinity Valley Community College is celebrating homecoming this Saturday in addition to inducting its most recent Hall of Fame class.

But on the field, the most important thing is seeing TVCC bounce back from last week's loss. The No. 8-ranked Cardinals will be trying to do that against the Navarro Bulldogs.

TVCC brings a 5-1 record into the game while Navarro is 3-4

"Navarro is coming to town," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete. "People that just look at records, you've got to throw records out the window. Navarro is a good football team. They're better than what their record says."

The feature matchup in this contest will be the Bulldog offense that is averaging more than 500 yards a game against the Cardinal defense which is leading the NJCAA in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss.

"It's a shootout every time we play, year in and year out."

The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Bruce Field.

Homecoming coronation will take place before the game with the King and Queen crowned at 12:30 p.m.

Interview topics

* Homecoming (:47)

* Matt Bryant (1:20)

* The difficulty of the conference (3:32)

* Navarro offense (3:57)

* TVCC defense (4:50)

* Getting TVCC offense back on track (5:23)

* Turnover troubles (6:30)

* Goals still attainable (7:12)

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==

The 4-3 Athens Hornets will host 4-4 Palestine Friday night at Bruce Field.

While the Hornets have struggled in District 9-4A play so far, a win Friday night will put them right in the thick of the playoff race.

"All of our focus, everything we do, has to be on this week and on Palestine and on being 1-0 this week," Coach Zac Harrell said. "And if we do that, we'll give ourselves a chance to keep playing."

The Wildcats utilize a Wing T offense so expect them to run the ball a lot. They will, however, look to go deep a few times a game and that is something the Hornets will have to be ready for.

"They are going to try to eat the clock and control the tempo of the game," Coach Harrell said.

Defensively, Palestine employs an odd front. You'll see three down linemen with the outside linebackers creeping close to the line of scrimmage. With seven men in the box, the Wildcats will be looking to stop the Hornet rushing attack, which could open things up for them in the passing game.

"They are a very physical football team," Coach Harrell said.

KEYS TO THE GAME (14:47)

Word of the Week: "Relentless Effort."

Coach Harrell said having that nonstop motor on the field is a core value for the Hornets, but coaches are really focusing on it this week.

"I think we're playing hard, but I still think we can play harder," he said.

Key 1: Want it More -- "If you don't burn inside to want it, you need to let me know," said Coach Harrell. "We need to find the guys and get the guys on the field that really want it and want to be successful."

Key 2: Be Physical on Defense -- "When you're playing this type of offense you have to be physical."

Key 3: Must Block the Odd Front Effectively

Key 4: Complete Passes at Over 70 Percent -- "We feel like we're going to have a lot of opportunities when a team plays seven in the box."

Key 5: Start Fast -- "We can't dig ourselves a hole."

OTHER TOPICS

-- Slow starts hurting the Hornets. (10:52)

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==

It's time to get back to work.

The TVCC Cardinals had last week off, but they will be on the road this week as they travel to Brenham, Texas to take on the Blinn Buccaneers at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The Cardinals carry a 5-0 record into the contest while Blinn sits at 3-2 and 2-2 in the SWJCFC.

But don't let Blinn's record fool you.

"They continue to get better as the season goes along," said TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete. "They're headed in the right direction."

Saturday will be homecoming for the Buccaneers, so expect them to have a little added emotion.

"They're going to be geared up, fired up, to face the No. 4-ranked Cardinals," Coach Poteete said. "This is the biggest game on their schedule so we can't take a day off."

One key for Saturday is shoring up the special teams, according to Coach Poteete. The Cardinals had two punts blocked in their last game, which was against Cisco. They also turned the ball over four times against the Wranglers.

"I think that will be a key this week. Who can play better on special teams and not turn the ball over, or create turnovers," he said.

Other topics during the interview:

-- Fun at the Texas-OU game

-- The rivalry against Blinn

-- How healthy are the Cardinals

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==

The Athens Hornets are coming off their open week with a 4-2 record. They return to action Friday night when they hit the road to take on the 4-3 Lindale Eagles.

Lindale was the state runners up last season and offer a difficult challenge for the Hornets.

Coach Zac Harrell said the Eagles are a spread offense but will line up in multiple formations. Their key player is quarterback Sam Peterson, who is a returner from last year.

"He is playing exceptionally well," Coach Harrell said. "They are running him about 13 times a game during district and relying on him with his feet and his arm."

Defensively, Lindale is a base 4-2 with its strength in the defensive line.

"Their defensive line has been able to put pressure on quarterbacks," Coach Harrell said. "You look at their district games, that's been the difference."

KEYS TO THE GAME

The Hornets always have a Word of the Week, and for Lindale, it is "Sense of Purpose."

"We have to have a great sense of purpose because when you play the teams we're playing it's going to be decided by three or four plays, and how you prepare is going to determine that," said Coach Harrell.

Other Keys include:

-- Play sound defense: don't give up any easy scores.

-- Eliminate self-inflicted wounds on offense.

-- Get after the quarterback.

-- Win the turnover battle.

-- Have a big return in the special teams.

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==

The TVCC Cardinals have this Saturday open. The Cardinals enter the weekend ranked No. 5 in the nation with a 5-0 record. TVCC has four important conference games left in the regular season.

* Oct. 16 at Blinn, 3 p.m.

* Oct. 23 home against Navarro, 1 p.m. (Homecoming, Hall of Fame induction)

* Oct. 30 at Kilgore, 3 p.m.

* Nov. 6 at NMMI, 3 p.m.

I sat down with Coach Sherard Poteete to talk about the state of the Cardinals as they get ready for the final regular-season run.

==

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==

The 4-2 Athens Hornets have this week off, but that doesn't mean that they aren't working. I went by Coach Zac Harrell's office and asked him how he was feeling about his team as the Hornets head into the final four regular-season games.

==

The TVCC Cardinals keep winning and people are beginning to take notice. The Cardinals jumped to No. 4 in the national rankings this week after beating Tyler Saturday, 31-23.

Next up for the 4-0 Cardinals are the Cisco Wranglers, who bring a 1-2 record into Bruce Field 3 p.m. Saturday.

Cisco is coming off its first-ever undefeated season in the spring and its first Southwest Junior College Football Conference championship, but they have lost many of the players from that team.

"I think they're still trying to find their identity," TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete said. "They've gotten better every week."

Coach Poteete said one of the keys to this game is being able to establish the run and eliminate turnovers. The weather could be a factor Saturday.

"Who knows what kind of weather we may have," he said. "It could be a little wet, it could be a little slippery out there. Can a team go out there and not turn the football over in wet conditions. I think that will play a huge role. So, can we be disciplined enough this week to take care of the football."

Listen in on my chat with Coach Poteete to hear more about Cisco, how it benefits TVCC to have so many players involved on offense, and the role faith is playing in this team.

==

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==

The Athens Hornets are coming off their first loss of the season, falling to Chapel Hill last week, 57-21.

The Hornets look to get back on track Friday night when they welcome the 3-1 Henderson Lions to Bruce Field. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

I. Players of the Week (1:30)

As we do each week, Coach Zac Harrell and I start off by shouting out the Players of the Week from last week's game. The players are:

* MVP: Jaden Crane

* Offensive MVP: Jorien Ray

* Defensive MVP: Jaxson Stiles

* Special Teams MVP: Zsaid Inestroza

Here's the short version of what Coach Harrell said, but there's a lot more in the main interview above.

II. The Henderson Lions (6:04)

The Lions are 3-1 on the year and are coming off their open date. Friday night will be their first District 9-4A game of the year.

"They are a really good football team," said Coach Harrell. "One of the better football teams in the Class of 4A Division I. Again, everybody in our district is and we feel we are, too. Every week is going to be a battle."

Like Athens, Henderson runs a spread offense and a 4-2 defense. The main characteristic of the Lions is physicality, said Coach Harrell.

"They are a very physical football team," he said. "Last year, I'll be honest, they hit us in the mouth and we didn't respond real well."

Coach Harrell said Henderson has a very talented quarterback and his twin brother is his favorite receiver.

"They are a very good offense," he said.

On defense, Coach Harrell said the defense likes to blitz as much as 50 percent of the time.

"They're bringing heat and they are bringing them from different angles," he said.

III. Keys to the Game (10:52)

Word of the Week: Respond.

Coach Harrell said there is a difference between responding and reacting.

"When we respond, we are doing what's best for everybody involved," he said. "We have to respond to what's happened."

The Keys to the Game include:

-- Contain the Quarterback: "We can't let him extend plays and hurt us with his legs."

-- Execute on Offense: "All 11 have to execute on offense consistently."

-- Win the Turnover Battle

-- Play Physical: "Answer the challenge."

==

Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

This interview was recorded Wednesday, Sept. 22, at the Trinity Valley Community College Field House. The following story was written from the interview. Please listen to Coach Sherard Poteete for a deeper look at the game.

==

Trinity Valley Community College invited its closest neighbor to visit for Family Day this Saturday with the Tyler Junior College Apaches coming to town to take on the Cardinals.

The Cardinals are coming off a 60-18 win over Southern Shreveport last Saturday and are 3-0, 1-0 to start the season. TJC beat Rezolution Prep last week, 48-7, and carry a 2-1, 1-0 record into Bruce Field.

Both teams boast explosive offenses with TVCC averaging 52.3 points per game, good enough for third in the nation, and TJC averaging 48.3, which is tied for sixth.

The Apaches have been flying on the arm of freshman quarterback General Booty, who leads the nation in total yards, yards per game, and touchdowns.

"He's throwing it all over the place," said Coach Sherard Poteete. "Basically if we hold him under 400 yards passing and under five touchdown passes then we've held him underneath his average."

The defenses don't stack up as well, with the Cardinals holding a clear advantage on that side of the ball. TVCC's defense is allowing just 11.7 points per game while Tyler is giving up a whopping 37.7 per game.

"Our defense has played really well," Coach Poteete said. "Our staff on that side of the ball is doing a great job each week in getting the kids prepared and then the kids are going out and executing the game plan."

A key this week will be eliminating the Apaches' explosive plays and forcing Tyler to try and put together sustained drives, he said.

When the Cardinals have the ball, Tyler will try and confuse things with multiple fronts and disguising their coverage.

"(They're) giving your offensive line something else, a different look to pass protect against or change up your run blocking rules," Coach Poteete said.

When SWJCFC rivals meet, it can often be the little things that make a difference in the end. Special teams could play a huge part Saturday night.

"There are different areas throughout the game where those big (special teams plays) can pop up," Coach Poteete said. "A punt return, a great punt, coverage, those type things. We've just got to do a good job being sound in our special teams and win the special teams battle and the field position battle."

Don't forget, Saturday is Family Day at TVCC so come out early for free food and games from 2-4:30 p.m. Kickoff for the game against the Apaches is scheduled for 6 p.m.

==

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==

Athens finished the non-district portion of their schedule with a perfect 4-0 record, but things get a bit tougher this Friday as the Hornets go on the road to take on No. 4 Chapel Hill. The Bulldogs are also 4-0.

I. Players of the Week (:57)

As we do each week, Coach Zac Harrell and I start off by shouting out the Players of the Week from last week's 41-0 win over Wills Point. The players are:

* MVP: Hunter White

* Offensive MVP: Jecorey Roberts

* Defensive MVP: Cody McMicheal

* Special Teams MVP: Brenson McNeil

II. Chapel Hill (3:48)

Last season, the Bulldogs finished fourth in District 9-4A but then went on a run in the playoffs. Chapel Hill finally fell in the third round to eventual State Championship runner-up Lindale.

"They are a very talented team," Coach Harrell said.

He said the Bulldogs run a spread offense are returning nearly the entire unit with the addition of a new quarterback.

"Tyler Jones does an incredible job of extending the play," Coach Harrell said. "Their passing game is very verticle and down the field. He turns a lot of their plays into a scramble drill."

Chapel Hill has a new defensive coordinator this year and, so far, the Bulldogs have shown exclusively an even front with a 4-2 or 4-1 look.

"Which is similar to what we do as a defense," Coach Harrel said, "so we feel good about being familiar with what they do."

"It's a great test for us on offense just like it is on defense," he said.

III. Keys to the Game (10:51)

For every game, Coach Harrell has a Word of the Week and 5 Keys.

Against Chapel Hill, the Word of the Week is "Believe."

"I challenged our kids this week. It's all about our mentality," Coach Harrell said. "If we truly believe that we're capable of winning then we're going to give ourselves a chance to win this game."

The Keys to the Game include:

* Truly believe in yourself and your teammates.

* We've got to contain the quarterback. -- "We can't let him out of the pocket."

* Run the ball well and dictate the line of scrimmage.

* Win the turnover battle.

* Send a message early with physical play.

==

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==

The TVCC Cardinals are coming off a 27-10 win over Northeastern Oklahoma A&M last week, giving them a 2-0 overall record and 1-0 in the SWJCFC.  This week, the Cardinals are on the road to take on the Southern Shreveport Jags. The game will be played at Lee Hedges Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

(1:06) -- Before we got into the Jags, I asked Coach Poteete to describe the players' work week.

"It's a full-time job for them," he said. "They've got to be locked in and they've got to be diligent with their time to keep up with that."

The week includes studying film, attending meetings, lifting weights, and practice.  Plus they have to keep up with their academics.

"Most of these kids are putting a 12-hour day in every day of the week," said Coach Poteete.

(3:25) -- Although they are facing another non-conference team this week, the Cardinals faced a tough test last week against SWJCFC opponent NEO.

"Our defense did a great job holding an opponent to 10 points in the first half and then putting a great adjustments plan together at halftime," Coach Poteete said. He highlighted the work of Defensive Coordinator Will Reed and defensive coaches Blake Bryan and Thomas Niles.

(5:14) -- It is understandable if you haven't heard of the Southern Shreveport Jags. This is just their second year for football, although the rest of their sports are NJCAA.

"They've got some talented kids on the field," said Coach Poteete. There are even a few former Cardinals playing for the Jags now.

Southern Shreveport will be very multiple on offense, according to Coach Poteete.

"They're going to throw every formation at you," he said.

Defensively, the Jags are a 4-2-5 team with a safety rolling down for run support.

(9:12) -- Kicker Jake Gaster is off to a great start to the season with 13 straight extra points and field goals of 51 and 45 yards. I asked Coach Poteete to talk about what it's like to have that sort of weapon.

"What a great start to his collegiate career," he said.

Coach Poteete described how Gaster's ability factored into the Cardinals' strategy in the first half against NEO.

On the first play of the second quarter, TVCC was facing a 3rd-and-22 from the NEO 46. During the break between quarters, Coach Poteete told his offense to just get half of the yardage back.

"Get half of it back and make me make a decision," he said.

It worked. On third down, Jordan Davis hit Cam Camper for 12 yards setting up Gaster's 51-yard field goal to give the Cards a 10-3 lead at that point.

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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

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The Athens Hornets are 3-0 as they head into Wills Point Friday night. The offense has scored more than 40 points each week, and the defense hasn't given up more than a touchdown.

I. Players of the Week (2:03)

Coach Zac Harrell starts out this week's podcast by talking about the top players from last week's 43-14 win over Fairfield. They are:

* MVP: Ty Arroyo

* Offensive MVP: Jaden Crane

* Defensive MVP: Cody McMichael

* Special Teams MVP: Jaxson Stiles

II. Wills Point (6:09)

The Wills Point Tigers are 0-3 and coming off a 49-0 loss to Mabank last week.

Since the Hornets only other away game this year was against Brownsboro, this will be Athens' first real road trip of 2021.

"This will be our first true road test, which is great because our first district game at Chapel Hill is about the same distance," said Coach Harrell. "So it will be a good test for us to get used to what our road game procedures look like on Friday."

Wills Point will also provide another first for the Hornets this year, their first Wing T offense.

"We play two teams in district that run that type of offense in Palestine and Mabank," Coach Harrel said, "It will be a great tuneup for our defense to line up against that."

Coach Harrell explained that lining up against a Wing T or Slot T style of offense is very different than lining up against a spread offense.

"There are hardly any similarities in what you have to do to be technically sound playing against those two types of offenses," he said.

III. Inside Zone (8:44)

Our discussion about Wills Point's 4-2 defense turned into a breakdown of an important run concept for the Hornets: Inside Zone.

"Inside zone is the play we hang our hat on for the offensive line," he said. "From the offensive line standpoint, we want to make sure every time we run inside zone on Friday, we're taking the exact right zone step, we've got our hands in the exact right placement, we're doing all the small thing that makes us successful for our position."

Coach Harrell spent extra time taking fans inside the strategy and explaining exactly what inside zone means. That discussion runs from 10:24 through 13:35.

IV. Keys to the Game (13:37)

* Word of the Week: Fundamentals -- "Our goal this week is to get better at doing what we do."

* Key No. 1: Be Fundamentally Sound At Your Position

* Key No. 2: Execute Our Run Game

* Key No. 3: Complete Our Basic Passing Game

* Key No. 4: Line Up Right to the Wing T

* Ken No. 5: Have Fun

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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

Northeast Oklahoma A&M (NEO) tried to run the ball down the Cardinals' throat Saturday at Bruce Field.

Yeah, that didn't work.

TVCC's defense shut out the Golden Norsemen in the second half while allowing just 65 total yards to lead the Cardinals to a 27-10 win. The win moves the Cardinals to 2-0 on the year and, more importantly, 1-0 in SWJCFC conference play.

"How about that defense, 10 points on an offense that we didn't know what they were going to do," said Coach Sherard Poteete.

On the other side of the ball, NEO dared the Cardinals to try and run by leaving six or fewer in the box and going with extra defensive backs on the field. TVCC took the dare with Cam Collier going for 85 yards and two touchdowns and Cordrick Dunn adding 36 yards and a touchdown. Quarterbacks Jordan Davis and Bronson McClelland added a combined 53 yards on the ground.

"Our O-linemen just kind of took over in the run game and that was the difference," Coach Poteete said. "We made some passes when we had to move the sticks, but hats off to our O-linemen for really owning the line of scrimmage today."

The Cardinals used tight ends Greyson Morgan and Nathan Jones a lot in the second half when TVCC broke the game open with a  pair of touchdowns.

"We were able to put two tight ends in the game, whether they were in the backfield or hands on the ground on the line of scrimmage, and move the football," Coach Poteete said.

The Cardinals will travel next Saturday to take on the Southern Shreveport Jags. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

SCORING

* NEO (1Q 4:36): Cooper Houchin 36-yard field goal -- 3-0

* TVCC (1Q 2:28): Cameron Collier 17- yard run, Jake Gaster kick good -- 7-3

* TVCC (2Q 14:35): Jake Gaster 51-yard field goal -- 10-3

* NEO (2Q 8:05): Tre'Juan Shaw 7-yard run, Cooper Houchin kick good -- 10-10

* TVCC (2Q 2:28): Jake Gaster 45-yard field goal -- 13-10

* TVCC (3Q 12:34): Cordrick Dun 9-yard run, Jake Gaster kick good -- 20-10

* TVCC (4Q 7:49): Cameron Collier 10-yard run, Jake Gaster kick good -- 27-10

DID YOU NOTICE

-- How about TVCC kicker Jake Gaster! He has hit 13 straight extra points and field goals of 51 and 45 yards to start the season. What a weapon.

-- Give a big hat tip to Cardinal OL Miquel Massey. The Cards suffered a strip sack late in the first half and Massey chased down the bouncing ball, outfighting multiple Golden Norsemen for the recovery. That drive ended up in a Jake Gaster field goal.

-- TVCC's Rashad Onezime came up with a second-quarter interception. That's the second straight week with a turnover for the DB. Last week, he returned a fumble for a touchdown.

-- Flags were flying throughout the game, but it got a little crazy during an NEO series in the third quarter. On three consecutive plays there were a total of nine flags thrown for six penalties, five of which offset. And, statistically, they all came on third down. Sometimes football is a strange game.

-- Gut check: Midway through the fourth quarter, leading by 10, the Cardinals faced a 4th and 1 from the NEO 19 yard line. Instead of bringing in kicker Jake Gaster, who has been automatic this year, Coach Poteete decided to go for it. Jordan Davis gained two yards for the first down. Two plays later, Cameron Collier scored on a 10-yard run to put the game away.

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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

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After rolling to an easy 70-7 win over ASA Miami last week, things promise to get tougher for TVCC this week. The Cardinals will be starting SWJCFC play by welcoming Northeast Oklahoma A&M into Bruce Field. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.

"It was a good opener for us, now it's turn the page and on to the next one," said Coach Sherard Poteete.

This will be NEO's first game of the year, meaning there is some uncertainty about the Golden Norsemen.

"The advantage for them is we don't know what they are going to do," said Coach Poteete.

One thing for sure, however, is that the Cardinals need to prepare for a quality defense. The Golden Norsemen are returning the conference Defensive Player of the Year, defensive lineman Damien Lowry, and NEO Head Coach Zach Crissup is their former Defensive Coordinator.

"They do a good job every year," said Coach Poteete. "They're going to have some really good ballplayers upfront."

The play of the Cardinals' young offensive line is going to be a key factor Saturday.

"They got some game experience this past week so they're up for the challenge," Coach Poteete said.

The Cardinal offense definitely showed it had some firepower last week, with six different receivers catching multiple passes.

"We have some guys we feel good about," Coach Poteete said. He specifically mentioned Korey King, Jaquan Tillis, Cam Camper, and Kordell David.

Listen to the podcast to hear Coach Poteete talk about more players and to get ready for the SWJCFC opener.

"All of our dreams, goals, all those preseason things are sitting right there in front of us right now," he said. "It's going to come down to Saturday."

"When you get into the Southwest Junior College Football Conference anybody can beat anybody each week, so you better be ready to play."

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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

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It's Homecoming Week for Athens ISD and the Hornets (2-0) are preparing to take on Fairfield (0-2) Friday night at Bruce Field. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

I. Players of the Week (1:25)

The Hornets beat Life Waxahachie last week, 40-7.

"It was a good win. The defense really played well," said Coach Zac Harrell. "The player of the week that stood out and made the biggest impact on the game was sophomore linebacker Jaxson Stiles."

Stiles recovered two fumbles and caused a third fumble while flying all over the field.

Other players of the week included: Offensive MVP Grant Yudizky, Defensive MVP Manuel Blancas, and Special Teams MVP Timber Crouch.

Listen to the interview for the Coach's thoughts on each of these players.

II. About the Fairfield Eagles (5:43)

Fairfield is still looking for its first win of the season after falling to Brownsboro last week, 31-28, but Coach Harrell's message to the Hornets this week is to not take the Eagles lightly.

"You always know with Fairfield that No. 1 they're well-coached and No. 2 they play extremely hard," he said.

Offensively, Fairfield is looking to run the ball. The Eagles will line up in a more traditional look rather than the spread offense alignments the Hornets have seen so far this season. They will also break the huddle and rush to the line of scrimmage looking to catch the defense off guard with a different formation.

"We've got to recognize what they're doing," said Coach Harrell. "We have to line up fast and be ready to go."

Defensively, the Eagles will use multiple fronts, sometimes with three defensive linemen and sometimes with four.

The Athens offense should be able to cause trouble for Fairfield, however, because of its ability to spread the field and distribute the ball to multiple players through both the running and passing attacks.

"We must do a good job of just doing what we do," Coach Harrell said.

III. Keys to the Game (16:00)

Every week, Coach Harrell has a Word of the Week and five Keys to Victory for his players.

* Word of the Week: Focus -- "Our focus this week has to be on becoming a better team."

* Key No. 1: Offense Must Execute -- "Do what you are coached to do on the simple things."

* Key No. 2: Wear Them Down -- "100 percent every snap."

* Key No. 3: Practice Mindset -- "Have the right practice mindset each day this week."

* Key No. 4: Clean Up Special Teams Miscues -- "Every little thing matters."

* Key No. 5: Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing -- "The main thing for us is becoming a better football team and that has to be the priority."

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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

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The TVCC Cardinals are scheduled to open their 2021 fall season at Bruce Field 1 p.m. Saturday against the ASA Miami Silver Storm.

(1:25) If you haven't heard of the Silver Storm, don't feel alone. ASA Miami claims to be the only NJCAA football team in Florida and usually plays East Coast teams.

TVCC Coach Sherard Poteete said the search to find quality non-conference opponents led to bringing the Silver Storm to Athens.

"They're used to traveling," he said. "They're looking forward to coming to Texas and playing someone from our conference."

While TVCC doesn't know a lot about ASA Miami, they do know they are big and aggressive.

"They are some athletic dudes," Coach Poteete said.

Defensively, the Silver Storm is looking to attack. The defensive line wants to penetrate and disrupt the opposition.

Offensively, Coach Poteete said, ASA Miami will run a spread offense and try to have a run-pass balance. They are looking to get their players in space.

"They have talent," he said.

(6:46) TVCC has experienced a lot of turnover since the spring, so this will be a new Cardinal team taking the field Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to seeing these guys compete," said Coach Poteete.

The Cardinals will have new players stepping up in some key positions, particularly at linebacker and offensive line.

To balance that out, TVCC has experience along the defensive line and at the skill positions on offense.

Coach Poteete said he believes the most disciplined team will win on Saturday.

"It's game one, there's going to be some mistakes made," he said, "but can we be a disciplined football team?"

** Coach Poteete talks about several players in the podcast who will be playing important roles. Listen starting at the 6:46 mark. **

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Hannigan Media is sponsored by Athens Screen Printing, Tinsley Law & Title, and Gibson Pharmacy, R&R Lawn Specialist, and Hope Springs Water.

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The Athens Hornets opened the 2021 football season last week by going on the road to beat Brownsboro, 41-7. The Hornets will play their home opener this Friday, Sept. 3, against Life Waxahachie. The Mustangs were beaten by Connally, 57-6, last week.

In this episode, Coach Zac Harrell discusses the Life Waxahachie Mustangs and the Hornets' preparation for the home opener.

I. Looking back at Brownsboro (:45)

"It was a good first game," said Coach Harrell. "The kids did really well being prepared and then responding to the challenge of playing really hard and really physical. I thought they did a great job of answering what we ask them to do all week so we're very pleased with Week 1."

Coach Harrell also praised the team for executing well for the first game. Specifically, he talked about timing in the passing game and strength on the offensive line.

"We're really proud of the offense, the way we played," he said.

II. Life Waxahachie (4:07)

Despite the outcome of their first game, the Mustangs have talent, according to Coach Harrell. He said because Life Waxahachie is a charter school, the roster turns over faster than a regular high school.

"I think why they struggle a little bit is because it's a totally new roster for those guys," Coach Harrell said, "but they're a dangerous football team."

Offensively, the Mustangs want to run the ball out of a spread formation, he said, and have an elite running back in Jeremy Brantley.

They also have talent on the offensive and defensive lines.

Defensively, the Mustangs play a four-man front with one or two linebackers.

III. In the box! (9:26)

Coach Harrell takes some time to talk about offensive strategy in relation to how many defenders are in the box. "The Box" in football is the defensive area in front of the offensive line close enough to impact the running game.

This is a great discussion for those wanting to know more about how plays are called.

IV. Keys to the game (12:28)

-- Word of the Week: 1 Percent. This week, coaches challenged the Hornets to be 1 percent better every day.

"We've got to continue to find ways to get better this week if we want to accomplish what we plan to accomplish in this district," Coach Harrell said.

-- Be better at the small things: Find one small way to be better this week.

-- Wear them down: Many of the Mustangs play on both offense and defense, so the Hornets want to work so they are tired in the second half.

-- Be 100 percent on extra points: It takes all 11, if you are on that team you need to take pride in doing your job.

-- Swarm to the ball on defense: Against a talented running back, the Hornets need to get all 11 defenders running to the ball.

** The coach took the time here to highlight three players who earned effort awards for how hard they played on defense last week. They were Hunter White, Logan Schwering, and Marco Rocha.

-- Play together, play with class.

V. Friday night details (17:49)

Kickoff Friday night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the field house through 4 p.m. Thursday or online here until noon on Friday. Advance tickets are $5 adults/$3 students.

Tickets may also be purchased at the gate Friday night for $6. Senior citizen passes will be accepted.