Terrell Drops Athens to 1-3 in District After 38-0 Shutout

[By JOE ELERSON, Athens Daily Review]

TERRELL – The Athens Hornets faced an inspired football team Friday in the Terrell Tigers at Terrell Memorial Stadium.

It was the Tigers' homecoming night and Terrell came away with a 38-0 victory to improve to 2-5 overall. The win gave them their first district victory of the year. Athens dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-3 in District 8-4A Division I play with two games remaining.

“Terrell played like they were capable of playing tonight with inspired football,” Athens coach Paul Essary said. “They had a good game plan, and they didn't do anything that we didn't expect them to do. They played with tremendous effort. We had some injuries come up, and have to get healed up and get ready for next week.”

Athens returns to action Friday for senior night against the Crandall Pirates at Bruce Field. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Pirates had the open week this week and are 3-4 overall and 1-2 in district play.

"We have to go back to work and get better. We have senior night next week against Crandall at Bruce Field. We want to do the best that we can for them, and hopefully come out with a win next Friday night. We will come back Monday and get better. We have to have great practices Monday to Wednesday. We have to get prepared and get ready to play.”

Athens found themselves in a hole following the opening kickoff as Markel Savala took the first play from scrimmage 75-yards for a touchdown. The Tigers went for two, but failed on the conversion with 11:47 left in the opening quarter.

“Anytime, you make a big play there is a momentum shift,” Essary said. “When one team makes a big play, you have to do something to try and get the momentum back. We turned the ball over and you can't turn the ball over against a good team.”

Following a fumbled kickoff return by Athens, Terrell scored a two-yard touchdown by Jordan Hickman with 5:43 remaining in the opening quarter. Terrell went for two again, but failed on the conversion.

“I think the first play from they went and scored,” Essart said. “We missed some opportunities with some tackles. We then turned the ball over on the next play, and they went up 12-0. We were fighting back from there. I thought Terrell played outstanding tonight. I think they played about as well as they could. I don't think we played well.”

Hickman added his second touchdown with 8:40 remaining in the opening half. He cashed in from three yards out, as Justin Valadez booted the PAT good for the 19-0 lead.

Savala then scored his second TD on a 35-yard run with 6:12 remaining. The Hornets blocked the extra point as Terrell led 25-0.

Micah Skinner then wrapped up the first half scoring on a one-yard run with three seconds remaining. The Tigers went for two, but again failed on the conversion for the 31-0 halftime lead.Hickman wrapped up the scoring with 7:18 remaining in the third quarter on a four-yard run. Valadez booted the PAT good for the 38-0 finale.

Savala had 13 carries for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Hickman had 15 carries for 97 yards and three touchdowns.

Athens was led by freshman Nathan Sims with 18 carries for 88 yards rushing. Andrew McBride had 12 carries for 69 yards and Xavius Fulton had three carries for 33 yards