By Johnny Smith
For the News Courier
With a playoff spot in hand, Athens hosted 6A Hazel Green Friday night in a driving rain.
The offenses suffered in the first half, with Athens holding a slim 6-3 lead at the break. The Golden Eagles took control of the game in the second half, pulling away to win 34-3.
Athens started the scoring, taking the ball 55 yards for a touchdown, after the opening kickoff, with quarterback Stephen Rivers finding Riggs Bailey for a 12-yard score. After a missed PAT, Athens led 6-0. Hazel Green came back with an impressive drive of their own, starting from their own 20, getting to first and goal at the Athens 6. Athens held the Trojans to a field goal, and a 6-3 lead.
Hazel Green missed a golden opportunity to take a lead before halftime, when Athens muffed a punt deep in their own territory. But, Athens intercepted the Trojans at their own one, and ran out the half.
Athens got their offense untracked in the second half, rolling up four touchdowns. Chris Cain scored first in the second half on a 51-yard run, after Athens intercepted Hazel Green at their own 49. Athens intercepted another errant throw on the Trojans next drive, setting up a 32-yard, three-play drive, all behind the strong running of Jamie Romero.
Athens added a Jamaal Bess touchdown, and a Hunter Daws touchdown, to end the scoring. Athens faces Boaz on the road Friday in the first round of the playoffs.
