Athens raced out to a big lead early and rolled past Columbia 49-14 on Friday night.

The Golden Eagles (6-2, 3-2 in Class 6A, Region 7) scored four first-quarter touchdowns and eventually handed the Eagles (0-9, 0-4) their 80th consecutive loss.

Jay’Shon Ridgle (5 yards) and John McIntyre (8 yards) each had touchdown runs, Brogan Gross delivered a 17-yard scoring toss to Johnson Speegle and Caiden Dumas capped the offensive fireworks in the first 12 minutes with a 44-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Gross, who completed 10 of 10 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns, connected with Ridgle from 20 yards out in the second quarter for a 35-0 halftime advantage.

Robert Borden (57-yard kickoff return) and Terron Williams (5-yard run) each provided touchdowns in the second half.

Williams (12 carries for 74 yards) and Borden (21 carries for 63 yards) powered Athens on the ground while Ridgle hauled in seven catches for 120 yards.

The Golden Eagles will travel to Fort Payne next week.