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

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.

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