Athens-Henderson County Now

7 thoughts from the Greenville – Athens scrimmage

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By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The Athens Hornets wrapped up their scrimmage schedule Friday night by hosting Greenville at Bruce Field. The two teams got in plenty of work and have lots of film to study before opening the season next week.

It is very hard for an outsider to assess a scrimmage because you never know why coaches are calling certain plays. From the stands it may look like a particular play doesn’t make sense, but coaches may be calling that play to look at a specific aspect of the offense or defense and not be worried about the yardage or down. So with that caveat, here are seven general thoughts I had while watching from the Hornet sideline.

– The Hornets are not afraid to hit, particularly on defense. In our podcast, Coach Paul Essary said that Athens was going to be physical and that came through Friday night.

– The defense has some speed and rallies to the ball well, characteristics that lend themselves to a great nickname if the D can live up to its potential: “The Swarm.”

– The new-look offense is going to be a lot of fun to watch this year.

– I saw several timing patterns built into the Hornet passing game. I predict the completion percentage on those play will go up as the season goes along.

– Xavius Fulton has a rifle for an arm and can put a lot of zip on his passes.

– It’s the preseason for everyone. The referees littered the field with flags Friday night as they worked to get themselves ready. I am sure many of those flags were more “teaching moments” than obvious infractions. I also saw one of the extra referees get wiped out on the Greenville sideline when he didn’t get out of the way of a running play quick enough.

– It’s time for the regular football! The Athens Hornets will open up the 2017 season at home 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, against Mexia. It will mark the first time the Hornets come out of their new field house for a regular season game, so it promises to be a very special night.

Athens ISD receives most distinctions ever from state

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

All five Athens ISD campuses and the district as a whole have once again “met standard,” according to the Texas Education Agency. In addition, Athens High School and South Athens Elementary each received an impressive five academic distinctions.

“Under the modern system of school evaluations — which is more rigorous than any system that came before it — this is the most distinctions our district has ever received as a whole,” said AISD Superintendent Blake Stiles. “While we know test scores don’t tell the whole story behind a campus or a child, we’re always pleased when there’s an opportunity like this to celebrate.”

At the high school, distinctions were designated in academic achievement in mathematics, academic achievement in science, academic achievement in social studies, top 25 percent student progress, and postsecondary (after-high school) readiness. At South Athens, distinctions were designated in academic achievement in ELA/reading, academic achievement in mathematics, top 25 percent student progress, top 25 percent closing performance gaps, and postsecondary readiness.

“We have an amazing staff that is committed to student success. There is a common vision and belief in what we’re doing and where we’re going,” said South Athens Elementary Principal Claudia Stiles. “Our students have an outstanding work ethic and the best attitudes. … And we are especially thankful to our parents and the community, because we know it takes a village to raise a child.”

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PODCAST: Update on Athens ISD construction

Interview with Athens Independent School District Communications Coordinator Toni Garrard Clay. (8-23)

MAIN POINTS:

– Athens ISD construction is on schedule and on budget.
– Construction is mostly complete at all campuses except for the high school.

QUOTABLE: “We are on schedule and on budget. That is very important to us.”

FURTHER READING: Here is Clay’s story on the school district construction. https://goo.gl/2odntq

PODCAST: Coach Essary looks forward to Greenville and Meet the Hornets

Interview with Athens High School Athletic Director and Coach Paul Essary. (8-22)

MAIN POINTS:

Review Friday, Aug. 18, scrimmage against Royse City.
Look forward to this Friday’s home scrimmage against Greenville.
Meet the Hornets scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at Bruce Field.

QUOTABLE: “We were young last year and we’re young again. People ask how are you young two years in a row? Because we were playing with a lot of sophomores and freshmen last year. This year, they’re juniors and sophomores, and we do have a freshman that is starting for us again this year.”