Week 2 1-0 Athens @ 0-1 Federal Hocking

[dazed&confused]

Keep winning Athens....maybe we'll see you in the playoffs week 11 at the Chief

[NYBuckeye96]

Was there a big crowd at this game? If this game draws people, I can see it being played every year. If it does not, Athens will probably drop FH for a larger school as a non-league game after it turns its program around. Otherwise, this will be a money game, like Jackson vs. Wellston.

If Athens defeats Gallia Academy in Week 1, you know the Athens vs. Federal Hocking game is going to turn real ugly in Week 2. I wasn't surprised by the score at all. Athens is showing signs of turning the corner.

Athens also knocked off State Champions Alexander in Volleyball a few days ago.

Last year, football, volleyball, softball, boys basketball, and girls basketball were the only TVC sports Athens did not win a league championship in. The first two of those five are fall sports, and Athens is already showing signs of challenging for those titles this year.

I can't wait for Athens vs. NY. That game should always be played in Week 10. I've said this before, but Athens vs. NY is going to become the biggest rivalry game for each school when the league title is on the line in many of the seasons. That game is going to morph into something much more intense when both schools have a great program and are battling it out with a league title on the line. Just wait and see.

[Spartan]

The Lancers were game. Had a good game plan to spread the field and throw it around, in the end, the Bulldogs were too good and too deep.
The crowd was good. Lots of tailgating beforehand. Terrific atmosphere and the Lancer fans were terrific hosts.

[AxGrinder]

Just want to say what a great game this was. The atmosphere was great. The Bulldogs played very well. Great Win! 2-0 baby! Keep it going Athens.

[Steely Dan]

Athens brought a really nice crowd. While I didn't like the outcome of the game, I must agree with other prepsters, it was a great atmosphere last night. Beautiful night and the field was in the best shape that I've ever seen it.

I hope they continue the series. Fed Hock may be down this year, but let's not forget who won last years game in Athens. Way too soon to write off this series.

[Orestes]

I just think the concern for Athens isn't whether FH is good or not. Even if FH wins 7 or 8 games, most if not all of those will come against Div 5 or 6 teams. Plus, FH is a D5 team that could slip to D6 if I understand the state of things correctly. Athens has some good classes coming up that will desire the playoffs. It will be tough to reach that goal while playing in the TVC Ohio and playing other small schools in the non-conference.

From a fan interest and financial standpoint, however, the inter-county match-ups are great.

[mr.dude2010]

I glad Athens can finally beat Fed hock at something....assuming they win.

you mean something aside from volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and track right?

[93Bulldog]

good point Orestes ... you probably hit the nail on the head ... The quotes I got from Adams the past two seasons while doing their games is that PLAYOFFS is the furthest thing from their minds as of right now ... He wants to bulid a solid program from the ground up, possibly or hopefully compete for a TVC-Ohio title each year ... and maybe, after some years of stability and hopefull success, the 'DOGS may start thinking about playoffs on a regular basis year in and year out.

The first thing I asked this year - at the county football fest - was how about Athens moving to D-2? I believe the answer resembled a notion that by the time playoffs enter the equasion for Bulldog football, we will be D-III again ... (since they missed the cut by just a few boys this last time)

[Gib25]

Great crowd! Great tailgate! and the first 22 minutes had everyone on their feet! John Murphy (Fed-Hock AD) has done a fantastic job on his fields. I had a great conversation with him before the game about the care of fields. He knows his business. I, for one, hope this series can continue. Any time County teams play there will be this type of atmosphere. What the area will find out is that Athens kids do compete and all the speculation that they didn't in the past was wrong. Playing Zanesville, Chiilicothe, Logan, etc. week end and week out took a toll on us the past few years. We love the league and we have been treated very well by everyone when we come to play.

[King of Kings]

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[C A D]

Bulldog game photos @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithjeweler/sets/72157622253085798/