Athens defuses Electrics with 28-14 victory over Philo

DUNCAN FALLS — When speaking in the preseason, Athens’ head coach Nathan White understood the circumstances the Bulldogs found themselves in. A team full of returners who went on that massive win streak to end the regular season last year, White knew that he had the talent in the locker room, it was all about blocking out the noise and focusing one week at a time.

Well, through one week, Athens (1-0) has shown that it’s ready to make a big statement in the 2024 season.

For the first time in school history, Athens defeated Philo (0-1), going on the road to defuse the electrics 28-14 on Friday night. The Bulldogs were down 14-7 in the first half before rattling off 21 straight points to complete the comeback.

As a team, Athens was an offensive juggernaut with over 410 yards from scrimmage. Athens ran for 253 yards at nearly six-per-attempt. The Bulldogs also threw for over 150 yards.

All but one score came by way of the run game on the night and the lone exception was arguably the biggest play of the contest. Facing a fourth-and-four in the fourth quarter inside Philo territory, Braeden Young connected with a streaking Leo Martin down the middle of the field for a 39-yard score to take a 21-14 lead.

Looking to keep momentum going after a massive victory in the first week, the Bulldogs stay on the road this week, taking on Gallia Academy out in Gallipolis before returning for the home opener against Marietta on September 6.