by Plains, Ohio— the Athens Bulldogs took on the Philo Electrics on Friday August 20th, 2021 in the season opener game.
This was the second season that the Bulldogs played in the Joe Burrow Stadium after renaming it after Athens High School football star, Joe Burrow.
On opening night of the season, Athens recognized eight Hall of Fame inductees at halftime.
Both teams showed excitement and enthusiasm to start out the season on a sunny, 84 degree night.
To start out the first quarter both teams moved the ball on their first drives but did not score.
Athens moved the ball at the end of the first quarter. Braxton Springer hauled in a 28-yrd pass— but the first quarter ended scoreless.
The start of the second quarter, Athens moved the ball into the red zone and were stopped short on the fourth-and- two at the one-yard line.
Philo proceeded to put together a 99-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 59-yard run by Case Fink—and the extra point was good.
On the next drive Athens quarterback, Luke Brandes, was intercepted by Philo’s, Sade Searls. Philo went 31-yards with a three-yard touchdown run by Fink—and the extra point was blocked.
The halftime score was 13-0, Philo leading.
To start out the third quarter, Philo had a 33-yard kickoff return by Brady Fox.
On fourth-and-15th from the 28-yard line, Fink threw a 28-yard touchdown strike to Searls—Searls scored in the two-point conversion.
Philo leading the 3rd quarter, 21-0.
On the kickoff Athens fumbled the ball and on the first play Philo’s, Zach Savage, scored on a 32-yard touchdown drive making the score 28-0.
Athens momentum did not stop and they moved the ball down the field but were stopped at the 10-yard line.
In the 3rd quarter with three minutes to go, Athens, Marcus Stevers intercepted a Philo pass and took it down to the eight-yard line.
Athens, Derrick Welsh, intercepted the ball and it took down to the eight-yard line which resulted in Athens being stopped short at the two-yard line with 14 seconds left in the 3rd quarter.
Savage broke off a 84-yard touchdown to start out the 4th quarter. With a good extra point. Making the score 35-0.
Philo’s, Blake Linkous had 72-yard touchdown.
Philo’s big plays in the second half hurt the Bulldogs, but both teams tried their hardest.
The final score was 41-0, Philo. Athens had a tough game, but they are ready for next Friday night when they take on Gallia at the Joe Burrow Stadium.
