Athens Academy honors Drew Swan, defeats Walker 42-7 in season opener
Athens Academy began the season Friday night against Walker for the second straight season. It is also the sixth time the two teams have met.
Like the previous five times, it was the Spartans who came away with the victory, winning 42-7.
For photos of the game, click here
It was an emotional night for the Spartans. Prior to the game, they recognized 2017 grad Drew Swan with a moment of silence and a video tribute. Swan passed away June 5 due to injuries he suffered while skateboarding.
The Spartans received the ball first and took their opening drive 67 yards, capped by a 32-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Jack Thomas to freshman receiver Deion Colzie. Drew Byus kicked a successful PAT, giving the Spartans a 7-0 lead with 8:41 left in the opening quarter.
After the defense held the Wolverines to a three-and-out on their opening drive, the Spartans got the ball near midfield. After just six plays, the Spartans were back in the end zone when junior Payton Bowles ran 10 yards for a touchdown with 5:45 left in the opening quarter. The PAT by Byus gave the Spartans a 14-0 lead.
The lead remained 14-0 until 5:12 was left in the second quarter. The Spartans were facing a fourth-and-two from the Wolverine 20.
A handoff to Henry Trapnell resulted in a 20-yard touchdown run and after the PAT by Byus, the Spartans led 21-0.
The Wolverines drove inside the red zone late in the second quarter but an incomplete pass in the end zone on fourth-and-seven from the 15 ended the drive with one second left in the half.
The Wolverines got the ball to start the third quarter and drove inside Spartan territory. On a third-and-eleven from the 33, the Wolverines completed a pass and got inside the 15 before a hit by Lenneth Whitehead knocked the ball loose. Owen Roberts recovered the fumble near the 10-yard line and returned it for a touchdown and a 28-0 lead with 8:35 left in the third. Byus kicked a successful PAT.
Just a little over two minutes later, the Spartans were in the end zone again. Trapnell ran 24 yards for his second touchdown of the evening and a 35-0 lead following the PAT by Byus.
Bowles scored with 6:16 left in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard run for a 42-0 lead and the final score by Athens Academy.
Walker’s only points came with 37 seconds left on a 15-yard touchdown pass.
The Spartans have next Friday night off and return to the field on September 1 when Lakeview comes to Slaughter Field. It is the Region 8-A opener for both teams. The Spartans have defeated Lakeview in each of the last two seasons and hold a 6-1 record against the Lions.
