On Aug. 19, almost every high school football team across the state will gear up for the first game of the 2022 season. For some, it will be their first on the high school field. For others, it will be one of their last.
However, every player and team has the same goal: dominate the conference and win a state championship. Athens High School is no different.
After a disappointing 3-7 finish last season, the Bulldogs are looking to turn a new page, although it will be difficult due to the similarity of their schedule to last season. The Bulldogs will play all the same opponents, just in different locations.
However, with a fresh, dedicated team, Athens may be able to kickstart its own “revenge tour.”
First stop on the tour is Philo in Duncan Falls, Ohio. When Athens played Philo at home in the season opener last year, it hoped for a sweet victory. Instead, Athens got a smack in the face and a 41-0 loss.
The Bulldogs had some decent offensive production against Philo last year, but weren’t able to put points on the board. With the help of returning offensive stars Luke Brandes and Landon Wheatley this year, they may have better luck.
After Philo, Athens will travel to Gallia Academy on Aug. 26. Athens also didn’t score against Gallia in 2021, losing 34-0.
The Bulldogs will play their first home game of the season on Sept. 2 against Marietta. However, they won’t be home for long. The Bulldogs will travel to Alexander High School on Sept. 9 for their first conference game of the season.
Playing against Alexander may be a confidence booster for the Bulldogs heading into conference play. Last season, they beat the Spartans 41-14. If they produce similar results, the win may help propel the Bulldogs through the rest of TVC-Ohio play.
Athens will play two consecutive home games against Vinton County on Sept. 16 and Logan on Sept. 23. Vinton County may be a challenge, as it has been strong contenders in the TVC-Ohio for the past few years.
Athens will play at Meigs on Sept. 30, before playing two more games at home against Wellston on Oct. 7 and River Valley on Oct. 14.
The Bulldogs final game of the regular season will take place against rival Nelsonville-York on Oct. 21. Last season, they took a tough 41-6 loss against the Buckeyes.
Although the Bulldogs will be focusing on each individual game, it's no doubt they’ll be thinking about this one all season. The rivalry is one that gets the players excited and it's a game they especially look forward to competing in.
Despite a very similar schedule to last year, this season will be about redemption for Athens.
Even though it had its struggles last season, Athens is hoping to only go up.