Sports
Game Preview: Vinton County Gunning For Upset Of Athens
By: Jon Chamier
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Vinton County (0-4, 0-1) has struggled to find any kind of consistency to begin the season, but hopes that Friday will be as good of a night as any to pick up their first win of the season. The Vikings are looking to shake off a loss to TVC-Ohio rival Meigs in Week 4, and have turned their focused to the mighty Athens Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0).
“We know what our strengths are, and we know what their strengths are,” Vinton County coach Justy Burleson said. “We have to get the matchups that put us in the best position to win.”
Vikings senior running back Andy Long figures to be a big part of the equation if they want a chance to upset the Bulldogs. Long had 77 yards on the ground in the loss to Meigs, including an explosive 50-yard touchdown.
Pulling off the win on the road will be no small task for the Vikings, as the Bulldogs enter Week 5 with 14-consecutive home wins in The Plains. In addition, Athens quarterback Joe Burrow comes into the game with nearly 1,200 yards passing and 19 touchdowns, and running back Trae Williams has 13 rushing touchdowns in just four games into the season. Burleson knows that an upset will have to be a complete team effort.
“You have to prepare for all of them,” Burleson said. “Do I think it’s out of the realm of possibility? It’s Southeastern Ohio football. Things happen.”
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. in The Plains.
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