THE PLAINS, Ohio (WOUB) — Homecoming night proved to be successful for the Athens Bulldogs as they defeated the Meigs Marauders 49-35.
The rivalry between these two schools runs deep, but Athens continues to remain on top, as Friday marked their 13th straight win over the Marauders.
After facing a tough non-conference schedule, The Bulldogs seem to be settling in with the TVC-Ohio and picking up wins where it matters the most.
The bulldog statue outside of Joe Burrow Field at Athens High School. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens player Marcus Stevers (33) prepares for the game against Meigs inn the locker room. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens quarterback Landon Wheatley (2) warms up prior to the game against Meigs. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens quarterback Landon Wheatley (2) throws to a receiver. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens receiver Marcus Stevers (33) is tackled out-of-bounds by Meigs defenders. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens receiver Marcus Stevers (33) runs downfield with the ball. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Meigs quarterback Coulter Cleland (2) looks for a receiver downfield. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens receiver Marcus Stevers (33) runs downfield with the ball. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Meigs running back Morgan Roberts (19) stiff arms Athens safety Landon Wheatley (2). Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens running back Luke Brandes (27) tries to escape Meigs defenders. Athens High School defeated Meigs High School 49-35 at Joe Burrow field in The Plains, Ohio on October 1st, 2021. [Photo by Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Meigs started things strong opening things up with a Coulter Cleland touchdown but it wasn’t long before the Bulldogs bit back.
Landon Wheatley was on fire for the Bulldogs opening up the Athens scoring with a 30 yard touchdown pass to Levi Neal. The Bulldogs then turned right around and scored on an 82 yard pick six in the hands of Derek Welsh.
It wasn’t until three minutes left in the third quarter that the Marauder squad tied it up at 28 on a fumbled kick off turned Meigs touchdown. Athens wasted no time as Wheatley sends one 20 yards in the hands of Welsh to put them on top for the rest of the game.
Athens opened up the fourth quarter with a short run from Luke Brandes, and the Marauder squad just couldn’t seem to find their footing.
In a last-chance effort, Coulter Cleland tosses the ball 20 yards into the hands of Wes Metzger, but it was too little too late and the Bulldogs lined up in victory formation and sealed the deal to kick off their homecoming weekend.
Next Friday, Athens travels up the road again to face yet another conference rival, Wellston.
