Sports

Athens, Logan Renew Rivalry

Posted on: Thursday, August 27, 2015

Seven seasons is a long time for two rival teams to be apart.

This Friday in The Plains, Athens and Logan will restore a matchup that spans over 100 years of competition.

The rivalry began in 1914, and the teams have met 88 times since.

Athens and Logan traded blows back and forth, but the Chieftains have won the last 12 games. Even with that streak in mind, Logan head coach Billy Burke is not taking this game lightly.

“I have high expectations from these guys,” Coach Burke said of his experienced senior class. “This means business.”

Logan’s Lane Little is one of the seniors to whom Burke looks. The senior quarterback piled up over 1,400 yards last season. During the matchup against Athens, expect Little to look out for another Chieftain veteran in Isiah Smith.

In addition to an aerial attack, senior Bryce McBride provides ground support. Last year, McBride led the team rushing with 782 yards, making for a potent multi-dimensional offense that Athens will have to address.

While Logan is stacked with experience, Athens will rely on younger players to make the plays on Friday. All eyes will be on junior quarterback Brendan Sano and how he sets the pace with a new team.

Though the Bulldogs are young, a handful of seniors will be back to guide the way, including wide receiver Heath Wiseman. Head coach Ryan Adams fully expects Wiseman and company to lead the way.

Home field advantage would normally help a young team like Athens, but it may not necessarily be the case on Friday with Logan’s proximity to The Plains.

“It’s helpful that we can jog down there,” Coach Burke laughed.

Kickoff is set for Friday at 7 pm in The Plains.