ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – The Alexander Spartans (2-2) were looking to improve on a strong start as they travelled to face the Athens Bulldogs (1-3) Friday night.
Field position was a dominating factor early on in this game. The Spartans stared each of their first three offensive drives inside their own 15-yard line and were unable to get their offense going.
Athens on the other hand, capitalized on their field position. QB Landon Wheatley found wide receiver Alex Pero for 24 yards to take the early 7-0 lead, and the bulldogs would never look back. Pero would be one of three Athens receivers to catch a touchdown pass in this game. Running back Luke Brandes was a crucial factor in the red zone for Athens. He rushed for 79 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs defense was dominant in this game. They only allowed 149 yards of total offense and caused all types of problems in the trenches, forcing 4 sacks.
Athens players celebrate their victory over Alexander by singing the school fight song. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens defenders Braxton Springer (16) and David Farmer (22) celebrate Farmer's sack. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
An Alexander receiver catches a pass downfield. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens player Seth Lagraff (77) celebrates with teammates after a speech from head coach Nathan White. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Alexander receiver Michael Kelly runs past Athens defenders. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens receiver Braxton Springer catches a ball in the endzone for a touchdown. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Players touch the wood cutout of a Bulldog before leaving the locker room. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens defender Devonn Barnes puts onn his uniform before the start of the game. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
Athens quarterback Landon Wheatley rushes past Alexander defenders. Athens High School defeated Alexander High School 41-14 at Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio on Sept. 10, 2021. [Billy Schuerman | WOUB]
At the final whistle, Athens would come out victorious in the contest, winning 41-14. This week, Athens travels to Vinton County to face the Vikings. Alexander hosts Wellston to begin their two-game home stint.
