Athens @ Steubenville Big Red

[ThickthinBigRed]

Does Athens travel very well? Do they have a nice halftime band?

[ThickthinBigRed]

Some of the Athens fans on the SE Ohio Preps have made some bold predictions:

Athens 60-42
Athens 62-34
Athens by 21+
Athens has given up less points on the season than Big Red since neither team has beaten very good opposition.

Can you list the website on here please.

[SuRfSiDeR]

I believe it's called www.southeasternohiopreps.com

Mostly all the counties south of Belmont, but nice site nonetheless.

[ThickthinBigRed]

I believe it's called www.southeasternohiopreps.com

Mostly all the counties south of Belmont, but nice site nonetheless.

I found it but can't seem to find out how to register. I would like to talk with some of those guys on that site.

[JP1992]

I just read every comment on the Big Red-Athens thread on that site. Most of them seem to think that they win this game. Some say it won't be close. I still wonder about their schedule, though. And I wonder how they'd have done against Massillon and Ursuline this year. Both are better than anyone Athens has played this year. One of their fans is already predicting a state title for them, which is a bold statement to make halfway through the regular season. I guess we'll find out on Friday. Oh, and some of them are already talking of how Athens will be screwed by the refs up here, and that's why Big Red has all those home games every year.

[ThickthinBigRed]

I just read every comment on the Big Red-Athens thread on that site. Most of them seem to think that they win this game. Some say it won't be close. I still wonder about their schedule, though. And I wonder how they'd have done against Massillon and Ursuline this year. Both are better than anyone Athens has played this year. One of their fans is already predicting a state title for them, which is a bold statement to make halfway through the regular season. I guess we'll find out on Friday. Oh, and some of them are already talking of how Athens will be screwed by the refs up here, and that's why Big Red has all those home games every year.

Let me put it this way. Big Red wins. Athens will be a tough win. We can't make mistakes. Big Red is better we all know this. i love how the votes are going . I will bet my paycheck Big Red wins. I can't believe people think they will blow us out in Death Valley. All I got to say is Lets go Red !!! roll on Red Roll on!!

[93Bulldog]

1. Athens travels well. Probably see at least 4 huge Greyhounds and or RV's pull up to Harding Stadium Friday afternoon.
2. Probably won't bring the band.
3. I've been a moderator on southeasternohiopreps for years - probably not the best source of info - in fact, only a few users on there are actually Athens fans/alums.

4. If you want to talk to some Bulldog fans ThickinBigRed - I host a radio sports talk call-in show on 970WATH here in Athens. We will be doing the Athens-Steubenville game on Thursday evening from 6:06 - 7:00. I would LOVE for a few Big Red fans to call in. The show is available via the internet too on 970wath.com.

[93Bulldog]

Actually, I am having the sports editor from the Athens Messenger, our local paper, in studio Wednesday. We will be talking about the game then as well.
Thursday, the play-by-play man for the Bulldogs will be my guest.

Both nights we will be discussing Friday's game in Steubenville extensively.

Wednesday and Thursday night from 6:06 - 7:00PM
The link: http://970wath.com/
The number: 740-592-6646 or we have a 1-888 number for listeners outside the area. 1-888-592-6646

[papabigred]

Let me put it this way. Big Red wins. Athens will be a tough win. We can't make mistakes. Big Red is better we all know this. i love how the votes are going . I will bet my paycheck Big Red wins. I can't believe people think they will blow us out in Death Valley. All I got to say is Lets go Red !!! roll on Red Roll on!!

Athens is going to be a formidable opponent we all know that. The only thing that worries me is we're depleted via injuries in the secondary with MLB lost for the season and Petrides' outlook unknown-I've heard collarbone but can't say with certainty. Look for Chas Reeves, up and coming WR and great Soph athlete to be at a corner-hope he's a quick learner. Him, Meat, Lucas, & Pook back there-I'm saying we're okay. We're blessed with some depth this year. The O is going to have to put some points up, I'm confident they will. We're blessed with a coaching staff that's second to none, execute and we win this w/o a problem. The key again this week, is the Defense-doubters had them getting blown out by Massillon, a game they held them under 300 total yards while our O outgained them by over a 100. We let that one slip away with early, critical mistakes - lightning isn't going to strike twice. BigRed 36-22.

[93Bulldog]

Athens is going to be a formidable opponent we all know that. The only thing that worries me is we're depleted via injuries in the secondary with MLB lost for the season and Petrides' outlook unknown-I've heard collarbone but can't say with certainty. Look for Chas Reeves, up and coming WR and great Soph athlete to be at a corner-hope he's a quick learner. Him, Meat, Lucas, & Pook back there-I'm saying we're okay. We're blessed with some depth this year. The O is going to have to put some points up, I'm confident they will. We're blessed with a coaching staff that's second to none, execute and we win this w/o a problem. The key again this week, is the Defense-doubters had them getting blown out by Massillon, a game they held them under 300 total yards while our O outgained them by over a 100. We let that one slip away with early, critical mistakes - lightning isn't going to strike twice. BigRed 36-22.

You will need 4 corners + a safety. Athens goes 4-wide, shotgun, no huddle offense every play. The 5 DB's put teams in a conundrum because some feel the tailback is the best in the history of the school. But some like to argue his 856 yards are a bi-product of facing 6 men in the box. But teams have no choice, you have to cover the WR's and you have to have a safety back. The only two teams who have slowed down the Athens offense the last three years were Marion Franklin and Thurgood Marshall - both possessed a ton of speed, size and strength. I don't care how skilled or how sophisticated your offense is, sooner or later you get overmatched. Just like Oregon does when it faces an Alabama. But both of those games versus Franklin & Thurgood were in week 13 when it was bitter cold and the wind was howling - Athens is a different team in September - as are a lot of 'passing teams'.

[number1herdfan]

But Big Red has Anthony Pierro. He's the only one Athens needs to worry about. Enough said.

[bigredmachine]

The key to the game will be "pressure on the qb". If we can get him to hurry and have "happy feet" we will win the game. They have NOT played anybody this physical...you can take that to the bank!

[papabigred]

You will need 4 corners + a safety. Athens goes 4-wide, shotgun, no huddle offense every play. The 5 DB's put teams in a conundrum because some feel the tailback is the best in the history of the school. But some like to argue his 856 yards are a bi-product of facing 6 men in the box. But teams have no choice, you have to cover the WR's and you have to have a safety back. The only two teams who have slowed down the Athens offense the last three years were Marion Franklin and Thurgood Marshall - both possessed a ton of speed, size and strength. I don't care how skilled or how sophisticated your offense is, sooner or later you get overmatched. Just like Oregon does when it faces an Alabama. But both of those games versus Franklin & Thurgood were in week 13 when it was bitter cold and the wind was howling - Athens is a different team in September - as are a lot of 'passing teams'.

Interesting, if I'm A Pierro move Zimish to start at Mike and move Ma'Lik back @ safety. Definitely got to have some of the young bucks to step up this week we're banged up and got to dig deep. RollRedRoll... Buddy has been great bringing pressure in the middle in place of Biacco- B. Jones just outstanding & hopefully we get Nyjuan R. back and Jalen McGhee >> these will be key. Personally, this D is as good as the back-back title guys from 2005-06.

[algernonsidney]

Athens may win this game, but they don't have a chance at winning a state title.

You can't win a state title playing a couple games in the big leagues a year. The teams that win OHSAA titles play in the big leagues all year.

Calpreps has Athens schedule strength at 91st in Ohio D3. That's out of 105. All the teams on Trotwood Madison's schedule and Clyde's schedule are rated ahead of all five of Athens's opponents.

[papabigred]

Athens may win this game, but they don't have a chance at winning a state title.

You can't win a state title playing a couple games in the big leagues a year. The teams that win OHSAA titles play in the big leagues all year.

Calpreps has Athens schedule strength at 91st in Ohio D3. That's out of 105. All the teams on Trotwood Madison's schedule and Clyde's schedule are rated ahead of all five of Athens's opponents.

91 out of 105 ??? Where would they rank if not playing us ?? We gotta be good for 8-10. Hmm