Athens falls to Alexander High School after costly turnovers late by quarterback Brendan Sano.
After starting the season 1-2, Athens hosted Alexander High School on Friday night in an Athens County rivalry game with quite a bit of history.
In the last three meetings prior to Friday night's contest, the Bulldogs outscored the Spartans 215-36. Friday, however, Alexander came with vengeance, ending Athens' 21-game win streak in the Tri Valley Conference, with a 31-14 victory.
Turnovers proved costly for the Bulldogs early and often, as Athens coach Ryan Adams was disappointed with his team's overall performance.
“We had five turnovers tonight," Adams said. "It’s hard to win a football game with a good team on the other side of the field when you turn the ball over five times.”
Down 28-14 late in the fourth, Athens quarterback Brendan Sano threw three interceptions on three-straight drives to end any chance of a comeback for Athens.
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Sano's protection was shaky throughout the night, as on multiple possessions, the junior quarterback was hurried and rushed into throws.
At one point late in the second half, Sano dropped back on the Alexander 19-yard line but was blindsided, sacked and stripped of the football.
The Spartans capitalized, marching it down the field and extending their lead to 28-14, leading to three straight drives ending in interceptions for Sano.
Athens running back Zacciah Saltzman was a bright spot for Athens, scoring on 72-yard touchdown run early and cutting a then Alexander lead, 13-6. Saltzman scored again later in the second half to finish with Athens' two sole touchdowns.
Yet, Saltzman's rushing performance was not enough for the Bulldogs, as Sano and company fell to 1-3 on the season.
“I just think it was simply a hard, physical football game,” Adams said. ”And I think (the Spartans) got the upper edge in that aspect.”
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