As Athens trailed in the first half for the first time in six weeks, junior running back Evan Adams decided to take over.
The Bulldogs kept the chains moving on their opening drive of the second half. As Adams took the ball from his quarterback, a hole opened up between the offensive tackles, and he burst through the hole, evading defenders with strength and elusiveness.
The run resulted in a pickup of more than 30 yards. The Bulldogs were energized by watching Adams as he carried the ball. The big carry set the Bulldogs up on the Marauder’s 5-yard line, as Adams ran behind his right tackle and into the end zone.
The touchdown brought Athens within one score and laid the template for what needed to be done in the second half: Feed Adams the ball.
Typically, Athens succeeds offensively when it can move the ball through the air with consistency. Against Meigs, the coaching staff took advantage of what the Marauders had to offer.
“You take what they give you,” coach Ryan Adams said.
Momentum switched hands in the third quarter, when Adams did most of his work. He rushed for over 100 yards and two scores in the third quarter alone, as Athens was able to find the momentum they desperately searched for.
However, it wasn’t just Adams who found success running the ball against Meigs. Quarterback Clay Davis relied on his large frame as he lunged through defenders, putting his body on the line to pick up first downs.
With Athens struggling to throw ball, it was able to keep its quarterback engaged and making plays that helped down the stretch.
“Coach White wanted to get him some contact in there and settle his nerves,” coach Adams said.
The offensive line was able to propel Athens’ ball carriers into the end zone and into the win column on Friday night.
“It was a combination of both (running backs and offensive line),” coach Adams said.
