Crawfordsville football was riding high after week one and for good reason. CHS dominated Attica 53-0 as they began the Brad Clark era 1-0. It was the first opening week win for the Athenians since 2015. However that win is in the past and now CHS will look to continue their momentum this evening when they welcome Fountain Central for the Athenians home opener.
FC dropped their season opening game to Southmont 55-12 in game one of the Herb King era for the Mustangs. Not only did last week’s win build momentum for the Athenians, but Clark notes how there’s excitement around the CHS program once again.
“Everyone from our players to our students, to even people in the community are excited about what we’re doing and a good week one like that only propels you further,” Clark said. “That excitement is even within me as well because I’m looking forward to seeing how we use that energy that’s around us moving forward.”
CHS got stellar play all-across the board last week as they tallied 343 total yards and that came in a balanced attack as senior quarterback AJ Hall complete 6-7 passes for 142 yards while nine different Athenians combined to rush for 201 yards. Ethan McLemore showed off his athletic ability at wide-receiver and caught five passes from Hall for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
There are still some areas where CHS and Clark are looking to improve upon as they get ready for the Mustangs.
“Nobody plays a perfect game and while we’re celebrating the things we did well, we also want to correct the things we didn’t do well,” Clark said. “Those are the differences between winning and losing and we have to be able to execute at a high level. We spent a lot of time watching film and really telling our guys where we needed to improve.”
While the Mustangs fell in week one, they do have some play makers on the offensive side of the ball. Owen Acton is the man under center for FC and is capable of making plays both with his legs and with his arm. Running back Dawson Blue showed off his athletic ability with a 76-yard kick-off return last week for FC. 6’3 tight-end Luke Foxworthy can also cause matchup problems for the opposing defense.
“FC has talented kids and what stands out about them is they experienced guys,” Clark said. “Our message to the guys this week has been focused on stopping the run and forcing them into long passing situations.”
With it being the home opener for the Athenians and coming off a big week one victory, Clark expects an electric atmosphere as the Athenian faithful see their team on their home turf for the first time.
“It’s going to be a big night for us. With the excitement around us right now I expect a big crowd for the game. If we’re able to start the season off with two wins that would be big for us. We certainly don’t take those for granted.”
The Athenians and Mustangs kick off at CHS at 7 p.m.
