The Jaguars (2-2 overall, 1-1 Tri-Nine Conference) led 38-7 at halftime. Athens was led by junior quarterback Jason West, who threw three of his four touchdown passes in the first half.

The Falcons (2-2, 0-1) were undone by turnovers, committing four in the opening half, which the Jaguars converted into 24 points.

“We knew we could play better than we have of late, and tonight I think was the best game we’ve played this season,” said Athens Drive head coach Jeff Smouse. “Jason West is getting better every week, and all the kids understood what we were supposed to be doing.”

Athens senior wide receiver A.J. Stewart caught two of West’s touchdown passes and led the team with 56 receiving yards, while classmate Mike Estes (50 yards) also hauled in two scoring passes.

West did not play much following intermission, but still finished the game 12-of-20 for 165 yards. Dominique Lynch (78 yards) led the Jaguars rushing attack and scored twice on runs of 11 and two yards.

Green Hope actually opened the scoring on a 4-play 74-yard drive capped by Dylan Hartigan’s 12-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead. Hartigan scored his second touchdown late in the contest.

Falcon senior quarterback Will Nassif injured his knee earlier in the week and was unavailable. Jacob Best started in Nassif’s place but was also injured in the second quarter, and was replaced by Brian Hunyh.

Jaguar senior Chris Robinson returned the second half kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown.

Smouse was impressed with the Jaguar defense, who he described as small but quick. Except for the opening Falcon drive, Athens players swarmed to the ball, limiting Green Hope to less than 80 yards of total offense through three quarters.