SECTION IV / NTL FOOTBALL: ATHENS HOSTS WAVERLY IN 107TH MEETING IN RIVALRY — FIRST SINCE 2012 (2019-11-01)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportATHENS - Waverly and Athens will renew a once-heated rivalry on the gridiron Saturday night at Alumni Stadium - the 107th meeting of the Valley rivals.
The last time these two programs met was in a much-hyped game to kickoff the 2012 season. The Wolverines were coming off a Section IV title and state semi-final appearance, while the Wildcats were one of the pre-season favorites in the District 4 title hunt. The Wolverines pulled out a 24-21 win.
Waverly also won 28-7 in 2007, and has won two in a row in the rivalry. Prior to that, Athens had won six in a row (2001-06) and 12 of 14, and leads the all-time series 52-46-8.
Athens, then the Bulldogs, won seven in a row in the series from 1962-68, while Waverly's longest win streak is six from 1969-74.
While Athens plays Valley rival Sayre every year, Waverly has not played Sayre since 2007, so this Athens-Waverly game may hold more significance to the Wolverines.
"It's exciting to be in a game like this," said Miller. "I haven't experienced it in seven years, and our kids have never experienced it.
"It's a big deal for us," he noted. "It's a great way to end a challenging season, and really gives us something to look forward to.
"These kids are going to remember this game for as long as they live," said Miller. "I told them all, the outcome of this game is forever. This is either going to be the game you're going to brag about, or someone is going to remind you of for the remainder of your life if you live in the Valley.
"It's a tremendous opportunity to play in a big game for us," he added. "I hope Athens feels the same way."
Athens coach Jack Young is also excited for the renewal of the rivalry.
"I think it's awesome.
"It wasn't by choice for either school that this rivalry went away. It just happened because of scheduling problems," said Young. "The rivalry itself is great.
"I'm hoping there's a chance we could start playing each other more often in the near future," added Young. "Jason and I have talked a lot over the years about trying to play, but our schedules make it very difficult."
Young also notes the only reason the two teams are playing is because both missed the playoffs, and Athens is taking advantage of a state rule to do so.
"In Pennsylvania, you're allowed to play a contingency 11th game, but if you look back over the past 20 years, there probably aren't many years where this game could have happened because at least one of us has been in the playoffs.
"When the opportunity presents itself, I'm all about opportunity," added Young. "This is a great opportunity for both communities, and it's a great opportunity for the kids."
Miller said he doesn't care what Athens' record is, they are a formidable opponent.
"By most accounts, no one expect Friday to be much of a game at Sayre, but it certainly was a game.
"It may sound ridiculous to say that a 1-9 team is a good team, but I think they are a very dangerous team," said Miller. "There are ways they can beat you for sure.
"They have a lot of very good athletes," he added. "I'm not sure what went sour for them."
Young sings a similar tune when speaking about Waverly.
"They have a good young quarterback, some good size on the line, and some good athletes on the perimeter.
"Most of all, they are very-well coached," said Young. "I expect them to be at their best Saturday night."
YOUNG: WHEN WAVERLY HAS THE BALLThe Wolverines average 21.9 points per game, as well as 161.1 passing yards and 130.8 rushing yards per game.
"When Waverly is on offense, we're going to see a lot of things," said Young.
"They throw the ball really quick, whether they're throwing hitches, slants, or seams, and some quick screen game stuff," he noted. "And, they run the ball - they run it east-and-west, and they run it north-and-south.
"Defensively, the key for us will be to defend the whole field," noted Young. "When you have a team that does what Waverly can do, the biggest thing for us is making sure everybody does their job and prevent the big play.
"You want to make a team like Waverly earn everything they get," added Young. "They are well-coached, I have no doubt they are going to come in and execute their offense."
Eighth-grade QB Joey Tomasso has completed 50 percent (101 of 202) of his passes for 1,246 yards, with 10 TDs and seven interceptions. Senior Jalen McCarty has been his top target with 34 catches for 411 yards and five TDs, while senior Ethan Stotler has 26 grabs for 349 yards and five TDs, and junior Aidan Westbrook leads the team with a 17.2 yard per catch average on 23 receptions for 395 yards and one TD.
Junior David Hallett leads the ground game with 454 yards and five TDs, while junior Austin Kimble has 226 yards and two TDs, and junior Caden Wheeler has come on strong of late with 162 yards and one TD in the last three games.
MILLER: WHEN ATHENS IS ON DEFENSEThe Wildcats enter the game allowing 35.9 points per game.
"(Athens) is going to be in a 4-3 with zero coverage - no safety," said Miller. "They'll keep seven in the box, which always makes it a challenge to run on them.
"We'll have to be accurate with our throws because they're in a tight man coverage," he noted.
"Nothing has changed in the last seven years, Dan (Kelleher) is still running the defense, and it looks like the defense from seven years ago," he added.
MILLER: WHEN ATHENS HAS THE BALLAthens averages 22.4 points per game, as well as 127.8 yards per game on the ground, and 124.1 yards per game through the air.
"I think Athens is really talented," said Miller. "I look at them on film and they have a bunch of really good athletes, with (Shayne) Reid, (J.J.) Babcock, and (Keegan) Rude, who looks like a college receiver.
"Mason Lister has a very strong arm, and can really sling it," said Miller. "And with (Damian) Hudson back, it gives them an additional dimension.
"I think Reid is just dynamic," noted Miller. "He's quick as lightning and plays very hard.
"They have a lot of weapons. It should be a good match-up," added Miller.
Lister has completed 45 percent (63 of 140) of his passes for 1,241 yards, 11 TDs, and eight interceptions. Rude has been his main target with 40 catches for 713 yards and six TDs, while sophomore J.J. Babcock has 15 grabs for 251 yards and two TDs.
Reid leads the Athens ground game with 611 yards and eight TDs, and Hudson, who missed five games, has 467 yards and four TDs.
YOUNG: WHEN WAVERLY IS ON DEFENSEThe Wolverines allow 24.6 points per game. The Wolverines have 12 interceptions this season with McCarty and Stotler leading the way with three apiece, and Wheeler and Westbrook each accounting for two.
"Defensively, (Waverly) has good size up front, and they are playing an even front.," said Young. "They have a couple of linebackers who play really well, and they don't make it easy for you in the secondary.
"They've played a couple run-oriented teams in the last couple weeks, but their kids in the secondary do a really nice job," noted Young. "We'll have to work to find some favorable match-ups. If they're playing us in a zone, we need to find some spots in the zone.
"The whole key for us is will we be able to battle, and at least neutralize or control the line-of-scrimmage," added Young. "If we can, then we have a shot. That will be our goal on both sides of the ball - keeping that level of physicality and intensity on the line-of-scrimmage in order to compete."
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IN PHOTO: Waverly's Joey Tomasso (left) and Athens' Shayne Reid.
