Rivalry Game Lives Up to the Hype

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It was a much anticipated, much talked about match-up. It was billed as a "renewal" for Logan's most hated rival. And the 2002 edition of the Logan/Athens shoot-out lived up to it's billing. But when the dust settled, Logan had extended their SEOAL winning streak to 26 games by defeating the Bulldogs 6-0. And while Athens offense was the talk during the week, the Bulldog "defense" really gave the Bulldogs their opportunity to win.

The Chieftains and Bulldogs played to a stalemate through three quarters. But the Bulldogs wasted plenty of first half opportunities. The Bulldogs were blessed early, when a short Logan kick-off gave the Bulldogs excellent field position. The Bulldogs kept Logan playing the Long field most of the night, and it took it's toll on the Logan offense.

The Chieftain defense on the other hand, was phenominal. Time and again they were put into horrible positions, and time and again they kept the Bulldogs out of the endzone. The DLine put the clamps on Grant Gregory, Chris Hewitt, and the rest of the Bulldog rushing attack. Five sacks helped slow down the Bulldogs threw the air. Gregory finished just 7-23 for 78 yards in the football game. He was held to -14 yards rushing in the game. Chris Hewitt, the Bulldogs leading rusher, carried the ball just 9 times for 49 yards.

Logan used just one play to win the football game. Early in the fourth quarter, with the score deadlocked, one of the lone Bulldog defensive mistakes doomed Athens. DB Chris Hewitt slipped while in coverage of Logan WR Brandon Metzler, and Dave Ellis was able to hook up with Metzler for a 40-yard TD pass to win the game. Athens was able to block the Logan PAT attempt.

The Logan offense ground out 246 total yards of offense, but between sloppy field conditions and playing the long field, the Cheiftains foun it tough putting the ball in the endzone. Athens, who also fought the rough field conditions, managed just 121 yards playing the shorter field.

Austin Rohr led the Chieftain ground game, gaining 147 yards on 28 carries. Rohr was plagued by 2 fumbles, but one came on an OUTSTANDING hit by Athen's Safety Grant Gregory. Steve Call added 41 yards on 7 carries, and Josh Bailey added 27 on 5. Bailey and Call split time at Fullback.

Dave Ellis struggled throwing the ball, completing only 5 of 12 passes for 68 yards and a TD. But Ellis completed the one that counted, and did a good job picking a couple of first downs on the ground. First year player Brandon Metzler, a Senior, caught three passes for 54 yards and a TD. TE Cole Resler caught one pass for 10 yards.

The Logan offensive and defensive lines deserve praise as well. The O-Line did a great job opening holes for the backs, and was awesome in short yardage situations. The D-Line kept pressure on Gregory all night, sacking him 5 times. They also did a great job making plays in the backfield.

To the 2002 Seniors, it was a great last game for one of the most successful classes in LHS history. 2 SEOAL Titles, 2 playoff appearance, 2 10-0 seasons, and overachieving Senior Year. Congrats to the 15 Seniors, you've been positive representitives for Logan High School, Logan, and all of Hocking County.

Logan now has to return to the practice field, and prepare for the two biggest games of the season. The Chiefs will visit 7-1 (4-1) Marietta this Friday, and 7-1 (4-0) Gallia Academy in week 10. The Tigers nearly upset the Chieftains on homecoming in 2001. Chad Kratzenburg's TD pass to Jeremy Coakley with 2:00 minutes to go helped Logan stay undefeated with a 10-6 win. The Tigers are hungry for revenge. Kick-Off is slated for 7:30 down on the River.

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