SPORTS - Athens gives Thorp test in season-opening game

SPORTS

By Casey Krautkramer

The Athens varsity football team gave Thorp, which finished last season as 8man state runners-up, a tough battle in Friday night’s season opener despite a 24-8 loss.

Athens actually led Thorp, 8-2, after the first quarter and was only down, 14-8, at halftime. The Cardinals defense recorded a safety. Athens junior quarterback Kamden Zarnke ran for a 97-yard touchdown with just over two minutes left in the opening quarter. Sophomore running back Daxton Diethelm rushed for the two-point conversion. The Cardinals then scored 22 straight points to beat the Bluejays.

The Bluejays held a 128-96 advantage in rushing yards against the Cardinals. The Cardinals, meanwhile, held a 211-19 advantage in passing yards. Athens’ defense intercepted Thorp quarterback Lincoln Knop four times. Diethelm collected a pair of interceptions while Zarnke and senior Kyle Schreiner had two interceptions each.

Athens plays at noon this Saturday, Sept. 7 at Bruce.

Red Raiders fall to Eagles

Marathon’s varsity football squad lost to offensive juggernaut Auburndale, 45-14, Friday night on the road. The Eagles led, 7-0, after the opening quarter. The Red Raiders were down, 10-0, in the second quarter until junior quarterback True Thurs ran for a 10-yard touchdown and senior Cody Radtke kicked the extra point.

Both teams kept trading touchdowns when Auburndale answered Marathon’s score. Marathon scored a touchdown after Aubundale’s touchdown when sophomore Garrett Bracewell caught a 33-yard score from Thurs. Radtke added the extra point and Marathon found itself only down 1714 to Auburndale in the second quarter. Auburndale scored another touchdown to take a 24-14 halftime lead.

Auburndale outscored Marathon, 21-0, in the second half. Thurs completed 10 of 17 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown to Bracewell who had five receptions for 79 yards. Thurs also ran the football 11 times for 32 yards and a touchdown.

See TOUGH LOSSES/ page 14

HEISMAN POSE - Athens junior dual threat quarterback Kamden Zarnke stiff arms a Thorp defender during Friday’s season-opening 24-8 road loss to Thorp. Zarnke scored the Bluejays only touchdown with a 97-yard scamper in the first quarter.

PHOTO BY ROSS PATTERMANN Tough losses

Continued from page 11

Junior defensive back Cale Quaintance led Marathon’s defense with 12 tackles. Junior linebacker Javier Pintor added eight tackles and linebacker Thurs had seven.

Marathon, 1-1, begins CWC-Large play at 7 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 6, at Loyal/ Greenwood.