scoring nine yards out. He ….

scoring nine yards out. He dived in for the two point conversion, giving his team a 30-19 advantage with under four to play in the third.

The Cardinals refused to wilt, and Pacelli mixed it up with passes and runs as they piled up 238 rushing yards and 137 passing yards on the day.

Kedrowicz found Wes Peplinski for a 40-yard catch and run touchdown that pulled the Cardinals back to within three, but as they did all day, Athens had the answer.

Cooper Diedrich busted loose for a 47-yard scoring run, and Dayne added two on the conversion to make it 38-27. Cashin scored Pacelli’s final TD with four minutes remaining that cut into the lead at 38-35.

The Cardinals attempted an onside kick that was recovered by the ‘Jays, and with under two minutes to play in the game, Dayne rumbled in from one yard out for the final score of the day.

Dayne finished with 81 yards on 16 carries and also had one completion for 32 yards. Diedrich showcased his arm and legs, running for one score and 103 yards while also finishing five of nine for 59 yards passing.

Dayne also set the tone on defense with a team high 16 tackles. Caden Decker tallied 10 tackles and had 78 kickoff return yards.

The victory gives Athens a great deal of confidence heading into their next contest, a home game with Abbotsford. The ‘Jays are hoping to exorcise some demons and defeat a Falcons program that has gotten the best of them for the past few years.

“Abbotsford has been our nemesis for a long time,” Todd said. “I am excited to play them. I know my players are excited to play that game and I like our chances.”

The victory also serves as a wake up call for the rest of the Marawood.

“I think we learned a lot about who we are as a team,” Athens senior Cobie Ellenbecker said. “I think people are starting to see that Athens is maybe better than people thought.”