Atlanta looks for key win against Gladewater

ATLANTA, Texas — Atlanta has the momentum flowing like lava snaking down an erupting volcano.

The Rabbits earned their first win of the season in a 28-14 victory over Sabine last week. The win has given Atlanta a boost.

“Getting our first win was a relief,” Rabbs head coach Matt McClure said. “It was a moment that I kinda took a deep breath and realized that I had been through a rough patch. We played some good teams, and we were without quite a few of our players. It pushed us in to where we control our own destiny as far as the playoffs go.”

Logan Shelton was a defensive standout for Atlanta, while running backs Caleb Hamilton and Keith Kinney were offensive

standouts.

“It was the first time that we were able to have both of our backs,” McClure said. “They had both been out during the first five games. Having both back in action was something that really stood out for us.”

The Rabbs rushed for a total of 337 yards. Kinney gained 194 yards on 30 carries and a score, while Hamilton amassed 146 yards on 27 totes and three TDs.

“We’ve had the same offensive line for about two weeks,”

McClure said. “We had three guys out for the first four games. I can tell, with them being together, that they are starting to jell.

“I think the resilience of the team staying focus after going 0-4 in pre-district games was a big positive for us. We never lower our expectations. The team has been driven to get better each week. We went through the gauntlet and come out on the other end. We are stronger for it.”

Atlanta (1-5, 1-1) will test that strength at Gladewater (4-2, 2-0) today at 7:30 p.m. in a District 6-3A, Div. I clash. The Rabbs won last year, 35-28.

“Playing Gladewater is a big challenge,” McClure said. “We will have to get physical with those guys. They run an old school I-formation but also have threats out wide. We will have to load up the box sometimes and help out in coverage sometimes. Offensively, we will have to control the ball. It has been a competitive game, and we hope that’s the way it will be.”

Northeast Texas games

Atlanta at Gladewater Redwater at DeKalb Hughes Springs at Waskom New Boston at Tatum Paul Pewitt at Paris Chisum Clarksville at James Bowie Maud at Detroit