By Ricky Smith

For The News Courier

BOAZ — The Athens Golden Eagles flew into Boaz Friday and left with a 28-21 win over the Pirates in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

Stephen Rivers passed for two touchdowns and Chris Cain ran for two scores for Athens, who never trailed. The Golden Eagles improved to 8-3 for the season and will travel to Hartselle next week.

Athens scored the games first points with 15 seconds left in the first quarter when on third-and-17, Rivers threw to Chandler Brock for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Armand Hunt added the PAT for a 7-0 lead.

Boaz answered 33 seconds later when Drew Phillips ripped off a 52-yard touchdown run.

Emanual Aragon’s point after tied the game at 7.

Facing a third-and-five at the Boaz 17 with 3:59 left in the first half, Rivers passed to Julius Jones, who tipped the ball at the goal line and caught it in the end zone for a touchdown. Hunt’s extra point gave Athens a 14-7 lead at the half.

Phillips second touchdown of the game came when he hauled in a 17-yard pass from Daniel Gaither.

Athens quickly answered the Boaz score on the next possession, going 62 yards using only four plays. Cain scored on a 10-yard run. Hunt’s point after pushed the lead to 21-14 with 1:21 left in the third.

Boaz last touchdown came after Charlie Potter recovered a muffed punt at the Athens 16. Collin Langley took a double-reverse handoff from Phillips and raced 10 yard into the end zone for the score. Aragon tied the score at 21 with the PAT.

Athens again quickly answered the Pirate score to regained the lead with 6:44 left. A 61-yard drive took only four plays. Cain capped the drive with a 28-yard run. Hunt added the final point with the PAT.

Winston Co. 42,

Clements 0