Story by Marcello Koja Photos by Prasham Rathod Troy Athens rebounded in a big way Friday, cruising to a 44-16 victory against Pontiac. The Red Hawks washed away the bitter memory of their three-point loss the week before against Birmingham Seaholm and extended their winning streak against the Phoenix to four games straight. Senior running back Cainan Hanbury was the man for the evening. He hauled in two touchdowns on plays that covered more than 20 yards and ended up with 44 yards on reception on just two catches. Hanbury also scored a rushing touchdown, for a game total of three, and was given overall and offensive player of the game. Athens opened with a highlight-reel play that set the pace. Quarterback Andrew Dunlap hit Nathan Piggott on a 54-yard touchdown pass. Piggott broke a tackle on the play following the reception and took off for the end zone, giving the Red Hawks momentum that they would never lose. Junior running back and defensive back Macklin Ciurla turned in a complete game. He rushed for 24 yards and a touchdown on offense and pressured the defense with three stops, two pass breakups, and impressive pass coverage for the game. He was awarded Defensive Player of the Game for his hustle. The special teams were just as important. Special teams game hero Kicker Noah Boehms had a perfect performance, making each extra point and flipping field possession with a decisive game in the first quarter. He fielded a perfect onside kick down the sideline and later kicked a kickoff deep that Athens recovered at the 1-yard line of Pontiac on a miscue. The two plays afforded the Red Hawks perfect field position. On defense, Athens also registered three sacks, led by William Goetz with 1.5. The Red Hawks’ pressure never did allow Pontiac’s offensive group to get into a rhythm. The win divides Athens’ schedule at 1-1. They now look ahead to a tough test on the road at Oak Park on Friday at 6:30 p.m. Pontiac, also 1-1, is hoping to bounce back at home against Berkley. With momentum shifting back in Athens’ favor, the Oak Park game will tell if Red Hawks’ balanced offense and a boost to the special teams' unit can translate into a conference win.