By MARK WINDHAM / For the Reporter

Coosa Valley Academy found the going tough as the Rebels fell to Springwood School 27-0 in the Rebels’ Alabama Independent Schools Association season opener Aug 20.

“We have a long way to go and a short time to get there,” Coosa Valley coach Vince DiLorenzo said.  “I am confident we will regroup and be ready for Autauga next week.”

Coosa Valley (0-1) would get early momentum, as the Rebels stopped Springwood inches short on a fourth-down conversion. The offense would find early success as Hunter Rowe would connect with John Bullen on a 17-yard pass, but would have to punt the ball away as the next three plays would net a loss of three yards.

Coosa Valley’s next three possessions would not fare much better, ending in a punt and two interceptions.  The offense was sparked by a 30-yard run by John Bullen.

Daniel Kennedy and Hunter Winslett would lead the Coosa Valley defense in the first half with six tackles each.

“We made a ton of mistakes tonight,” DiLorenzo said.  “We have a lot of young guys and we needed to see what it is going to take to be successful. We needed this game to see if we have guys in the right spots.”

Coosa Valley had an opportunity to score to start the fourth quarter when Preston Parker recovered a fumble on the Springwood 23-yard line. Rowe would hook up with Tanner Wood for a 15-yard reception down to 8-yard line where a hard hit would knock the ball loose.  An alert Adam McCranie would recover the fumble for the Rebels to keep them in business.

Springwood’s defense tightened up and kept the Rebels out of the end zone to end the threat.

Hunter Rowe completed four passes for 32 yards on the night for Coosa Valley.  John Bullen would lead the ground attack with 72 yards on five carries and Tanner Wood hauled in one pass for 22 yards.

Defensively, John Bullen led the way with eight tackles while Daniel Kennedy and Hunter Winslett added seven tackles each.   Sam Bullard would add an interception for the Rebels.

Coosa Valley travels to Prattville on Aug. 27 to take on region rival Autauga Academy.