By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

HUNTSVILLE — Indian Springs School senior Alex Jamroz never imagined his career ending this way.

Jamroz, the leading goal scorer in Alabama High School Athletic Association history, expected to cap his playing career with a second state championship.

Instead, Jamroz watched Indian Springs struggle on the offensive end of the field from the bench in a somber mood after receiving two yellow cards, resulting in the first ejection in his career, in a 1-0 loss to defending AHSAA Class 4A-1A championship match May 14 at John Hunt Park.

“It’s my first (ejection),” Jamroz said. “What can you do. It’s in the past now.”

Jamroz received his first yellow card in the fourth minute for dissent. He was ejected from the match after receiving his second yellow card, for unsporting behavior, late in the first half.

Indian Springs coach Rik Tozzi expressed his disappointment in the way his seniors ended their playing career.

“We’ve played 32 games and not once did a single kid get tossed,” Tozzi said. “I’m proud of my kids for going 32 games without a single red card.”

Tozzi said losing Jamroz, and an 11th player on the field, was too much for his team to overcome. Stuart McLean was given a red card for stepping on an opposing player midway through the second half. Players who are given a red card and ejected from a match aren’t replaced.

“It’s going to affect your play,” Tozzi said. “I would like to play (the match) again at full strength.”

UMS-Wright scored the long goal in the match in the 56th minute after a scoreless tie in the opening half.

Indian Springs goalkeeper Hart Wilson finished with three saves in the contest.

Jamroz scored four goals in Indian Springs’ 7-2 win over Collinsville in the semifinals May 13.

Reeves Duggan added two goals in the victory. Joseph Simonetti finished with one goal.