By: JOSEPH ANTONIO / Special to the Reporter

HARPERSVILLE – The Springwood Wildcats did not seem to care that it was homecoming for the Coosa Valley Rebels Friday evening. Before anyone was even settled in their seat, the Wildcats took the ensuing kickoff and marched right down the field for the game’s first score in under two minutes. The drive set the tone for the game.

In fact, the Wildcats jumped out to a commanding 35-0 lead with four minutes still remaining in the second quarter. However, the Rebels kept on fighting. Walker Jones took a half back pass and hooked up with Easton Hopkins for an impressive 80-yard touchdown strike to finally get Coosa Valley on the scoreboard. The play was the longest ever for the Rebels, breaking the previous record of 78-yards from the 1976 season.

On the ensuing kickoff, Coosa Valley recovered a muffed return inside their one-yard line and scored on a QB keeper on the following play. The score then stood 35-14.

Springwood scored twice more in the third quarter on long running plays. The first was on a 44-yard run by Shykee Thomas and the second on a 76-yard run by Steven Stuntz. Coosa Valley added one more meaningless score late in the fourth quarter. Springwood won, 48-20.

Even with the loss and a decimated roster, Coach McCord remains faithful of his team. “It’s hard to get anybody rested. I hope we can keep plugging somehow and try somewhere to improve.”