By Will Heath, For The Tribune
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville Tigers survived a wild second half on Friday night to earn their first win of the season, 42-32, over region rival St. Clair County.
Springville High School senior quarterback Asa Morrison leads the Tigers to their first win, 42-32, over St. Clair County, Friday, October 21. (Photo by Hannah Curran)
“I’m just proud for our boys,” Springville head coach Jon Clements told the media after the game. “They deserve everything. They’ve stuck with us this whole time through the good and the bad, and they persevered tonight and found a way.”
Springville (1-8, 1-5) led St. Clair (0-9, 0-6) 21-12 at the half, on the strength of 3 Mahlon Alverson touchdowns. The Saints, however, continued battling, narrowing the margin to 3 points on two separate occasions in the fourth quarter.
They could not hold off the Tigers as Springville quarterback Asa Morrison sealed the win with a 14-yard run in the final two minutes.
Alverson finished the game with four touchdowns for the Tigers. Morrison would account for the other two — one rushing and one passing — both in the fourth quarter. Noel Cox caught his TD pass, a 58-yarder.
For St. Clair, Nigel Dowdell tossed a pair of touchdowns, both to receiver Jeremiah Thomas. The Saints also got touchdown runs from Ryan Parker and Timothy Jones in their effort.
“Hats off to St. Clair County,” Clements said. “Their guys played their tails off. That was a good high school football game, with two teams that were trying to get their win. That’s what high school football’s all about.”
Clements commended his players for continuing to fight, despite entering the game without a win.
“I’m proud for our seniors, but overall I’m proud for our organization,” he said. “It’s a community effort. This is what makes Springville special.”
Both teams will finish the season next Friday on the road. Springville will travel to face Pell City, while St. Clair County will take on Dora.
