By Ross Atkinson, For the Tribune
SPRINGVILLE, Ala.- After a short lightning delay, the Springville Tigers and the Hurricanes of Alma Bryant squared off in Tiger Stadium.
After a Springville punt, Bryant took over and moved the ball quickly to the Springville 15-yard line. After fumbling on back-to-back plays, the Hurricanes were forced to attempt a 42-yard field goal that sailed wide right.
Springville’s second drive went three and out, and after a very short punt, Bryant’s offense began their possession with excellent field position. The Tigers’ defense proved stingy and held on a fourth-and-seven-yard attempt.
Springville’s offense went to work doing what they do best: they got the ground-and-pound game going. Led by eight consecutive carries by Gavin Webber, they worked the ball to the Bryant three-yard line.
Freshmen Trigg Murdoch would score but have it negated by a holding call. Two plays later, Jake Connor would stick it in from ten yards out to make it 7-0 in favor of the Tigers.
Bryant’s next drive looked promising before an interception by Reed Wallace cut it short.
Springville would extend the lead when Connor hooked up with Brodie Frederick for a 52-yard bomb to make it 14-0.
After forcing a punt, Springville would get going again quickly on offense. Connor had another long run down to the 27-yard line and would hook up with Frederick again to make it 21-0 at the half.
The second half would see a lot of the Bryant offense punching and the Springville defense counterpunching.
Bryant would finally get on the board with a field goal after a Springville punt hit their player and left them with a short field. The Tigers led 21-3.
The next Hurricanes’ drive looked promising but was stopped on a 4th down try by a big-time sack by Cody Parker.
After another Springville punt, Bryant would take over and drive it to the Tigers’ 16-yard line. The Springville defense would again flex their muscles to seal the deal with a fourth down stop.
Coach Jon Clements would praise his defense after the game. “I’m really, really proud of our defense; they played relentlessly tonight,” he said.
The Tigers travel to Lincoln next Friday night.
