Like a scene from a movie, the winds shifted and the skies let out. The Tigers danced in the rain as they narrowly escaped a packed Kin Logan Stadium with a win in a thriller Friday night. Two late fourth quarter touchdowns sealed a Springville victory over Ashville, 33-22.
It looked to be Ashville's game from the start as Springville fumbled on their first play from scrimmage and Derrick Walker took Ashville's first offensive play for a touchdown. After falling behind 8-0, however, the Tigers scored 13 unanswered points to lead 13-8 heading to the second quarter.
After dominating the second quarter, Ashville was set to carry the momentum, and a 22-13 lead, into halftime. Springville had other plans, however, and put together a long drive that was capped with a touchdown with four seconds left in the half.
The third quarter was scoreless and set up what was to be a great finish. The Tigers scored to take a 26-22 lead with 8:49 left, and the game was handed to the Bulldog offense. After driving deep into Springville territory, the Bulldogs faced a fourth and long with the game on the line. Ty Armstrong's ensuing run was stopped a mere six inches shy of the first down marker, and Springville put the game away.
Despite the loss, the crowd at Kin Logan Stadium was one of the largest of this century. Head Coach Barry Simmons was very appreciative of what took place in the stands Friday night.
"I was really proud of our fans and our community for coming out tonight and supporting us," Simmons said shortly after the game. "It was a playoff type atmosphere, and I want our kids to get used to playing in front of a crowd like that."
Ashville opens region play on the road against Jacksonville Friday night, a team that defeated Alexandria this week by a score of 35-28.
Perkins Carden is a senior at Ashville High School and Senior Writer for www.AshvilleAthletics.com