Sparkman is undefeated but are they for real

Parker Swords makes a toouchdown catch in the Buckhorn game (Photo Contributed/Scott Lowe)

HARVEST- Sparkman has started the season with two impressive road wins. A 35-19 win over Athens was expected but a 29-22 region win over Buckhorn grabbed the spotlight. Friday night in their home opener the Senators play reigning region champion Bob Jones. Sparkman has not defeated Bob Jones since 2006, a span of nine games.

Sparkman head coach Chris Cagle has been on both sides of the rivalry.

“It’s been a complete team effort not just one player. The offense has scored points and defense has some stops and kicking game has been good. We got eight new starters on offense and they are playing well,” Cagle said.

Playing well is an understatement in describing quarterback Devin Kimbrough, one of the first year starters. Against Buckhorn he completed 25-of-35 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score.

“He is doing a good job of distributing the ball, offensive line is giving him time, receivers are making the catches, and the backs are running hard,” Cagle said.

Parker Swords had two touchdown catches against Buckhorn. Swords is a big target at 6-foot-4.

Cagle is in his third season as head coach. He was offensive coordinator at Bob Jones before coming to Sparkman. He was on staff at Sparkman in 2006 the last time the Senators beat Bob Jones, then coached by Shannon Brown.

“Obviously it is a huge game and we’re excited because it is the next game. These guys enjoy playing. They are fun to coach. We’re still making mistakes and we’re still working to fix those. We’re expecting a huge crowd, it is Military Night. The field looks great. We have done a lot of work to the stadium so we’re looking forward to playing Bob Jones,” Cagle said.

Sparkman has 28 seniors. One of the most highly rated is offensive left tackle Zack Cangelosi.

“They have a good team and its going to be a tough physical game. The key is play as a team. Everybody does their part and we got a chance. We are going to give it our all. We need to grab momentum early. They got up on us last year early and we got frustrated and quit playing,” Cangelosi said.

Sparkman is expecting a standing room only crowd so fans are encouraged to get there early.

The game will be broadcast on 103.9 WUMP with Arky Shea on the call.