Sparkman rushes past Hazel Green

By Bud McLaughlin

HAZEL GREEN – Sparkman rode a pair of 100-yard rushers to a 14-7 season-opening win over Hazel Green.

Senior Chris Joiner shredded the Hazel Green defense for 154 yards on 25 carries while junior running back Tavion Rupert picked up 103 yards on 18 carries.

The Senators drew first blood on Joiner’s 18-yard touchdown with 8:24 left in the second quarter.

But, the Trojans tied the score with 4:05 left in the quarter when quarterback Chase Starling scored from one yard out.

But it was a big play in the third quarter that proved to be the difference.

Sparkman quarterback Jacob Medlen hit Rondell Cole on an 80-yard touchdown pass for the eventual winning score. The touchdown came with 2:09 left in the third quarter.

The Senators defense also stood tall, holding Hazel Green to just 134 total yards.

Sparkman hits the road Friday to take on Gadsden City while Hazel Green, 0-2, travels to Buckhorn for a region battle.