Not for the weak of heart: Jets best Sparkman in nail-biting matchup to take 6A Region 4 lead

HARVEST – “This was the first game for me where I thought I was having a heart attack. I felt as though my heart almost stopped.”

That’s how Sparkman senior center Walter Pruitt best described the emotions of the night as James Clemens held off a Sparkman last minute drive and last second game winning field goal attempt that fell just three feet short, in what many believe to be one of the best high school football games in North Alabama in recent memory.

“It’s so disappointing of the final outcome as I saw the ball in flight and I thought it was good,” added the 6-foot, 280-pound Pruitt they call “Big Walt,” of the possible 50yard game-winning kick on the last play of the game by Sparkman senior kicker Daniel Gomez.

“We will regroup and continue to rock and roll toward the finish of our season and look to the remainder of our season and the post-season playoffs,” said Sparkman fourth-year head coach Ronnie Watson of the game that was good or even better than what was anticipated with James Clemens winning 30-28.

“This was definitely the greatest game in my high school career as the entire game was awesome as I had total dedication throughout and not a time in the game I didn’t think we couldn’t win,” said Malikai Cooper, senior offensive lineman for James Clemens.

The packed stadium at Sparkman, where so many people were in attendance the school’s parking facility ran out of room, provided an elec- tric atmosphere even before the game when all witnessed a sunset that was beyond description over the western home side of the stadium. Watson said of the game, “It was physical and we knew the game would be close. We went back and forth all night, scored on the first play of the second half. We only threw the ball six times all game making the matchup very physical with the running game.”

Going into the major battle, both teams were 5-1 overall and 4-0 in Region 4 play. The winner of the game will have the inside track to taking the Region Championship. Both squads knew what was on the line and enjoyed the total experience.

“The atmosphere was slightly different for this one as we all knew the region on the line,” said Isaac Jeffrey, senior linebacker for Sparkman. “I feel I prepped well for this game and played well as I recognized every look James Clemens gave us. I capitalized where I could. The way we lost was tough, but I’m so proud of the entire program as we all supported one another throughout the game.”

“I was part of that final play as I feel I didn’t leave anything on the field in the game,” added Cooper of his play for the Jets. “As the kick was on its way, I watched it and was relieved it came up short. I was excited to say the least and it was the best win for me to be a part of at James Clemens.”

The Jets fell behind 28-17 five minutes into the fourth quarter, but came back with two touchdowns in the final eight minutes, including what would be the winning score with 44 seconds remaining. The Senators then marched down the field as quickly as possible to set up the possible winning kick on the last play of the game. While lining up for the field goal attempt, the entire stadium of fans, sitting or standing, seemed to hold their breath knowing just a few feet could win or lose the contest.

“Up until that point the atmosphere was magical and the crowd was really loud as we honed in through the noise,” said Pruitt, who suffered a slight ankle injury on the first play of the game and missed two offensive drives before returning. “That magic feeling was certainly different on our last drive which was about 30 yards in under a minute. The outcome was hard to swallow, but we know we’re not done. We have more games we will win.”

“Great game. Just a great game,” said Cooper.

This week, James Clemens will host Hazel Green (0-7) and Sparkman will take on Grissom (1-6) at Huntsville’s Milton Frank Stadium. Whatever happens to both squads the remainder of the 2026 season, the night of an incoming hurricane- type weather in Harvest will forever be etched into the minds, hearts and souls of everyone who witnessed a game decided by mere feet, and just for a moment, a feeling their heart stopped.