By Joshua Huff, sports editor
SPRINGVILLE — The struggles for Springville in region play continued this past Friday after the Tigers succumbed to Munford, 45-13, in what was their third consecutive loss on the season. Each loss for Springville has come against a Class 5A Region 5 opponent.
After starting out the season with promising victories over Hayden and Ashville, the once sunny prospect of completing a season above .500 for the first time since 2009 has diminished behind a few gathering storm clouds.
Photo by Ron Burkett
The primary suspect for the Tigers’ slippage throughout the past three weeks has been a defense that has allowed an average of 43 points per game. Granted, two of those teams (Central Clay County and Sylacauga) hold top five offenses in the region, but the 45 points allowed to Munford on Friday came against a team that had lost three of four previous contests and two consecutive.
Up next for Springville is a non-region opponent in Crossville. The Lions have experienced a turbulent ride from the get go. After opening the season with three straight losses (13-49 at Geraldine, 13-40 at Collinsville, 7-49 at Etowah) Crossville capped off its four-game road trip to begin the season with a 24-7 victory over Douglas. The Lions then opened their three-game home stand at Crossville Memorial Stadium with a 0-54 loss to Alexandria.
In the most recent game, Alexandria road the coattails of Nate McCallum to the tune of 206 yards on just seven carries. The key to Springville’s first two wins on the season was the Tiger’s ability to control the game on the ground and their ability to hold firm on defense. Against Hayden in the season opener, Springville relied on Pearson Baldwin’s ability to scramble from the pocket, and against Ashville, the Tigers’ defense allowed just one touchdown in the 10-7 victory.
The brief respite in region play for Springville affords the Tigers the opportunity to steady the sails before they travel to face Center Point in what will be a pivotal game for two teams that are heading in opposite directions.
History will be on Springville’s side as the Tigers have not lost to Crossville, 2-0. The two teams met in 2018 with Springville defeating Crossville, 43-14. Ironically, the Tigers face nearly the same situation as when the two teams faced this past year. In 2018, Springville entered the contest on a three-game losing streak, all to region opponents, and needed a win before returning to region play in a matchup against Center Point. The Tigers would proceed to lose three of their final four games.
Springville can only hope that history does not repeat itself.
When: Friday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m.
Where: at Crossville Memorial stadium
