Sumter struggles with Sparta

Sparta Academy used their potent rushing attack to upend the visiting Sumter Academy Eagles 59 – 14 in AISA football action Friday night, September 12.

Sparta led 13 – 0 at the end of the first quarter on 1-yard and 15-yard touchdown runs by Sparta’s Ethan Roberts and Tyler Hanks. Roberts and Hanks would soon score again in the second quarter along with teammates, Lanse Roberts and Stone Riley, to give Sparta the 40 – 0 halftime lead.

Sumter would get on the board in the third quarter when QB Clay Truelove connected with Senior Lane Duke for a 34-yard touchdown. Sumter scored again on their next possession on a Truelove to Anderson Newman 64-yard TD to make the score 40 – 14. That would be as close as the Eagles would get as Sparta added two more scores in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter for the 59 – 14 final.

Sumter was led on offense by Clay Truelove who was 7 of 19 in passing for 176 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, Clay Hanson tallied 11 tackles and Truelove had 9 stops.

Sumter will take on Russell Christian Academy Friday, September 19, at home. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

Offense summary – Rushing: Williams 11/24, Newman 4/14, Truelove 11/9. Passing: Truelove 7/19 for 176 yards, A. Newman 4/8 for 28 yards. Receiving: A. Newman 2/71, Maness 2/54, Duke 1/34, Jowers 2/28, Atcheson 3/15, Williamson 1/2.

Defense summary – Tackles: Clay Hanson 11, Truelove 9, Cole Hanson 7, Winsett 5, Williamson 5, Atcheson 4, Smith 3, McElroy 2, Maness 2, A. Newman 1, Moore 1, C. Newman 1.