James Clemens Edges Sparkman 13-9 in OT

Gio Lopez scored the winning touchdown in overtime to lift James Clemens over Sparkman 13-9 tonight at Madison City Schools Stadium. Lopez’s 10-yard run ended a thrilling showdown that kept James Clemens alive in the race for the Class 7A, Region 4 title. “I just followed my blockers to the end zone knowing I was going to get there because we’ve got the best blockers out here,” the sophomore quarterback said. The host Jets (7-2, 5-1) led 7-0 at halftime after Aaron Boone’s 9-yard run in the first quarter. The Senators (4-4, 4-2) evened the score on quarterback Nick Sawyer’s 10-yard run in the third quarter. Sparkman missed two field goals in the fourth quarter, leaving the game tied 7-all at the end of regulation. The Senators missed a 37-yard field goal in overtime but got a safety when a James Clemens player picked up the loose ball in the end zone and was tackled. Lopez scored on James Clemens' first play from the 10. James Clemens and Austin are tied for first place in the region going into the final week of region play. The Black Bears hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. Sparkman could have taken over first place with a victory over the Jets, but instead slipped to fourth. Star of the game: Lopez had 16 carries for 84 yards and the winning touchdown. Play of the game: The Jets call their quarterback keeper play “Lions.” Key sequence: Sparkman had the first possession in overtime from 10 yards out. But the Senators had two plays for losses and then a 5-yard penalty. After Sawyer’s 6-yard run, they had to try a 37-yard field goal on fourth down. Stat sheet: Boone had seven carries for 22 yards and a touchdown. James Clemens' Ephraim Rolingson intercepted a pass. Sawyer had 10 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown. Clifton Shaw had 29 carries for 106 yards for the Senators. By the numbers: 223, James Clemens total yards with 160 rushing. 296, Sparkman total yards with 162 on the ground. 2, Sparkman turnovers including a lost fumble and an intercepted pass. Coachspeak: “I am proud of our kids. It was a hard-fought game by both teams. It wasn’t pretty but it was a region win.” -- James Clemens coach Wade Waldrop. “Tough loss. Both teams played hard. Both teams played well. We had opportunities to win. It just didn’t fall our way.” -- Sparkman coach Laron White. They said it ... : “Just trusting the play call and following my blocks.” -- Lopez. “Our linebackers, they really did a lot. They set the tone. They kept the contain on the quarterback and running back. And they just played really well. That’s what held our defense together.” -- Rolingson. What’s next? In Region 4 games, Sparkman travels to Huntsville while James Clemens goes to Albertville.

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JAMES CLEMENS EDGES SPARKMAN 13-9 IN OT

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al.com | 10/17/2020