Eagles shut down Coosa Valley

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 2, 2007

YORK &8212; The Sumter Academy Eagles celebrated their homecoming with a 27-20 victory over Coosa Valley Academy. They rushed for a total of 340 yards to help seal the win. The win also keeps Sumter in the hunt for a playoff spot. They are now 4-3 in their region and have a 5-3 overall record.

The Eagle defense held Coosa Valley scoreless in the second half to give the Eagle offense a chance to get going. Down 20-7 at the half, Sumter would reach the end zone once in the third quarter and twice in the fourth quarter to get the win.

Coosa Valley got on the scoreboard in the first quarter. They would get two more scores in the second quarter. The Eagles lone touchdown in the first half was a one-yard run by Hunter Spidle.

Email newsletter signup

Sumter Academy cut into the deficit in the third quarter when Cain Conway plowed in from one yard out to make the score 20-14 after place kicker Bill Tartt kicked his second point after. The third quarter would end with that score.

Spidle added his second touchdown of the night in the fourth quarter, when he went over on an eight-yard gallop, and with the point after the Eagles went on top for the first time in the game, 21-20.

Sumter added another touchdown on a drive that culminated on Joseph Reed&8217;s two-yard plunge. The point after failed making the final score, Sumter Academy 27 Coosa Valley 20.

Reed topped all rushers with 175 yards. He also added two interceptions. Spidle added 153 yards on the ground. Linebackers James Gibson and Stevie Ray led the defense with eight tackles each.

The Eagles will continue to vie for a playoff spot next week when they visit Warrior Academy in Eutaw.