Athens falls in season opener

Published 11:53 pm Friday, September 1, 2017

Athens got its season off to a rough start as the Golden Eagles fell 48-11 to Class 7A Sparkman on Friday night.

Sparkman, coached by former Tanner coach Laron White, jumped out to a 22-0 lead and led 28-3 at halftime. Hunter Gibson ran for three touchdowns for the Senators while Kereon Coney and Syris Lewis both returned interceptions for touchdowns. Devin Kimbrough threw a touchdown pass to Nathan Gunn and Chris Sledge-Joiner scored a rushing touchdown for Sparkman.

Sean O’Conner kicked a field goal for Athens while Logan Smothers threw a third-quarter touchdown pass to Trent Young.

The Golden Eagles (0-1) will open up region play next week at home when they face Hartselle.