The Sparta and Murphysboro football teams are almost mirror images of each other. Both squads are very athletic, can be explosive on offense and are looking for its first win of the season.
“Murphysboro is very athletic and they have a lot of starters back from last year,” said Sparta coach Phil Watson. “They have a very good stable of running backs and a quarterback that is experienced. They also play very aggressive on defense. If we can limit our turnovers and mistakes, this is a game where we can play with them.”
Sparta fell to Columbia 7-6 in week one and then lost to Benton 37-12 last week.
Murphysboro lost to Carbondale 23-12 in week one and 22-14 to Anna-Jonesboro last Friday night.
Last year, Murphysboro wore down the Bulldogs for a 28-14 win at home. Sparta dressed only 20 players for that game.
This is a game that Sparta can win, but they can’t afford any mistakes because Murphysboro has some very explosive players. If the Bulldogs can get some stops on defense and continue its big-play offensive attack, don’t be surprised if Sparta wins the contest.
However, Murphysboro has played the better opponents so far this season and that experience will be the biggest difference.

Editor’s prediction: Murphysboro 28, Sparta 15