A blocked extra-point in the first quarter proved to be the difference, as Columbia (1-0) edged past Sparta (0-1) 7-6 Friday night in the home opener for the Bulldogs.
“They blocked our extra point, and we couldn’t block theirs,” said Sparta coach Phil Watson. “That was the difference in the game.”
Zach Ferguson got the season started off right for Sparta, as he sprinted to a 77-yard touchdown with under a minute gone in the first quarter. The extra point kick was blocked, and Columbia took the lead for good nearly six minutes later, as Alex Schlemmer scored from 12 yards out.
“I thought this game would be pretty even, and it was,” added Sanders. “It came down to special teams play, and that is where they held the advantage. I was pleased with the effort and our physical play, as we didn’t give up. We just had way too many turnovers and penalties.”
The Bulldogs turned the ball over four times, but forced Columbia into five turnovers.
Sparta finished with 139 rushing yards on 26 attempts and  99 yards passing, while Columbia picked up 88 yards on the ground and 172 through the air.
Darious Jackson completed 8-of-17 passes for 92 yards with an interception, while Alex Sopiars caught five passes for 56 yards.
The Bulldogs travel Friday night to take on Benton (0-1).