The Sparta Bulldogs (0-1) didn’t pick up a win in their season opener, which was also the debut of Phil Watson as coach of the team. But, the Dawgs showed some promise falling to Columbia (1-0), a state semifinalist last year, only 28-15.
Sparta even held a slim 8-7 lead early in the second quarter, but Columbia scored 21 consecutive points for the difference in the game.
The Eagles got on the scoreboard first as Tanner Hall scored from four yards out. Hall then kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead with 4:32 to play in the first quarter.
It was Sparta’s defense that put up the first points of the season for the team as they recorded a safety to trail just 7-2 with 17 seconds remaining in the opener quarter.
Just 35 seconds later, Sparta was back on the scoreboard as Blake Shelton connected with David Sams on a six-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion failed and Sparta led with 11:42 to play in the first half.
Columbia added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 21-8 lead into half-time.
Early in the third quarter, Columbia struck again as Clayton Revelle scored with a one-yard plunge as the Eagles’ lead increased to 28-8.
Sparta rounded out the game’s scoring as Zach Ferguson scored from one yard out and Shelton added the extra point with only 39 seconds remaining in the contest.
Sparta will host Benton Friday night in the team’s home opener.