Sparkman beats Hartselle in spring game; Godsey pleased with team's effort

By Staff
Justin Schuver, Hartselle Enquirer
The ending of Hartselle's spring game Friday night would have been heartbreaking if the outcome had mattered.
Sparkman's Josh Carpenter completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Massey on the last play of the game as the Senators came from behind to win 26-21 at J.P. Cain Stadium.
But the game was not about a final score, it was about giving coach Bob Godsey and his staff a chance to see how their team would deal with in-game situations. And in that respect, the Tigers performed well – particularly in the first half where the varsity led Sparkman's varsity 14-10 before the subs took over in the second half.
"We were pleased overall," Godsey said following the game, which was originally scheduled for May 10 but had to be postponed following a rainstorm. "I think we had a good spring overall, but we've still got a long way to go to get ready for the upcoming season. There were some good things tonight, but also some errors that we've got to work on and get better.
"These kids will work to improve; they're good kids and they'll be ready to work hard in the summer and when fall practice starts."
The Tigers finished the 2006 season with a record of 11-2 and an appearance in the Class 5A semifinals.
Quarterback Luke Bole had a strong performance in the first half, completing 10 of 12 passes for 120 yards, including his first six passes in a row. Bole is expected to take over for Wes Chenault, who graduated this year after playing the last two seasons under center for the Tigers.
Tony Weaver was the team's leading receiver, finishing with 76 yards on four catches.
Hartselle also got a strong performance from running back Montrel Murphy, who returns to the team after sitting out the 2006 season. Murphy was the team's leading rusher as a sophomore in 2005, and finished the spring game with 64 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Murphy scored on a 2-yard run to give Hartselle a 7-0 lead and Marquez Jones scored on a 14-yard pass with two minutes left in the first half. Tyler Bennich kicked both extra points.
The Tigers added seven points in the second half when Malcom Fosset rushed 15 yards for a touchdown off an option pitch from Will Lang. Jud Roberts kicked the extra point.