Warriors fall to CAK in defensive battle

On Sept. 4, the Christian Academy from Knoxville came to Sparta to take on the Warriors of White County.  CAK was 2-0 on the season and had averaged 34 points a game.  The two teams struggled on the offensive side of the ball, and both defenses dominated the game.  The CAK Warriors needed a defensive score to win the game and steal one from the Sparta Warriors.  The final score 10-7 in a thrilling nail biter, as Sparta took its first loss of the season. 

Sparta took the opening kickoff 85 yards to paydirt as Ethan Light found the seam down the middle then broke free down the sideline for the score, however, that dreaded yellow hankie brought the ball back with a block in the back penalty.  The Warriors took over at the CAK 35-yard line.  It only took four plays to get the points back on the scoreboard as Clark took the direct snap and rumbled his way into the end zone.  Dawson Stewart added the extra point to give the Warriors from Sparta a 7-0 lead at the 10:49 mark in the first quarter. 

Both teams played strong defense the rest of the first quarter, and the quarter ended, with Sparta leading 7-0 at the break.   CAK moved to the Warrior one-yard line and the Sparta defense stepped up and held The CAK Warriors to a 17-yard field goal. The score, with 11:04 to play in the first half, was 7-3 in favor of the home team, Sparta Warriors.  CAK threatened after an interception, however, Javyn Strode intercepted the CAK pass in the end zone to end the threat.  The half ended with the score of 7-3, with Sparta in the lead.   

The second half saw both defenses not allowing the offense to get moving.  It was late in the fourth quarter when the game took a turn for the worse for the Sparta Warriors.  After a CAK punt and great return by Strode, a block in the back penalty pushed the ball back to the five-yard line.  The Warriors starting from deep in their own territory, moved the ball for two successful first downs giving them some breathing room.  Quarterback Dowell looked to the sideline as the ball was snapped.  The ball sailed over Dowell's head, and the CAK defense scooped up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown that gave them the lead.  The extra point was good, and, with a little over four minutes to play, the Sparta Warriors found themselves down three points.  The Sparta offense stalled, and CAK took the ball over on downs.  CAK ran the clock down to the one-minute mark before punting the ball to the Warriors.  The Warrior pass was intercepted by CAK, and the visitors ran the clock out for the win over the Sparta Warriors.

Rushing for the Sparta Warriors on the night saw Malaki Dowell rush 22 times for 86 yards.  Hunter Pope rushed six times for 29 yards.  Jayden Richmond rushed five times for nine yards. Caleb Bailey rushed three times for five yards.  D.J. Paul rushed one time for nine yards. Kade Clark rushed three times for three yards.  Nathan McCallister rushed one time for four yards.  Total rushing yards was 144 yards for the Warriors.  Passing for the Warriors was Malaki Dowell who went  four completions out of 12 attempts for 25 yards and two interceptions.  Total offense for the Warriors was 169 yards.  CAK had a total of 163 yards offense and was held to just three points by the Warrior defense.  The big play for CAK was the defensive score that put them ahead for the night. 

Head coach Mark Frasier stated, “I am proud of our kids, even though the outcome was not what we were after.  Hunter Pope and Kade Clark had outstanding games again.  Javyn Strode had two interceptions and more importantly made some really physical tackles.  We need to clean up some mental errors, but we do not have time to feel sorry for ourselves with a talented Cookeville next up on the schedule.”

Offensive Coordinator Greg Segraves commented, “Our kids played hard on offense.  We made some mental errors, and I will take the blame for those busts.  Taking nothing away from CAK, their team speed created some execution issues for us tonight.  They took our screen game away and pressured us with their front four.  Our defense played lights out despite the offense putting them in some bad situations.  We will regroup and keep working on getting better.” 

Defensive Coordinator Curtis Beaty also commented on the game. 

“None of us are happy about the outcome, but we proud of our guys tonight,” said Beaty. “The defensive line got pressure on a QB that has not been hit this season.  Our secondary had some big plays and big interceptions to stop their drives.  Our linebacker made solid tackles all night.  I am thrilled about the effort of our kids tonight.” 

The Sparta Warriors move to 1-1 on the season.  The Warriors travel to Cookeville, on Sept. 11.  Game time is set for 7 p.m. on the campus of Cookeville High School and the newly-turfed field.  Please make plans to attend and support the Warriors.