ATHENS – Sparkman’s defense has made a habit of creating turnovers and causing havoc for opposing offenses all season. The Class 6A, No. 10-ranked Senators lived up to their reputation in Friday night’s 31-14 win at Athens.

Sparkman created five turnovers – three fumbles and two interceptions – in the first half, resulting in a 24-7 lead at the break.

“Our defense has been doing that all season long,” Sparkman coach Roger Haynes said. “Athens helped us out with that in a few situations tonight though.”

The Senators defense didn’t waste anytime Friday. Defensive end Albert Rocker stripped the ball from running back Ferrell Williams on the second offensive series and returned the ball 18 yards for a touchdown.

On the ensuing series, Bryant Williams intercepted a Rob Ezell pass and carried the ball 11 yards for a touchdown.

“They are very good on defense,” Athens coach Allen Creasy said. “We had too many turnovers, and you can’t do that against Sparkman.”

Sparkman extended its lead to 21-0 in the second quarter when Williams scored on a 2-yard run. The Senators benefited from another Athens fumble midway through the second quarter when Adam Korak kicked a 22-yard field goal.

“When you have as many turnovers as we did tonight, your defense has to bow its neck and get some stops,” Creasy said. “We didn’t do that tonight.”

Athens scored its first touchdown of the game late in the second quarter when Ezell ran 4 yards for a touchdown.

Jeremy Stinnent intercepted Sparkman Jusmon Rivers on the 2-yard line early in the third quarter, but the Golden Eagles couldn’t move the ball and punted it out of the endzone on third down. Two plays later Lamonte Elston scrambled 44 yards for a touchdown.

Athens scored late in the fourth quarter on an 80-yard Ezell to Jacquez Pride touchdown pass.

Creasy said Athens can’t dwell on the loss because the Golden Eagles face another tough opponent next week in Briarwood Christian.