Season opening win gives David Arnsparger big grin

SALEM—David Arnsparger didn’t need words to describe how he felt Thursday night.

The look on his face said it all — a grin from ear to ear.

For the first time since he was hired to take over the Wildcat program, West Limestone earned a win over Clements. The score was 28-12. The win also erased a five-year losing drought to the Colts.

“It’s always a heck of a game with us and Clements,” Arnsparger said. “They are such a well-coached team. Their coaches always do a great job keeping their team focused and in the game. Every year for the last three years, we’ve been ahead by a touchdown at the half. Last year and the year before, their kids came out, their coaches had them focused and they’ve come out and ended up winning the game and beating us by making a play in the fourth quarter.

“Thursday night it was the same situation just like it has been the last three years, we just so happened to make the play and they didn’t. Nothing against Clements, they’re a very good team, but that’s how you want it in football. You want to put the kids in a situation where somebody’s got to make a play.”

According to Arnsparger, the Wildcats 55-18 win over Priceville during their preseason jamboree gave his team a little extra momentum heading into the rivalry game Thursday.

“We came out of that game with a lot of confidence,” Arnsparger said. “We felt like we kind of figured out what we were really good at. The kids really like doing what we’re doing right now and they’re all excited.”

The Wildcats hit the practice field again Monday afternoon in preparation for Colbert County Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at James Kennemer Stadium.