By JOSEPH ANTONIO / For the Reporter

Columbiana – The Springwood Wildcats struck early in the first quarter off the first of six turnovers by the Cornerstone Christian Chargers when Chandlor Champion picked up a fumble and dashed down field into the end zone for the game’s first score. After a missed extra point, the Wildcats lead 6-0.

The second quarter began with the Wildcats Shykee Thomas scampering down field on a long touchdown run to increase Springwood’s lead to 13-0 with 9:40 to go until halftime. The Chargers turned the ball over for a second time and the mistake proved costly as Thomas added another score for his squad, bringing the lead to 19-0.

Springwood took full advantage again of a third Cornerstone turnover, when Champion would bring the score to 27-0 on the following series. The Chargers finally scored their first touchdown off a Hail Mary from Tucker Johnson to Jeffrey Odgers right before the half to pull to 27-8.

Cornerstone pulled closer when Logan Tucker scored the Chargers second touchdown to bring the score to 27-14. However, Springwood added another touchdown on the ensuing drive by Steven Stuntz to put the game out of reach at 33-14. Thomas added one more score to put the final tally at 40-14.

Cornerstone head coach Tim Smith remained optimistic about his squad. “This group of kids won’t quit on me. They come to practice and we get better every day,” he said after the game. Cornerstone will travel to Northside in Dothan next Friday.