By MARK WINDHAM / For the Reporter

ALABASTER — Kingwood Christian School gave up a 64-yard touchdown run on the second play of the game and wasn’t able to recover in a 56-0 loss Sept. 9 to visiting Bessemer Academy.

The Lions could get very little going as they fell behind 28-0 at the end of the first quarter to a Bessemer Academy squad that is expected to challenge for a state championship.

“Bessemer is a very good football team and we did not play well at all tonight,” said Kingwood coach Bob Spurgeon. “We have to get a lot better to be ready for Evangel next Friday.”

Kingwood (2-2 overall, 0-2 in AISA Class 3A, Region 2) struggled most of the night against the Rebels, as the Lions were able to get only 78 yards of total offense on the night. The Lions put together a strong drive late in the fourth quarter, but fell short at the 5-yard line on their final drive of the night.

One of the bright spots for the Lions was senior Charles Robinson, who returned eight kickoffs for 125 yards and returned an interception deep in Bessemer territory for 33 yards.

Offensively, Kingwood was led Dalton Sparks with 17 rushes for 38 yards. Quarterback Gavin Sumrall completed 4-of-15 passes for 20 yards with Robinson hauling in one pass for 12 yards.

Defensively, Terrence Peeples and Jacob Bussey had eight tackles each.