Springfield football enjoys 3-1 start

The Springfield Spartans football team is addicted to winning games this season.

Springfield defeated Southeast 34-20 this past Friday and improved their record to 3-1 this season under second-yard coach Kevin Vaughn.

The three victories are helping make a 34-game losing streak that Springfield entered this season with a distant memory.

“It’s kind of been an inspiration to all in Springfield,” Vaughn said. “The schools is upbeat and there is a lot of electricity in the air. There seems to be a nice buzz in the community and there has a been support from everyone in the building, the teachers, the administrators, the students and the superintendent.”

Sophomore Dillon Matthews rushed for 125 yards and junior Zack Talbert rushed for 109 yards. Matthews and Talbert each rushed for a touchdown.

Senior quarterback Steven Cole threw two touchdown passes, one to junior Chase Cole and one to senior Joey O’Neil.

Vaughn said he is proud of his team, that features some seniors, but is mostly comprised of sophomores and juniors.

“There is a definite determination of getting that monkey of the back, so to speak,” Vaughn said. “The kids are playing very well and have improved each week. They focus on doing the task at hand and are now letting the success go to their head.”

“Our offense has put up more numbers than we have seen in a long time at Springfield,” Vaughn said. “Our rushing attack has been our bread and butter so far.”

Vaughn said the startes along the offensive line are juniors Erik Etapa, Kevin Johnson and Adam Lesar, and sophomores Dylan Harris and Brad Cullen.

“We knew we would be young up there, and we were not sure how successful,” Vaughn said. “Watching these kids grow up front has been impressive. They are learning and getting better and better each game.”

Senior Dustin Moneypenny recovered two fumbles on consecutive plays, one that resulted in a touchdown after an errant snap and one following an on-side kick.

“Definitely, Dustin had a good game last week,” Vaughn said. “Our defensive line has played outstanding all year. They are experienced. We have some big strong kids, and they cause a lot of disruption and make it easier for our linebackers to make plays.”

Vaughn said Harris, Chase Cole and senior defensive lineman Chris Evans also made an impact defensively. Sophomore Andrew Hofer stepped in and helped fill the void of his brother, senior John Hofer, who was out with an injury.