Spartans 23 Chapin 12

Fresh from a trio of pre-season jamboree wins, the Greer Spartans defeated the Chapin Developmental side 23-12 to open the 2012 season.

Played on a muddy field in pouring rain, the Spartans found some rhythm and fairly controlled the breakdown point for much of the first 15-20 minutes. But Greer found the try zone only twice thanks to a well-coached and disciplined Chapin defense.

Spartan winger Dominique Turner scored a try zone at the 10-minute mark to stake the Spartans to a 5-0 lead. Zach Roberts increased the lead to 10-0 slipping through a gap in the Eagle defense to dash 50 meters for score at the 20-minute mark.

The Spartan train was rolling, but then the wheels rolled off.

Captain Nick Rossanno left the game with a high ankle sprain. With several Spartans not making the trip due to injuries and other considerations, the team had to shuffle players to unfamiliar positions. Then hooker Brad Ernest was sin-binned for 15 minutes.

With the Spartans trying to sort out their roles – and with no subs on the sidelines – the Eagles scored two quick trys in the span of seven minutes to take a 12-10 lead at the break.

The Spartans, though, regrouped at halftime and implemented a new game plan. Roberts, who played center for much of the first half, moved to flyhalf in key situations. His tactical kicking and horrendous field conditions put pressure on the young Eagle fullback, who misplayed several balls.

At the seven-minute mark Peter Nelson touched down a kicked ball in the try zone to help the Spartans reclaim the lead 15-12. Five minutes later, Nelson connected on a penalty kick to extend the lead to 18-12. Benjamin Lumpkin, a full back, bulled into the try zone late in the game to seal the win 23-12.
With prop Elijah Byrd injured later, the Spartans played with final seven minutes a man-down.

To be sure, the Chapin team was resilient, but the Spartan defense and sloppy field combined to prevent the squad from mounting a consistent offensive attack.