After seven frustrating weeks, the Spartans put together a solid, balanced performance to defeat the Walnut Hills Eagles at Spartan Stadium, 20-6. This contest was a must win game for the Spartans as the cross township rivalry game looms in week 8. In what was truly a team effort, the Spartans posted win number 1, showing good resilience and heart to overcome their season long struggles.

Once again the game did not start well for the Spartans. After a quick three and out possession,  Walnut had a solid initial drive and threatened to score,  but Turpin’s defense stiffened forcing a field goal attempt, which was blocked. When a short Turpin drive stalled, Reed Rosebraugh booted a huge punt which was downed inside the one yard line. Opening the second quarter, the Spartans put together a nice drive which stalled inside the 10 yard line. The Spartans brought out kicker Addi Braun who proceeded to nail her first career field goal from 29 yards, giving the Spartans a 3-0 lead. Walnut was quickly back on the move having driven to the Turpin 35, when an errant Eagle pass was picked off by Charlie Feltman who returned the ball all the way down to the Walnut 5 yard line. The Spartans had to settle for a 2^nd Braun field goal of 22 yards, closing the first half with a 6 point lead.

After shutting down Walnut’s first drive of the second half, the Spartans took control of the game with a sustained drive that ended on Lucas Jones’ first TD of the season, a one yard run to the left side. Addi Braun hit the point after pushing the lead to 13-0 mid-way through the third quarter. After both teams saw drives stall, Walnut was on the move early in the fourth quarter when an Eagle fumble was recovered by Charlie Feltman. Turpin put an end to the suspense,  on Lucas Jones’ second TD of the night, a tough 11 yard scoring run. Addi Braun finished perfect on the night, driving the PAT home, scoring her 8^th point of the evening. Walnut avoided the shutout with a spectacular catch in the corner of the end zone on the final play of the game, but Turpin celebrated a 20-6 victory.

The best way to take the sting out of a disappointing season is to rise up and defeat your biggest rival. The Spartans get that opportunity next Friday when they visit Brown Stadium. While it will take their best effort of the season, the Spartans have the ability to spring the upset. Looking forward to seeing a great Spartan turnout on the other side of Beechmont.