GADSDEN – Chris Joiner powered a strong Sparkman running game in a 21-9 win over Gadsden City. It was the Class 7A Region 4 opener for both teams.

Joiner rushed for 112 yards on 25 carries, including a touchdown. The Senators (2-0, 1-0) rolled up 172 yards on the ground and added another 73 yards in the air while the defense forced three Gadsden City turnovers and limited the Titans (0-2, 0-1) to just 140 total yards.

Sparkman struck first when quarterback Jacob Medlan found Rondell Cole for a 39-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter. A Gadsden City field goal cut the lead to 7-3 at intermission.

The Senators’ defense got on the scoreboard when Bradley Butler returned a Titans’ fumble for a touchdown and a 14-3 lead with just under 9 minutes to play in the third quarter.

Joiner wrapped up the scoring for Sparkman in the closing seconds of the quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run and a 21-3 Senators’ lead.

Sparkman hosts Grissom in a Region 4 clash Friday.