Roundup

Cold Springs couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the 2018 campaign, downing Meek 34-20 in Thursday’s home and season opener.

Ayden Alexander, Brodi Williams and Calvin McNabb each had a hand in two touchdowns for the Eagles, who only needed one game to match last year’s win total. Roberto Ayala was also in on a score.

Cold Springs quickly sprung to a 14-0 first quarter lead behind a pair of Alexander TDs — the first a run and second a catch on a pass from Williams. McNabb pushed the advantage to 21-0 with a six-point sprint in the second quarter, and Ayala pulled in a 65-yard touchdown toss from Williams to give the Eagles a 28-0 cushion going into halftime.

Meek clawed back to 28-14 midway through the third quarter before McNabb essentially iced the triumph with his second score almost halfway into the final frame. The Tigers added one last touchdown with 4:58 remaining, but the Eagles made sure it ultimately didn’t matter.

“We’re awfully excited for our kids,” said Cold Springs coach Rod Elliott. “Last year was a tough year. We’re just going to enjoy the night and get back to work tomorrow.

“I can’t hardly think about things we did wrong, because I don’t want to. I want to enjoy it.”

The Class 2A Eagles will stay inside the friendly confines of Cranford Stricklin Stadium to host Berry next Friday before beginning region action the following week at Southeastern.