The Springville Tigers opened the 2009 football season with a 14-6 region victory over Walker last week. It was a defensive struggle and a game marred by 16 penalties combined by both teams.

The Tigers had a great chance to get on the scoreboard early as they took the opening kickoff and marched 54 yards to the Walker 5-yard line, but the drive stalled.

The rest of the first half consisted of punts and an interception by SpringvilleÕs Shawn Fitzgerald. At halftime, the score was 0-0.

Walker got the ball first to start the second half but five plays into the drive, SpringvilleÕs Dylan Hicks intercepted a pass.

The Tigers were unable to pick up a first down and were forced to punt.

Ten plays later, Josh Gibson intercepted a Walker pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown with 4:48 remaining in the third quarter. Kyle Williams added the PAT to make it 7-0.

Three plays later, Walker answered as quarterback Maxwell Young ran 65 yards for a touchdown. The PAT was no good and Springville was still on top 7-6.

The Tigers were forced to punt the next time they had the ball but once again, the defense came up with a big play as they intercepted Young for the fourth time. This interception was by Jeremy Richardson.

Five plays later and on into the fourth quarter, Demarcus Tremble scored from 3 yards out. The PAT by Williams was good to make the score 14-6 with 11:11 remaining in the contest.

Lamarr Steward ran the ensuing kickoff back 56 yards to the Tiger 21. Five plays later, Walker had a fourth down at the 3-yard line but the Tiger defense stiffened and held.

Following a Springville punt, Walker took over at the Tiger 41. Five plays later, Carson Roberts and Jacquese Kirk hooked up for a 42-yard touchdown pass but it was nullified due to a holding penalty. The Tigers held on for the win.

“We are very excited and I am happy for our guys,” said Springville head coach Keith Maple. “This is our first time to beat Walker and all of our hard work is finally coming to fruition.

“Josh Gibson was the difference maker in the game. He did a good job at quarterback but it was his interception return for a touchdown that changed the game.”

Gibson finished the game 11-of-20 passing for 115 yards. Richardson caught 4 of the passes for 57 yards. Tremble rushed for 110 yards on 22 carries and scored one touchdown.

Springville, 1-0 in region play and overall, travels to Pleasant Grove tomorrow.