Spartans close out 'disappointing' season

OAKWOOD - The West Hall Spartans close out their 2003 season against Gilmer Friday night.

For coach Ken Aldridge, and a group of seniors who never failed to make the trip to the state playoffs, the end comes prematurely.

The seniors will not get a chance this year to get the Georgia Dome or anywhere else when the playoffs start in two weeks.

It marks the first time since 1999 West Hall (4-5, 4-5 in Region 7-AAA) will not be in the playoffs.

"It's been a frustrating year," Aldridge said. "Our goal was to make the playoffs and we're not going to be able to do that. That's not how these guys wanted to go out."

The Spartans were close, though. They lost two games by one point and another one by seven points. That still doesn't make Aldridge any happier.

"You always look back at what you could have done different," he said. "A play here or a series there. You can drive yourself crazy so I drive not to second guess anything. But we feel we're a much better team than our record."

Senior quarterback Mike Burgamy has had an outstanding season. He has 95 yards rushing and more than 700 yards passing so far and should increase those numbers against a Gilmer (3-5, 3-5) team that has allowed 128 points over the last three games.

Senior running back Devin Snapp, despite missing more than one game with a knee injury, has more than 700 yards rushing and over 200 yards receiving.

"Those guys have done everything we've asked - as has most of the players - and should feel good about how they've played this year," Aldridge said.

Aldridge said despite the sub par record for the Spartans, they have plenty to build on.

"This was a fairly young team with a lot of players who had never played varsity before," he said. "A lot of kids got playing time that they can build on for next year and beyond. And they can take with them the knowledge that every play, every series is important and that you have to work hard for 48 minutes to win. I expect us to be very hungry next year."