Goal line stand preserves Rockets victory over Mountain Brook

Mountain Brook’s valiant, last-minute drive fell short with a goal-line turnover, allowing the Gardendale Rockets to squeak by with a 14-9 victory.

A half-time lead, coupled with a dominant performance by running back Gene Bromberg, brought the Spartans within seconds of a thrilling comeback win.  The goal-line turnover came in the game’s final seconds, on a fourth down pass play.

Bromberg led the Mountain Brook ground game with 138 yards on 29 carries.  Buddy Pell scored contributed a rushing touchdown for the Spartans.

Mountain Brook carried a 9-0 lead into the locker rooms at halftime, thanks most to a whopping 169 yards in the first quarter alone.  The Gardendale Rockets chipped away at the lead with methodical drives until taking the lead for the first time in the opening moments of the fourth quarter.

The win marked the first victory by the Rockets over Mountain Brook since 1991.  Tonight’s game marked the fourth contest between the teams during that time.

The Spartans, 0-3, and 0-2 in the region, face another road test next week as they travel to Woodlawn.