Curtis, Springport Fighting Back in Football

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports 

(October 5. 2024 8:00 AM ET) During a recent football game against Stockbridge, Springport High School took an early lead, gave up a number of points in the final quarter, experienced the lights going out, and a stoppage of the game due to lightning.

In the past, the Spartans may have folded under all of the crazy things going on.

But this is a different kind of team according to SHS senior Ben Curtis.

Curtis and the Spartans were 5-0 heading into action on Friday.

A win against Reading on Friday in Big Eight Conference action would mean the Spartans have as many wins – 6 – as they have in the last three seasons.

Head Coach Ben Pack took over the program last spring and the first thing he did was meet each player one on one.

“I was instantly hooked when I met him,” Curtis said. “I was impressed with how professional he was and his will to win.”

And win they have. The Spartans are averaging 32 points per game and giving up only 11 points on defense through five games.

“We have all bought into the 1,000 rep club,” Curtis said of the offensive success. “We have run about every play 1,000 times since June.”

Curtis plays a unique position – called an H Back. He is like a guard who can also catch passes using his speed to knock down opposing linemen when he pulls.

“I am a pulling guard who can catch passes,” Curtis said of the position. “We have been able to establish the run game and have a lot of 6-foot 2 inch or 6-3 guys who can catch passes.”

Curtis said the biggest thing the Spartans have learned is to fight back when things go wrong … like in the Stockbridge game.

“Our mentality used to be when things went wrong we could give up,” Curtis said. “We have learned to take a punch in the face and fight back.

“There is a lot more fight in us this season.”

Fans have been taking notice as Curtis said there were Springport fans filling the stands and standing along the fence during their last home game.

“It was a lot of fun to see.”

Curtis plans to complete his 13th year through the school and receive his associate degree in applied science. He would like to study engineering and business management for the next step.

A 3.85 grade point average will help the senior at the collegiate level.

Curtis moved to Springport in middle school and said he fell in love with the district right away.

“Everyone in the district comes together to support you,” Curtis said.