Waid Miller tracks down Lawrence County’s Garret Marsh. | Brent Maze

Hartselle scored 28 points in the first 8:39 of the game, as the Tigers (2-0, 1-0) blew away the home-standing Lawrence County Red Devils 44-20.

Some might have expected the Tigers to be a little flat after Hartselle’s dramatic 14-11 win over Hillcrest last week, but that wasn’t the case.

Hartselle’s offense and defense were crisp, taking control of the game early and allowing plenty of playing time for the younger players.

“Our leaders did an excellent job this week getting our guys ready to play,” Godsey said. “We were real focused. We had a great week of practice and I really think our guys improved this week.”

Even though the Tigers failed to score a TD in regulation last week, Hartselle wasted no time getting into the end zone this week.

After Lawrence County’s onside kick went backward on the opening kickoff, D’Andre Mack wasted no time getting into the end zone. He rumbled 38 yards to the end zone for the touchdown. Jack Waterman added the extra point to make it 7-0 just 12 seconds into the game.

Jorden Robinson set up the second score, intercepting Lawrence County quarterback Jesse Childers at the Red Devil 25. Jake Tiffin tossed the first of his three touchdown passes on the second Tiger play of the game.

Jaylan Jackson hauled in the pass and darted 25 yards for the score. The Tigers were already up 14-0 just 79 seconds into the game.

Tiffin got then found Mack for a six-yard touchdown screen pass with 8:53 to play in the first quarter. That drive was set up by a Toby Swims fumble recovery.

Masio Stover added another touchdown with a six-yard rushing touchdown.

Mack and Tiffin, both got their third touchdowns of the night midway through the second quarter. The duo hooked up for a 13-yard touchdown pass, giving Hartselle a 35-0 lead at halftime.

Waterman, didn’t allow his second field goal attempt to be blocked. He nailed a 47-yard field goal to push the lead to 38-0 with 5:17 left in the third quarter.

Lawrence County finally got on the board as Childress hooked up with Donivan Wheeler for a 29-yard touchdown strike.

The Tigers backups took advantage of their opportunity in the fourth quarter. Zeth Malcolm capped off a long drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown.

Lawrence County added two touchdowns due to breakdowns in the special teams. Daniel Griffin returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown and Josh Marsh returned a poor Hartselle punt 55 yards for a touchdown.

However, it wasn’t enough as Hartselle cruised to the win.

Tiffin finished the game 8-for-11 for 107 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Mack led the rushing attack with 70 yards on six carries and two receptions for 19 yards. Masio Stover added 49 yards on 14 carries.