Connor Landers is congratulated by Hartselle’s student section after the Tigers shut out Cullman 28-0 | Brent Maze

Luke Southerland and the Hartselle Tigers didn’t want to let this week’s game with Cullman come down to the last play.

The Tigers did just that, as Hartselle shut out Cullman for the first time in 20 years in the 28-0 victory Friday night at J.P. Cain Stadium.

“I felt like we prepared better than they did for this game,” Southerland said. “It was a great game for us.”

Hartselle coach Bob Godsey said it’s the first time that he’s been a part of a shutout against the Bearcats.

“There was a little bit of pressure on us to win tonight and stay in the chase for a playoff berth,” Godsey said. “We play in the toughest region in 6A. That’s all you can ask is to be in contention. We’re sitting here at 5-2 and we could have easily been 7-0.”

Ja’mal Jackson helped the Tigers get on the board first, returning Cullman’s first punt 77 yards for a touchdown. Cody Salem added the extra point to give Hartselle a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers converted two interceptions by Ja’mal’s twin brother Jaylan Jackson into a pair of Taylor Easterling touchdowns, both from 4 yards out.

The second interception was caused by Ja’mal coming on a corner blitz, which caused Cullman quarterback Anthony Crocker to the throw the ball up for grabs toward Jaylan.

The Tigers held Cullman to 193 yards while gaining 251 yards for the game on just 50 total plays. Easterling was the workhorse for the Tigers gaining 95 yards with the two scores.

Jake Tiffin wound up passing for 65 yards on just 12 passes and ran for 44 yards on six carries, including an 8-yard scramble on a broken play for Hartselle’s final touchdown with 9:26 to go in the game.

The Hartselle defense continued to pitch the shut out, thanks to players such as Lane Anders who came up with a sack, and Dustin Stephenson, who had an interception with less than two minutes to go to seal the shutout.

The Tigers will head on the road to take on Florence.