Quarterback Jake Tiffin keeps lose during half time of the Tigers’ spring game against James Clemens.| Joy Haynes

HHS football beats James Clemens 16-6 in spring game

The Hartselle Tigers hosted the James Clemens Jets in their spring football game on Thursday, May 14, at J.P. Cain Stadium. The varsity players played the first half, while the junior varsity players handled the duties in the second half.

At halftime, the Tigers led 6-3 thanks to two field goals by Collin Blackwood. The field goals were set up by long pass plays from Trevor Oakes to Jaxon Peebles and Kyle Hamlett. Jordan Stover added a big run to help the cause. The Tiger defense was solid in the first half, holding the Jets to only a field goal.

After a James Clemens field goal to start the third quarter, Hartselle marched the length of the field, highlighted by pass plays from Oakes to Connor Burks and runs by Stover and Nic Steele. Beau Nosal put the Tigers up 9-6 with a short field goal. Late in the 4th quarter, Keondre Swoopes intercepted a Jet pass, which led to a Luke Godsey to Mac Meyer connection for big yardage. Two plays later, Godsey capped the drive with a rushing touchdown. The final score was Hartselle 16, James Clemens 6.

“Overall, I think we had a very productive spring,” Head Coach Bob Godsey said. “However, the key is how much we improve from this point on; we have a lot of work ahead of us this summer.”

The Tigers open the season at Pinson Valley on August 21, at 7 p.m.