Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

Hartselle opens region play this week with a road trip to Athens. Athens has had a rough three-year stretch. The Golden Eagles haven’t had a winning season or a playoff appearance since 2013 when they went 9-4 and made it to the third round of the playoffs. In those three years since, Athens has gone a combined 7-23. However, second year head coach Cody Gross has the Eagles pointed in the right direction despite an opening week loss to Sparkman. Last year, despite going 3-7, Athens was a much-improved team towards the end of the year. The Eagles fell to Decatur in the closing seconds while they were only a touchdown away from defeating region champions Austin. Meanwhile, the Hartselle Tigers have fielded yet another solid team despite the loss of several senior starters. The Tigers haven’t won less than seven games in a season since 2007 and have won eight or more games in seven of those nine games since.

Series history:

To say the recent series history as been kind to Hartselle would be an understatement. The Tigers are 11-0 against Athens since 2006. The last time Athens prevailed over Hartselle was in the third round of the 2006 playoffs. Athens won on a tipped touchdown catch and eventually went on to win the state championship. Athens has only come within single digits twice in those 11 games since. The Golden Eagles also have not won at home in this rivalry since 1992. Hartselle has won the last two games by a combined 76-21.

Offensive outlook:

Hartselle comes into this game with a new look offense. The Tigers run a spread option look that utilizes the dual threat abilities of quarterback Luke Godsey in the bets way possible. Attacking Athens defensive front seven will be a key in this game for Hartselle by making them run sideline to sideline and then attacking them late in the game when they’re tired. Getting a few big plays out of the play action passing game will also be huge.

For Athens, quarterback Logan Smothers runs the show in their spread attack. If the name Smothers sounds familiar to Hartselle fans, it’s because his older brother Landon earned three straight wins over Hartselle from 2013-2015 when he was the quarterback for Muscle Shoals. Landon may just be a sophomore, but he’s already displaying the same abilities that older brother Landon displayed. Athens will run many read option plays with Smothers.

Defensive outlook:

For Hartselle, stopping Smother’s running ability will be a big key in this game. Hartselle’s secondary will get it’s first true chance to shine this season. For the safeties, making tackles in the open field will be important while it will be up to the cornerbacks to keep Athen’s talented young receivers at bay.

For Athens, the task is simple, stop the Tigers’ option game. However, it’s easier said than done. The option offense forces the defense to think and make quick decisions or risk giving up a big gain. It’s hard to make those quick decisions when you are running at full speed.

Players to watch, Hartselle:

Offensive line- Hartselle’s offensive line consisting of J.M. Caparas, Alec Lovett, Jake Johnson, Zane Craven and Zeb Green, will have important roles in this game as Athens has some talent up front. Getting good blocks will be important for Hartselle’s run game.

Keondre Swoopes- the hero from the Cullman will once again be tasked with big responsibilities. Swoopes will no doubt be asked to shadow star Athens receiver Ke’Andre Jones.

Athens:

Ke’Andre jones, it’s important for Hartselle’s Swoopes to keep Jones from making big plays but it’s just as important for Athens that Jones makes the big plays.

Thomas Carter and Perry Kirby- Athens’ two top linebackers will be charged with reading Hartselle’s option offense and making big plays. One bad read could be the difference between a three-yard carry and a 30-yard carry in this game.

Overall:

This is an important game for both teams. Despite it only being the first region game, in Class 6A region every region game matters. The pressure is on Athens. Many believe Gross has them headed in the right direction, but now they need a big win to prove it. They came close several times last year but could never finish, which is the sign of a young team. They’re still technically a young team, but a win here can help them get over the hump. For Hartselle, nothing changes much for the Tigers they have been here before. Still, a win here is huge. A win here could make the difference at the end of the season.