Spring jamboree: Spain Park 14, Hartselle 7

By Staff
Justin Schuver, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle's football team closed out its spring training season with a preseason matchup on the road against Spain Park May 11. Spain Park won the game 14-7, but for coach Bob Godsey and the rest of the Hartselle staff, the game wasn't about winning as much as it was about getting everyone a chance to play and contribute.
"I thought it went pretty well for us," he said. "We got a chance to play pretty much everybody we wanted to play."
The Tigers were shorthanded, particularly at the quarterback position where four of Hartselle's quarterbacks were still playing baseball. A total of seven players at all positions were unable to participate in the spring game because the baseball team was still in the playoffs.
Marquez Jones scored Hartselle's lone touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run in the third quarter. Godsey said that he started the varsity in the first half and began to sub in junior varsity and freshman players in the second half as the game progressed.
The spring game is a chance for young players to impress their coaches and Godsey said there were a few players who caught his eye this year.
He said that rising junior linebacker Brad Borden "was around the ball quite a bit" and noticed that rising senior defensive back Trey Stephenson "made some nice plays for us."
Hartselle had two interceptions in the game, one each from Manquez Jones and Troy Colman.
Godsey said that voluntary workouts will continue through the exam week and mandatory summer workouts will begin June 5. The Tigers will participate in two 7-on-7 camps this offseason, travelling to UNA in Florence on June 17 and hosting the Morgan County 7-on-7 at Walker Field June 29.
Hartselle opens its season Aug. 31 against Austin at Decatur High's Ogle Stadium.