Baptism by fire tempered the Tigers

By Staff
Justin Schuver, Sports Editor
It almost feels like the Tigers have played two different seasons this year. That first "season" was an 0-3 start where Hartselle averaged just 7 points in each loss. The second "season" has been 3-1, with the one loss coming to a Top 10 and undefeated Cullman team on the road. In those four games since the 0-3 start, Hartselle is averaging 42.75 points per game (and their worst offensive output was still 20 points against Cullman).
"We've already been as low as we can be and now it just feels like we've got a lot of energy and hopefully we can keep it going," Hartselle senior linebacker Brad Borden said after the team's 42-0 win over Athens Friday.
Of course, some will make the argument that a reason for Hartselle's better play of late has been weaker competition – if you don't count 7-0 Cullman, the Tigers' three most recent opponents are a combined 8-12. Hartselle has the chance to answer those naysayers tonight as they face an extremely talented J.O. Johnson team on the road. Has Hartselle's offense turned it around? Here's what I think about that game and other games on this weekend's docket:
Hartselle Tigers (3-4, 3-2) at J.O. Johnson Jaguars (5-2, 3-2): Two weeks ago, I thought there was no way that Hartselle could win this game. But the Tigers have since put together strong back-to-back offensive and defensive performances, including a 42-0 win over Athens last week. Johnson and Hartselle each have the same two region losses (Russellville and Decatur), but the Jaguars lost those games by a combined 17 points while Hartselle lost by a combined 27. This one looks to be quite close on paper, but I'm going to give the Tigers the edge because I think their offense has more balance than Johnson's primarily run-based attack…Tigers 31, Jaguars 24.
Brewer Patriots (3-4, 1-4) at Athens Golden Eagles (2-5, 2-3): Both teams are coming off blowout defeats and are currently on the outside looking in when it comes to the Region 8 playoff picture. Athens played probably its worst game of the season against Hartselle, and the Golden Eagles will be angry and ready to beat up on a Brewer team that historically has not been very strong. But this is one of Brewer's better teams and Athens has really struggled to score this season – the Golden Eagles are averaging just 15 points a game. Don't be surprised if the Patriots hang around for a while…Golden Eagles 27, Patriots 14.
Ardmore Tigers (1-6, 0-5) at Priceville Bulldogs (3-4, 2-3): This is arguably the game the Bulldogs have been waiting for all season long. Last year, Ardmore squeaked by Priceville 7-6 and that game ultimately ended up being the loss that kept the Bulldogs out of the playoffs. This year, the Tigers have struggled in Region 7 play but you can be sure that the Bulldogs will not look past Ardmore. Priceville is just two region wins away from its first playoff berth in school history; they'll pick up one of those wins Friday…Bulldogs 24, Tigers 10.
Danville Hawks (0-7, 0-5) at Good Hope Raiders (5-2, 5-0): It's been another long season for Danville, which will have difficulty improving on its two-win season from 2006. The Hawks had an excellent chance to win last Friday, but a crucial fumble in the red zone proved to be the difference in a four-point loss to New Hope. Although the Raiders already have a playoff spot wrapped up, they are still fighting for home field advantage and won't take it easy on the winless Hawks…Raiders 31, Hawks 10.
Vincent Yellow Jackets (2-5, 1-4) at Falkville Blue Devils (4-3, 3-2): The biggest danger for Falkville in this game is if the Blue Devils are looking forward to their next game against Cleveland. Although the Yellow Jackets have just one win in Region 5 play, two of those losses are by just one point (27-26 loss at Pennington and 7-6 against Westbrook Christian). Falkville should probably win, but the Blue Devils had better be ready for a fight…Blue Devils 21, Yellow Jackets 17.
Tennessee Volunteers (4-2, 2-1 in SEC) at Alabama Crimson Tide (5-2, 3-1): This is a serious rivalry that has major implications in conference play, with Alabama currently tied for the SEC West lead while Tennessee is in the mix in the SEC East. Neither team has been terribly impressive defensively, although the Vols do seem to be playing better after holding their last two opponents to 14 and 21 points. Alabama has had problems stopping the pass all season, and Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge is one of the best in the conference. The Volunteers will score points, and it will be up for quarterback John Parker Wilson and the rest of the Tide offense to keep up. I don't think they will…Volunteers 31, Crimson Tide 20.
Auburn Tigers (5-2, 3-1) at LSU Tigers (6-1, 3-1): The SEC West is suddenly wide open after Kentucky's upset defeat of LSU last weekend. Both pairs of Tigers are tied with Alabama for the division lead, so at least one of these teams will still be in front no matter what happens Saturday. Auburn squeaked by LSU last season and it wouldn't be too surprising to see a similarly low score this year. There is too much in favor of the Bengal Tigers, though – they'll be mad from their upset loss, they want to avenge last year's loss to Auburn, and the game's at home at night in front of a raucous Tiger Stadium crowd…LSU Tigers 24, Auburn Tigers 13.
USC Trojans (5-1) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-6): A lot of fans were shocked when Stanford defeated USC two weeks ago, but the Cardinal's win was indicative of several negative trends that have persisted all season long for the Trojans. USC has not had a passing game to complement its running attack; the Trojans have incurred too many penalties; and USC has turned the ball over way too often. The Trojans have also been severely nipped by the injury bug. Meanwhile, the Irish have been slowly trending upwards, particularly on defense. A raucous home crowd will remember the last time USC visited South Bend (the 2005 "Reggie Bush push" game) and this year, the Irish will finish the job and add yet another chapter to this bizarre Year of the Upset…Fighting Irish 27, Trojans 24.