Maturity shows in HHS win

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
The underdog role seems to fit Hartselle’s football team just fine, thank you.
Hartselle, the defending Class 5A, Region 8 champions with a lineup filled with players who had limited roles last season, stepped to the top of the region race with an impressive 27-13 victory over second-ranked Russellville Friday at J.P. Cain Stadium.
It was the Tigers’ second straight regular season win over the rival Golden Tigers and gave Hartselle a small measure of revenge for a loss to Russellville in the third round of the playoffs last November.
Hartselle wasn’t dominating. The Tigers didn’t need to be, either. That’s not this team’s style.
So, when Russellville looked ready to climb back in the game in the second half, Hartselle responded.
After a late personal foul against Russellville, Hartselle kept the pressure on and controlled the football to keep the pressure on its opponents.
Russellville threw four interceptions in the game and struggled offensively in the second half against the composed and consistent Tigers.
Now Hartselle faces another challenge from Cordova, the 3A runnerup a year ago, in a non-region game this week.
That’s what Godsey has been preaching all season and the players have bought into that philosophy.
Sports editor Todd Thompson can be reached at 773-6566 or at todd.thompson@hartselleenquirer.com