Previewing Hartselle’s 2022 football schedule
Following last season’s disappointing end, coach Bryan Moore said that he needs to improve the Tiger’s schedule to better prepare them in the future.
He followed through on that promise for the Tigers’ 2022 season in which they will face four teams who are ranked just outside their classifications’ Top 10. Of their ten opponents, six made the 2021 playoffs with two advancing to the second round.
Here is a look at the Tigers’ 2022 schedule.
Aug. 19: Austin at Hartselle
The Tigers open their season by welcoming Austin to J.P. Cain Stadium. Hartselle defeated the Black Bears 29-0 last season. The Black Bears have nine starters returning on offense and 10 players who started at least one game on defense. They averaged 21.9 points per game while giving up 26.8. The Black Bears will be led by quarterback De’Air Young and linebacker Druce Clarke. The Tigers lead the series 31-23-1.
Aug. 26: Jackson-Olin at Hartselle
A newcomer to Hartselle’s schedule is the Jackson-Olin Mustangs. The Mustangs finished 9-3 last season after falling to Mountain Brook in the second round of the playoffs. They defeated Cullman 22-14 in overtime to open the playoffs. Jackson-Olin averaged 34.0 points per game last season while giving up 23.1. They are heading into year one under head coach Jamaal Bess. This will be the first matchup of the two teams.
Sept. 2: Hartselle at Cullman
The Tigers make a return trip to Woodard Stadium after defeating Cullman 35-14 there last season. The Bearcats finished third in the region last year and were 7-4 on the season. They averaged 23.3 points per game last season while giving up 15.6. Cullman will be led by quarterback Ryan Skinner. The Tigers lead the series 49-47-4.
Sept. 9: Columbia at Hartselle
Columbia is scheduled to visit Hartselle on September 9th. The Eagles forfeited to Hartselle last season. The last time the teams met on the field, the Tigers won 56-0 in 2020. Columbia has lost 62 consecutive games heading into the 2022 season. They averaged 3.0 points per game last season while giving up 35.0. The Tigers lead the series 6-0.
Sept. 16: Hartselle at Gadsden City
The Tigers open a treacherous four-game road trip with a visit to the Gadsden City Titans. The Titans dropped to 6A after playing in 7A the last eight seasons. They finished 5-5 last season after averaging 20.8 points per game while giving up 22.0. Gadsden City will be led by quarterback Luke Waldrop, offensive lineman Aaron Wood and defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick.
This will be the first matchup of the two teams.
Sept. 23: Hartselle at Oxford
Hartselle travels to Oxford for a matchup with the Yellow Jackets. Oxford finished 7-5 last season after advancing to the 6A second round. They averaged 19.9 points per game last season while allowing 27.7. The Yellow Jackets are led by second-year head coach Sam Adams. Sam Robertson returns for Oxford at quarterback. Oxford leads the series 2-0.
Sept. 30: Hartselle at Muscle Shoals
The Tigers return to J.F. Moore Stadium looking for a repeat of last season’s 52-35 win over the Trojans. Muscle Shoals finished last season 9-2 and runner-up to the Tigers in region play. They averaged 38.1 points per game while giving up 17.5. The Tigers lead the series 16-11-1.
Oct. 7: Hartselle at Athens
Hartselle closes out the road portion of their schedule with a trip up I-65 to Athens. The Golden Eagles played the Tigers closer than anyone else last season before falling 45-34. Athens finished 4-6 last season and missed out on the playoffs. They averaged 23.6 points per game while giving up 31.0. The Tigers lead the series 40-32-2 and have won 19 of the previous 23 games.
Oct. 14: Decatur at Hartselle
Hartselle closes out region play as Decatur comes to J.P. Cain Stadium. The Tigers defeated the Red Raiders 42-21 last season. The Red Raiders will start seven seniors on offense and nine on defense. They averaged 23.4 points per game while giving up 23.7. Decatur will be led by quarterback Ellis Dickman and linebackers Mylon Miller and Tommy Cazier. Decatur leads the series 59-29.
Oct. 28: Bob Jones at Hartselle
Hartselle closes out the regular season with a visit from the Bob Jones Patriots. The Patriots finished 5-6 last season after losing in the first round of the 7A playoffs. Bob Jones averaged 33.5 points per game while giving up 30.4. They will be led by quarterback Rayshawn Hardy and linebacker Rowan Jones. The Tigers lead the series 4-1.
