Fall kickoff: A look at the Hartselle Tigers
Fall camp opened this week for the Hartselle Tigers. They open the season Aug. 25 at Austin.
The Tigers enter the season in the 4th year under Coach Bryan Moore, who is 29-6 at Hartselle and 77-18 overall in nine years at Hartselle, Jasper and Eufaula.
Until then, take a look at this year’s Tigers below and check back for a story, roster and pictures in the 2023 Morgan County Football magazine.
2022 Record: 12-1, lost in 6A quarterfinals at Mountain Brook
Key Returners: Ri Fletcher, Peyton Steele, Ja’kaleb Goodwin, Jake Haynes, Porter Simmons, Drake Borden, Landon Blackwood
Newcomers: Christian Baulding, Andrew Carroll
Key Losses: Jack Smith, Izayah Fletcher, Eli Tidwell, Tyde Witt, Reid Ellis, Treyce Oden, Dylan Green, Dalton Green, Kaden Worley, Walker Hoyle
Preview: The Tigers are reloading on offense around all-state selection Ri Fletcher who is entering his fourth year as a starter. Landon Blackwood takes over at quarterback with a new offensive line and receiving corps. While the offense is finding itself, Hartselle will be carried by the defense, which returns six starters and plenty of experience. Plus, the defense adds two transfers who will bolster the defensive line.
Coach Speak: “The defense must carry us early as our offense will be learning the ropes to start the season. I feel we have 20 to 22 players on the defensive side of the ball that is capable of being one of the best defenses we have seen in my four years.” – Coach Bryan Moore
2023 Schedule
Aug. 25: @ Austin
Sept. 1: Jackson-Olin
Sept. 8: Cullman *
Sept. 15: @ Columbia *
Sept. 22: Gadsden City
Sept. 29: Oxford
Oct. 6: Muscle Shoals *
Oct. 13: Athens *
Oct. 20: @ Decatur *
Oct. 27: OPEN
Nov. 3: @ Bob Jones
*Region game
“Our non-region opponents provide us with different challenges that prepare us for the postseason,” Moore said. “Having Muscle Shoals and Cullman at home for the first time since 2020 is big for us. Athens will be the most improved region team this season. Decatur will provide a tremendous test late in the season in a difficult atmosphere.”
