Hartselle dominates in ninth consecutive win over Decatur

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Oct. 2—It was vintage Hartselle football Thursday night at Ogle Stadium.

Playing against their rival Decatur, the Tigers couldn't have put on a more traditional Hartselle performance if they tried as they rushed for 248 yards, forced two turnovers, scored twice on special teams and defeated the Red Raiders 38-0. It's Hartselle's ninth win in a row over Decatur, eight of which have come by at least 21 points.

"Special teams and defense dominated. Offensively with two quarterbacks going down for different reasons, we were able to run the ball and control the game," Hartselle head coach Bert Newton said. "Running the ball, playing great defense, that's Hartselle football."

Two weeks ago in their last time on the field, the Tigers had a frustrating night as they were outscored 31-0 in the second half against Muscle Shoals in a 45-14 loss. Newton said he knew his team was better than that and challenged them over the bye week to show it.

"We didn't even have a bye week really because we scrimmaged every day," Newton said. "We were full pads and we got after it. We challenged them and they answered."

Hartselle's defense responded with a perfect game on Thursday, holding Decatur to just 108 yards of total offense and forcing the Red Raiders to go 1 of 13 on third down.

The Tigers said the work over the bye week paid dividends.

"We hit all week last week, and it showed tonight because we were more physical," senior linebacker Holland Hurley said. "(Decatur) didn't get many yards, they didn't score. That's how we do it"

Hartselle quarterback Ross Letson threw a 9-yard touchdown to Braden Weathers and ran for another score on a 1-yard run. Asa Priola added a 1-yard score himself, Gatlin Dixon returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, and Tripp Reed returned a blocked punt for a score. Hurley and Mack Crow both had interceptions for the Tiger defense.

Maddox Southern (87), Jai Morrow (60) and Letson (55) Combined for 202 yards rushing. Decatur's DaNarrius Lampkin led the Red Raiders with five catches for 51 yards.

Decatur (1-6) will travel to Muscle Shoals next week, while Hartselle (3-3) will host Austin. With six teams vying for four playoff spots in Class 5A, Region 7, the showdown between the Tigers and Austin could have massive postseason implications.

"Every game, every day counts going forward. These guys know it, and they're attacking every day with that mindset," Newton said.

— caleb.suggs@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2

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