By Staff
Justin Schuver, Sports Editor
RUSSELLVILLE — When I talked to Hartselle coach Bob Godsey following the Tigers’ brutal 45-21 loss to Russellville Friday night, there was a consistent theme through all his comments.
He said his team would bounce back and not let this loss affect the rest of their season. Those are words I believe the Tigers will take to heart. Through just three weeks of the high school football regular season, Hartselle has been through three tough battles — a triple overtime game, a win over a rival and a loss to a team that has been historically the biggest powerhouse in north Alabama.
The key now is for Hartselle to take what it has learned in those tough games and to use those lessons during the remainder of its regular season slate. It is highly unlikely that the Tigers will face another opponent the caliber of the Russellville Golden Tigers, so if Hartselle can keep an even keel they should be able to make their goal of getting back to the playoffs.
And who knows, maybe if the Tigers get into the postseason, they might get another shot at Russellville somewhere down the road.
Here’s this week’s picks.
Muscle Shoals Trojans (1-2, 1-1) at Hartselle Tigers (2-1, 1-1): Hartselle is coming off a disappointing trouncing at Russellville, and a mediocre Muscle Shoals team is just what the doctor ordered. The Trojans have enough talent to keep this one close for a while, but the Tigers should pull away late and pick up another “W”…Tigers 31, Trojans 17.
Cold Springs Eagles (0-3, 0-2) at Falkville Blue Devils (2-1, 1-1): The Blue Devils’ defense came up strong in a 19-0 shutout of Fultondale last week. Falkville can really get into the thick of the Region 5 standings with a win over a sub-par Cold Springs team…Blue Devils 35, Eagles 10.
West Point Warriors (0-3, 0-2) at Brewer Patriots (0-3, 0-2): One of these teams will pick up its first Region 8 win Friday night. Last weekend, Brewer stayed with Muscle Shoals for a while but West Point was blown out completely by Athens. It’s hard to get a read on this one, so when in doubt, go with the home team…Patriots 35, Warriors 28.
Vinemont Eagles (2-1, 1-1) at Danville Hawks (0-3, 0-2): Danville’s record this season is perhaps the most misleading in the state. The Hawks have lost all three games this season by one point, making this game against Vinemont an absolute must win if the Hawks have any hopes of sneaking into the postseason. With its backs up against the wall, Danville will deliver in front of its home fans…Hawks 28, Eagles 27.
Priceville Bulldogs (2-1, 1-1) at North Jackson Chiefs (3-0, 2-0): The Bulldogs’ fans have to be really happy with Priceville’s play so far. They shouldn’t be too disappointed when the Bulldogs lose on Friday; North Jackson is one of the top Class 4A teams in the state…Chiefs 42, Bulldogs 17.
Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0) at Arkansas Razorbacks (2-1, 1-0): Through three games so far, Alabama has managed to get by with a mediocre offense and a defense that seems to make the right plays at just the right time. The Crimson Tide’s offensive weakness will finally catch up to them against a difficult road opponent that played Alabama tough in Tuscaloosa last season…Razorbacks 17, Crimson Tide 13.
Buffalo Bulls (Who really cares) at Auburn Tigers (3-0): Maybe if Auburn was playing the Buffalo BILLS this would be an entertaining game. Maybe…Tigers 56, Bulls 0.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-1) at Michigan State Spartans (3-0): The Irish never quite got it going against Michigan last week, with the normal Notre Dame weaknesses in the secondary again rearing their ugly heads. Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton gave the Irish fits last season as the Spartans knocked off Notre Dame in its first home game.
But coach Charlie Weis’ team plays better on the road, and they’ll have revenge on their minds…Fighting Irish 35, Spartans 20.