By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
Stopping J.O. Johnson’s big play capabilities was a big concern for Hartselle in the Tigers’ region opener with the Jags Friday night at J.P. Cain Stadium.
And that meant stopping the run.
Hartselle achieved its goal, limiting the Jags to just 12 yards rushing in a 44-14 victory.
The Tigers improve to 2-0 and 1-0 in Class 5A, Region 8 play, while J.O. Johnson fell to 0-1 and 0-1.
Hartselle scored 16 points in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Hartselle’s defense scored 14 points against J.O. Johnson with a pair of touchdowns and a safety. Jackson Reeves returned an interception 20 yards for a score and Steven Crowe recovered a fumble in the end zone after a bad snap.
The Tigers’ defense has scored four touchdowns through two games this season.
Hartselle took an early lead when James Seiglock scored with 3:51 left in the first quarter.
But J.O. Johnson answered with a 14-yard touchdown by Jamal Akins on a broken play with 2:31 remaining in the half.
Reeves’ scored off an interception, his second of the game, in the third quarter to give the Tigers a 14-7 advantage.
The Tigers added to the lead when Will Tiffin hauled in his first varsity touchdown pass from Will Lang in the second quarter.
Hartselle’s Steven Crowe added to the lead when he recoverded a bad snap in the end zone for a score.
Hartselle’s defense added a safety in the fourth quarter, while Malcom Fossett and Blake Slayton added touchdown runs.
Hartselle returns to action this week when the Tigers face East Limestone Friday.