Series: Hartselle leads 9-0

Last meeting: Hartselle won 14-3 in 2008 second round of playoffs

Perfect regular season: The Tigers completed their third undefeated regular season in school history and the second in four seasons. The previous undefeated season was in 2008. Ironically, Hartselle faced Boaz in playoffs that year but in the second round. The Tigers were also ranked No. 1 entering the 2008 playoffs. However, the Tigers are hoping for a better result than that year, when they were knocked out by eventual state runner-up Russellville in the third round.

More time for Masio: Blake Slayton was sidelined with a leg injury last week, but the Tigers didn’t miss a beat thanks in part to Masio Stover. He picked up the slack and rushed for 217 yards on 21 carries. In addition to Stover’s production, the Tigers also got long touchdown runs from Jeston Thompson and Sidney Steele. Quarterback Deacon Aldridge and running back Blaze Lawrimore added more yardage to the ground game. In all Hartselle rushed for 448 yards against 6A Austin, probably one of the most impressive performances of the season.

Seventh-ranked scoring defense: Hartselle’s defense finished the regular season allowing 8.1 points per game, which ranks seventh in the AHSAA. They are the top-ranked scoring defense in Class 5A. The most points allowed in a game was against rival Decatur (21). This regular season ranks as one of Hartselle’s best defensive efforts in school history.

Boaz runner makes Prep Spotlight: Boaz running back Tyler Martin rushed 34 times for 289 yards and two touchdowns in a 14-7 win over previously unbeaten Sardis. Martin scored on a school-record 97-yard run with 8:14 left in the first quarter and added a 65-yard TD run.

Moving on: The winner of tonight’s game will play the winner of Pinson Valley at East Limestone. If Hartselle wins, they would host East Limestone or travel to Pinson Valley. If Boaz wins, they would host either East Limestone or Pinson Valley.