By Sam Roberts

For the Enquirer

After defeating Athens in a week three region matchup, the Hartselle Tigers (4-0) traveled to Muscle Shoals to face off with the Trojans (2-2).

Both teams struggled offensively to start the night, but an 84-yard strike to Luke Hornsby put Muscle Shoals on the board with just over two minutes remaining in the opening quarter. The Tiger offense failed to find any momentum, and they went scoreless for the remainder of the half, while the Trojans added another touchdown to the board behind a 74-yard carry into the end zone by Terrell McDonald.

Both teams went scoreless in the third quarter, and with only six minutes remaining in the game, the Tigers got on the board for the first time of the night, bringing the score within one possession at 14-7. The Hartselle defense stood strong, and upon regaining possession, the Tigers marched down the field for a six-yard completion into the end zone on fourth down to Keondre Swoopes, which brought Hartselle within one point.

Instead of kicking the PAT and heading into overtime, Hartselle went for it all, and a successful two-point conversion attempt with only a minute remaining gave the Tigers a 15-14 advantage they held onto as the clock ran out.

Hartselle moves to 4-0 on the season as the Tigers head into their bye week.