Hartselle players to watch this football season
For the Enquirer
As the football season nears, here’s a look at some of the top players for the Hartselle Tigers..
Noah Lee, QB – Lee returns for his second season as a starter for the Tigers. He replaced last year’s starter, Landon Blackwood, early in the season when he suffered a season-ending leg injury. Lee, who was a starting receiver at the time, came in and led the Tigers to seven wins in the last nine games. He led multiple fourth quarter, game-winning drives in wins over Gadsden City, Oxford, Athens and Decatur despite getting injured in the Gadsden City game.
Porter Simmons, DL – The defensive line will be led by Simmons, who will be a four year starter at defensive end. He has received multiple college offers over the summer and should see more throughout the fall. According to coach Bert Newton, “Simmons’ combination of size and speed makes him hard to block.”
Jace Preuitt, DB – Preuitt had a huge season for Hartselle last season and looks to take it to the next level this season. He could be found all over the field for coach Newton, whether it was in the opposing teams backfield or covering receivers downfield. One of his biggest plays of the season came in the Gadsden City regular season game when he made a strip sack in the endzone and then recovered the ball for a touchdown.
Cole Miles, DB – Miles burst onto the scene early in the season for the Tigers. But it was his play in the Decatur game that made people start paying attention. He had a blocked punt late in the game that put Hartselle in position to come from behind to get the 20-19 win. And as injuries hampered the team in the second round of the playoffs, Miles had a blocked kick and an interception that kept the Tigers in the game.
Harrison Tapscott, OL – Tapscott will lead a talented offensive line for the Tigers. He is a two-year starter at center who knows how to finish a block and open run lanes.
Markus Tapscott, WR – Tapscott will be the main target for Lee when he looks to pass. He is a tall, lean receiver, who can dominate smaller defensive backs and win those jump balls when needed too. Jayden Morris, RB – Morris is moving into the backfield after being a receiver and part-time running back last season. He has the talent to be a true dual threat out of the backfield.
