Hartselle Junior High drops first two soccer games
The Hartselle Junior High Tigers opened their soccer season with a tough start Saturday, playing two games in a threeteam lineup. Hartselle faced Austin Middle School first, followed by Austin’s matchup with Athens Middle School, and then the Tigers squared off against Athens in the final game of the day. Athens won both of their games, while Austin picked up one victory.
Hartselle’s defense worked hard to protect the goal, but the game ended 12 minutes early with Austin winning 11-1. The Tigers scored early in the first half, but Austin’s 11th goal triggered the mercy rule, which ends the game if one team leads by 10 goals in the second half.
Athens defeated Austin 6-2 in a full game, with the Golden Eagles coming out on top.
In the final game, Hartselle put up a strong effort against Athens, nearly scoring in the first half. However, Athens’ defense shut down every attempt. The first half ended with Athens leading 9-0, and the Eagles scored their 10th goal just two minutes into the second half, ending the game via the mercy rule.
While the Tigers’ season didn’t begin on a positive note, Coach Nolan Trent mentioned that he “saw improvement as the game went on.” The team was learning and showing persistence as the games went by, Trent said, adding they were “pushing themselves to find ways to improve,” and he is confident that their skills will develop as the season progresses.
The Tigers will play their next game Feb. 11 at Muscle Shoals.
