Hartselle Dominates Rival Athens with Late-Game Surge, Stays Unbeaten in Region 7
Under the bright Friday night lights, the Hartselle Tigers reminded everyone why they’re among Alabama’s football elite. Ranked No. 4 in Class 6A, Hartselle turned up the heat in the final quarter, pulling away from rival Athens with two back-to-back touchdowns to secure a decisive 28–14 victory.

The matchup had all the tension of a rivalry game, a clash steeped in pride, grit, and history. Both teams traded blows through three quarters, but Hartselle’s composure and depth ultimately proved the difference. When the fourth quarter began, the Tigers hit another gear. In just a matter of minutes, they found the end zone twice, breaking open what had been a tight contest and silencing a home crowd that had been electric all evening.
Now sitting at 7–0 overall and 4–0 in Region 7, Hartselle remains one of the most dangerous teams in Alabama high school football. They entered the night as one of three unbeaten squads in the region alongside Muscle Shoals and Jasper but that tie didn’t last long. Muscle Shoals handled the Vikings with a convincing 34–15 win, shaking up the regional standings and tightening the race for the top.
For Hartselle, the road ahead only gets tougher. The Tigers will travel to
Jasper next week, a matchup that’s shaping up to be a battle for dominance in Region 7. Then, on October 24, they’ll host the powerhouse Muscle Shoals Trojans, a game that could very well determine who claims the regional crown.
For now, though, Hartselle’s fans can breathe easy and revel in another statement win. The Tigers didn’t just beat their rivals, they reminded everyone that champions know how to finish strong.