By Staff
Charles Prince, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle High School head football coach Bob Godsey has released the Tigers' 2005 varsity schedule. Hartselle will begin the year with a three-game road trip.
The season begins as the Tigers will travel to Austin Aug. 26 to play the Black Bears in a return match of one of last season's most entertaining games, won by Hartselle, 35-30. In week two, the Tigers will open 5A, Region 8 play when the travel to Jasper to face the Curry Yellow Jackets, Sept. 2. Last season Hartselle whipped Curry, 42-20.
The Tigers next game will be against defending region champion Russellville Sept. 9. The Golden Tigers beat Hartselle last season with a touchdown in the game's final minute, 35-28. Russellville has been to the last three 5A-state championship games, each time finishing as runner-up.
The Golden Tigers will bring a 29-game region-winning streak into the 2005 campaign.
The Tigers open their 2005 home schedule Sept. 16 when they host the Walker Vikings in a region tilt.
The Tigers won last season's matchup, 32-10.
The following week's game may draw the largest crowd of any home game this season, when the Tigers host their rivals from Decatur. In 2004, the Red Raiders were the only team to hold the Tiger offense without a touchdown.
On Sept. 30, the Tigers return to region play as they welcome in Muscle Shoals. In 2004 the Tigers crushed the Trojans, 49-14.
On Oct. 7, the four-game home stand ends when the Tigers face region foe and 5A semi-finalist Athens.
Hartselle won last season's matchup with the Golden Eagles, 31-20, behind a dominating second half of play.
The Tigers play their final road game of the regular season Oct. 14 when they travel to Cullman to take on their long-time archrivals. In 2004, the Tigers dominated the Bearcats, 47-21.
On Oct. 21, they return home for their final region game of the season against Brewer. Last season the Tigers outclassed the Patriots, 42-0.
Hartselle ends the regular season on Oct. 28 hosting the Florence Falcons. The 6A school fell to the Tigers in 2004 by a 34-14 count.
Prior to regular season play, the Tigers will host Hazel Green on Aug. 18 in a preseason jamboree.
All games will begin at 7 p.m.