Todd Thompson
Hartselle Enquirer

Hartselle players took their time leaving the field at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex Monday after claiming their second county title in the last five years.

The Tigers, and justifiably so, wanted to enjoy this title for a little longer – especially the team’s 10 seniors who were playing in their final county tournament.

Hartselle stunned defending county champion Austin in the championship game Monday night at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex with the help of three second half goals.

The Tigers weren’t really expected to unseat Austin from the Black Bears’ throne this season, but with a solid team effort, it was Hartselle celebrating with the championship trophy Monday night.

Credit the team’s success to a brutal schedule that featured a long list of talented opponents, including a nationally ranked team from Edmond, Okla.

Hartselle opened the season with five straight losses and didn’t get its first win of the season until beating Muscle Shoals 2-0 on the road in early February.

Hartselle went 4-0 in February and has now won eight of its last nine matches.

During the Morgan County tournament, the Tigers outscored their opponents 18-2, surrendering lone goals to Brewer and Austin on the way to the title.

Offensively, the Tigers were potent over the seven-day tournament. Defensively, they were even better.

One look down the Tigers’ roster might yield another clue to the Tigers’ run to the county championship.

With a roster featuring 10 seniors – many who have played together since they were in grade school – gave the Tigers a unity that carried them to the championship game.

That senior leadership and unity becomes even more important as the Tigers prepare for a tough stretch to end the season.

Sports editor Todd Thompson can be reached at 773-6566 or at todd.thompson@hartselleenquirer.com