Jayden Morris ran for two touchdowns as Class 6A No. 7-ranked Hartselle beat Jasper 34-21 in a Region 7 showdown.
The junior scored from 9 and 1 for the host Tigers (7-1, 5-0) who won their seventh straight. Hartselle led 21-0 at halftime at J.P. Cain Stadium.
Jaheim Pruitt and Morris, together known as “Thunder and Lightning,” led the running attack. The Tigers also benefited from strong special teams play.
Chris Hutson scored on a 20-yard fumble return after a bad punt snap. Cain Falciani set up a touchdown in the fourth quarter with his 70-yard kick return that put the Tigers on the Jasper 20. Morris scored from the 1 four plays later.
Carter Lee scored on a 5-yard run. Cole Miles caught a touchdown pass from Noah Lee, a catch-and-run covering 60 yards.
Jasper (5-3, 2-3) had a 5-yard touchdown run by Lincoln Smothers in the third quarter. Micah Pledger scored on a 77-yard run for the Vikings with 8:14 left in the game. Carter Reed caught a 4-yard touchdown pass from Tanner Morrow in the final minute.
“I think special teams made the difference,” first-year Hartselle coach Bert Newton said.
Key sequence: Hartselle took the opening kickoff and marched 65 yards in 10 plays, capped by Morris’ 9-yard run. Michael Sumners kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead at 7:43. After a muffed kick, Carter Lee scored from the 5. Miles caught the touchdown pass from Noah Lee to put the Tigers up 21-0 after the first quarter.
Stat sheet: Hartselle – Morris had 11 carries for 45 yards and two touchdowns. Pruitt had 15 carries for 74 yards. Miles had two catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Hutson scored on a fumble return and made an interception. Jasper – Pledger had 17 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown. He caught three passes for 15 yards.
By the numbers: 210 – Hartselle total yards with 136 rushing and 74 passing. 363 – Jasper total yards with 209 rushing and 154 passing. 3 – Jasper turnovers on one intercepted pass and two fumbles. 6 – Hartselle wins against the Vikings who lead the all-time series 12-6-1.
Game ball: Give it to Hartselle’s “Thunder and Lightning” running backs, Pruitt and Morris.
Coachspeak: “It means that we’re going to host a playoff game no matter what, and it’s a big deal. And it also means we’re still in contention for the region championship.” – Newton.
“I thought they played really hard, they’ve got a great team. I’ve got nothing but respect for their team and their coaches. I thought they did a great job.” – Jasper coach David Reeves.
They said it: “We leaned on the offensive line and tailbacks and they made my night easy.” – Noah Lee.
“I think we were prepared by film and good practice this whole week and I think our coaches did a great job calling plays and getting us ready for the game.” – Miles.
“We started the game hot. We came out and just were throwing punches left and right. Our offense played a very key role in that start with three touchdowns. Throughout the game Jasper had some fight in them but with our defensive resilience and our offensive skill we were able to come out with the win in the end.” – Hutson.
“Just our O-line, we watched film. They’ve got good linebackers. And it’s really just trusting my blockers that they’ll do their job. And I run right behind them and I got my partner number 11 (Pruitt).” – Morris.
Next week: In 6A, Region 7, Jasper visits Columbia while Hartselle goes to Muscle Shoals.
