Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
Courtesy of al.com
Backup quarterback Noah Lee ran for a touchdown and completed a pass for a late first down as sixth-ranked Hartselle beat Gadsden City, 31-28, in a Class 6A non-region matchup.
The host Tigers (4-1) led 17-14 at halftime after Noah Yates kicked a 19-yard field goal, Ri Fletcher scored on a 24-yard run and Jace Pruitt recovered a fumble in the end zone.
T.J. Worthy (pictured above) scored four touchdowns for Gadsden City (3-2), two rushing and two receiving.
Lincoln Bryant had a 12-yard touchdown run for Hartselle in the third quarter, while Lee scored on a 3-yarder midway through the fourth.
After the Titans closed within 31-28 with 4:37 left, Hartselle started from their own 21 and drove to the Gadsden City 10 in eight plays. Lee completed a 14-yard pass to Markus Tapscott for a first down at the 10 with 35 seconds left, and the Tigers let time expire.
Worthy had nine carries for 32 yards and scored from the one and four yards out. He also had four receptions for 107 yards and had touchdown catches of 56 and 32 yards. Luke Waldrop completed 11-of-20 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
Hartselle edged GCHS in total yards by a 359-358 margin.
“We just didn’t finish,” said GCGS head coach Ali Smith. “We didn’t capitalize. We made too many mistakes.”
The Titans visit Hillcrest Tuscaloosa on Sept. 29 in non-region action.
