Holtville opens area play against tough Shelby County defense

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Holtville’s offense has found plenty of success in its two non-area games to star the season, but the Bulldogs face a rather tough defense to begin area play. Holtville, which is 1-1 after two weeks, travels to Shelby County (2-0) to begin AHSAA Class 5A, Area 3 play on Friday

HOLTVILLE (1-1) AT SHELBY COUNTY (2-0)

THE PLAYERS

Holtville: RB Shawn Brackett has rushed for 192 yards and seven touchdowns. …

QB Tanner Potts has passed for 267 yards. … LB Connor Hackett has recorded 14 tackles.

FOUR DOWNS

Holtville lost to Alma Bryant, 35-29, last week; Shelby County beat Montevallo, 21-6.

Holtville and Shelby County have not played each other since 1974.

This is the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 3 opener for both teams.

Shelby County has not allowed over seven points in either of its two games this year.

NEXT UP: Holtville at Selma; Shelby County hosts Jemison.

RUSSELL COUNTY (1-0) AT STANHOPE ELMORE (0-2)

THE PLAYERS

Stanhope Elmore: QB Jacob Bryant has thrown three touchdown passes this year. … WR Jackson Thomas has two touchdown catches. … RB DavionThomas has rushed for over 150 yards an a touchdown this season.

FOUR DOWNS night.

Stanhope Elmore lost to Eufaula, 22-14, last week; Russell County beat Harris County (GA), 28-17.

Stanhope Elmore beat Russell County, 21-13, the last time they met in 2017.

Stanhope Elmore leads Russell County, 14-0, all-time in the series.

Both of Stanhope Elmore’s losses have come by one possession.

NEXT UP: Stanhope Elmore does not play next week; Russell County at Carver.

The Bulldogs have scored 84 points in the first two games. They scored 55 in a Week 1 win over Fultondale and 29 in a loss to Alma Bryant last week.

Shelby County’s defense has been stellar this season and allowed only 13 total points in two games. The Wildcats allowed seven points in their opener and six points last week.

“They’r really good defensively,” “They’re aggressive and play sound football. This is going to be a really good, hard-nosed classic football game. They’re just sound and they make tackles. They get to the football. That’s the biggest thing you see on film. They don’t overcomplicate things. They just play really hard and really sound

See HOLTVILLE, Page B2