By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — The Hackleburg Panthers defeated the Valley Head Tigers, 34-19 in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Class 1A State Playoffs.  

Hackleburg put the first points on the board, with a 1-yard dash into the endzone with 9:21 remaining in the opening quarter.  The Panthers went for two but were shut down by the TIgers.  Valley Head answered back on a 10-yard gallop into the endzone by Bryson Morgan.  The kick by Noah Hulgan was good, giving the Tigers the 7-6 lead.  With :22 remaining in the first quarter, Hackleburg scored on an 80-yard stampede into the endzone.  The Panthers successfully went for two to take the 14-7 lead. 

Morgan scored again for the Tigers on a 35-yard touchdown.  The point after attempt failed, making the score 14-13 going into the half. 

In the third quarter, Hackleburg scored on a 36-yard pass completion with 5:43 remaining.  The Panthers went for two but were stopped by the Tigers.  With 2:35 remaining in the third, the Panthers scored again on a 60-yard pass completion.  The two-point conversion failed but gave the Panthers the 26-13 lead. 

With 3:52 remaining in the game, Hackleburg brought one in from 23-yards out.  The two-point conversion was good, giving the Panthers the 34-13 lead.  Valley Head scored the final touchdown of the night on a 5-yard run by Morgan.  The Tigers went for two but were unsuccessful, making the final score of the night, 34-19.

Bryson Morgan led the Valley Head Tigers with 141 yards.  

Valley Head finished the 2019 football season with a 6-5 record. 

Hackleburg (5-6) will advance to take on Spring Garden (10-1) in the second round of the AHSAA playoffs.