07/31/2025
Hartselle Tigers | Football in the South Scoreboard Show Media Days
By Mark White | The Mark White Show
At the Football in the South Scoreboard Show Media Days, The Mark White Show welcomed Hartselle head coach Bert Newton in his second season, along with standout seniors Nolan Carrol, Jayden Morris, Jaheim Pruitt, and Cole Miles. With a program steeped in tradition and a team loaded with experience, the Tigers are preparing for what promises to be a memorable season.
Coach Newton inherited a strong foundation and has embraced the challenge of sustaining the high standards of Hartselle football. “We were already a good program,” he said. “My biggest job was not to mess that up—just keep the intensity, the effort, and the culture where it needed to be.”
This year, that culture is thriving. With 28 seniors leading the way, Newton sees toughness, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to excellence. “We’ve made big gains in the weight room. Guys who needed to put on strength did. And the culture is just solid. These seniors are leading the way.”
Newton emphasizes character just as much as championships. “We want these young men to become great husbands and fathers someday,” he said. “We model servant leadership every day. If I ask them to clean, I’m going to clean too.”
On and off the field, the Hartselle Tigers are making a difference—at school, in the community, and at home.
Nolan Carrol, a senior offensive lineman, says he’s driven by the expectations of his teammates and coaches. “They’ve poured so much into me. I don’t want to disappoint them.” Carroll leads by example and embraces the high standard that comes with wearing the Hartselle jersey.
Jayden Morris echoes that sentiment. “It’s about coaching up the younger guys,” he said. “I want to help them understand—not just what to do—but how and why we do it.” Inspired by his father and motivated by his college football dreams, Morris focuses on doing the little things right.
Jaheim Pruitt, a senior running back, said his leadership is fueled by the desire to see others succeed. “I want the younger guys to do better than me,” he said. “I’m on them every day—don’t skip reps, go hard, be consistent.” Last season, Jaheim played through injury, refusing to let his teammates down. “No matter what’s going on with me, I’m going to be there for them.”
Cole Miles, a senior safety, has been shaped by the coaching of his father and his team. “You’ve got to battle through adversity,” he said. “There will be setbacks, but you’ve got to bounce back fast.” For Miles, wearing the Hartselle jersey comes with a responsibility—to uphold the standard not just in football, but in life.
When asked to describe this 2025 Hartselle team in one word, Coach Newton didn’t hesitate: “Tough.” And with 28 seniors leading the charge, the Tigers are poised to make a deep run with grit, heart, and purpose.