Trojans fall in tough opener at Gadsden City

For the first time since 2016, the Muscle Shoals Trojans were defeated in their season opener, a 33-28 loss in a tough road match against Gadsden City.

It was the first the Trojans and Titans had met on the gridiron.

Gadsden City got on the board with a 1-yard run on an opening drive that went 70 yards in eight plays.

Muscle Shoals answered later in the first quarter and tied the game on a 3-yard touchdown run by Jaquess Greene followed by a point after by Jorge Garcia.

The Trojans defense forced a turnover on downs at its own 40 on the Titans’ next drive, and that turned into a 55-yard shovel pass from Samuel Clemmons to Greene for another score after the latter outran all coverage.

The score would remain 14-7 at halftime thanks in part to an interception by Gadsden City and a big fourth down stop by Muscle Shoals deep in its own territory just before the break.

The Trojans would attempt a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter, but the Titans blocked the attempt and returned it the distance. A missed PAT left Muscle Shoals ahead 14-13.

Gadsden City would score again on a pass midway through the third to retake the lead, but an interception by Keivay Foster late in the period would set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Tari Hampton and a 21-19 lead for MSHS.

The Trojans would see another score on a long run by Greene in the fourth quarter, but the Titans scored twice to earn the win.

Muscle Shoals (0-1) will host Class 7A foe Florence (0-1) in the Tennessee River Rivalry game Aug. 30.

Last year’s contest was a tight one, with the Trojans earning a hard-fought 9-0 win. The Trojans lead the all-time series 8-4.

Florence is coming off a 32-20 lo0ss to Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, a team with 11 or more wins each of the last three seasons.

Muscle Shoals will begin Class 6A, Region 7 play on the road against Columbia on Sept. 6.