Discovery quarterback Jamil Muhammed runs against Hartselle
(Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

HARTSELLE- Discovery Middle School showed why football in Madison is the best in North Alabama as the Panthers defeated Hartselle Junior High 7-6 Thursday night to win their second straight Tennessee Valley Conference Championship.

Discovery got their touchdown when Jordan Aycock picked up a fumble and ran it back 58 yards. The extra point by Jack Martin proved to be the difference in the game.

Jamil Muhammed quarterbacked Discovery and kept the ball moving. He hit 5 passes for 86 yards. He also had some big hits on defense as a safety.

Hartselle scored in the third quarter but their two point attempt was stopped short by the Discovery defense.

In the fourth quarter Muhammed converted two key fourth downs and the defense held on downs. Hartselle’s last pass attempt was intercepted by Travon Truesdale.

“He has been a playmaker all year for us,” Discovery Coach Len Lanier said of Truesdale after the game. “He had a pick six against Liberty and had three interceptions against Muscle Shoals. Jamil is the guy we put the ball in his hands and expect him to do big things. He is extremely athletic. He will be hard to defense as quarterback at the next level.”

Lanier wraps up his first year as Discovery head coach with a championship to match last year’s team coached then by Brad Jefferson.

“We have played two games in a row with championships on the line and they rose to the occasion,” Lanier said. “I’ m so excited for the boys. They we have worked hard since June. This group has really grown up and overcome adversity while growing within the system. They have been great to work with.”

Lanier

In addition to preparing them for high school football Lanier said his job is “to help them mature as young men.”

Lanier coached at Foley before moving here and coaching at Monrovia last year.

He is from Decatur and won the game on the same field he played on as a fullback for Decatur.

Discovery finishes the season with a 6-1 record.

“What a great opportunity I have here,” Lanier said. “Working with a great staff and super kids and great community support. I am so thankful my principal gave me this opportunity.”

Discovery principal Melanie Barkley was on the field to congratulate Lanier after the game.