Russellville’s Deyon Hill (1) sprints down the field during last Friday’s match-up against Pope John Paul in Huntsville. Photo by Tim Alford.

By Matt Wilson

For the FCT

The Russellville Golden Tigers found their offensive momentum again with a win on the road against Pope John Paul in Huntsville Oct. 24.

The Golden Tigers held a narrow 14-7 lead over Pope John Paul heading into the second quarter, but the offense came alive behind a big night from Russellville sophomore quarterback Payton Nichols.

Russellville scored 35 unanswered points behind five touchdowns from Nichols to break open the game on an enthusiastic run from the second quarter into the second half.

Nichols opened the scoring early finding Deyon Hill on a 35-yard passing play and Reed Smith for a 20-yard scoring play as well.

After the Falcons scored early in the second quarter, Nichols continued the push, finding Nate Franklin on a 17-yard strike before Hill added a rushing touchdown to extend the lead. Smith hauled in his second touchdown of the night to end the first half.

The second half saw Nichols and the offense carry the momentum as the sophomore quarterback hit Shemar Hamilton from about 40 yards out for a touchdown before Franklin caught his second touchdown of the night to make it 49-7.

Pope John Paul added another touchdown with under six minutes in the game, but that would only be a consolation prize as Russellville ended its 5A Region 8 season 7-1 and second in the region behind the only team to defeat them this season, East Limestone.

The Golden Tigers (8-1, 7-1) travel to 6A foes Cullman (4-5, 2-4) Oct. 31 to finish their regular season before hosting a first-round playoff game.

Russellville already knows its fate for the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs as they enter their last regular season game. The Golden Tigers will host Pleasant Grove (7-2, 5-2) who finished third in Region 5.