By Kadin Pounders

For the FCT

The Russellville Golden Tigers have been playing in 7-on-7 tournaments throughout the summer. Up until the 7-on-7 competition at Brooks on July 17, Russellville competed well but could not finish the deal. That changed on Friday.

After losing to Haleyville in the opening pool-play game, Russellville went on a 9-game winning streak. Fueled by a come-from-behind win over Sheffield, the Golden Tigers hit their stride that eventually led them to a win over Brooks in the tournament championship game.

In this summer’s past competitions, missed assignments and poor execution cost Russellville games. At Brooks, the Golden Tigers cut down on those mistakes.

According to head coach Mark Heaton, Russellville minimized dropped balls on offense and made better decisions at the quarterback position while the defense did a better job of closing in on receivers and shutting up passing lanes.

Coming out of their last 7-on-7 tournament as champs gives RHS a positive momentum boost heading into the season.

“We’re taking it one week at a time,” said Heaton. “We’re going to play and prepare (for Colbert County) like it’s a region opponent.”

Russellville’s jamboree against Colbert County will be at home Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. The Golden Tigers will start the regular season off away against traditional season-opener opponent Deshler Aug. 28.