Photo by Robby Newport
Russellville midfielder Daniel Carranza (10) is among ten players to score for the Golden Tigers (8-1) in their rookie season.

By Kim West for the FCT

The dynamic Russellville boys soccer team picked up two more wins in Week 4, defeating Muscle Shoals 4-0 March 6 and Tanner 3-1 March 9 to boost its overall record to 8-1.

This week, Russellville entered the Class 4A-5A state poll for the first time in program history at No. 10. The Golden Tigers have outscored opponents 43-7 in their rookie season.

“I’m very proud of my guys for the hard work they have put into this season. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are making strides,” Russellville Coach Trey Stanford said.

Andy Alonso, David Baltazar, Marvin Betancourt and Daniel Carranza each found the back of the net against Muscle Shoals. For the second time this season, Betancourt tallied a hat trick against Tanner.

Ten players have scored for Russellville in nine games, including Betancourt with a team-leading 14 goals, followed by Alonso (10), Carranza (5), Samuel Bahena (4), Jorge Bahena (3) and Cedrick Mojica (3). Jesus Betancourt, Oscar Pascual, David Baltazar and Andy Alvarez have a goal apiece.

The Russellville girls played only once in Week 4, falling 5-0 at Tanner March 9. Freshman goalkeeper Briana Ramirez totaled nine saves for the Lady Golden Tigers.

The Russellville boys and girls return to Area 16 action Thursday at Danville.