RMS eighth-graders beat Walker for third straight win

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
Evan Fergerson ran for two touchdowns and threw for another score, and the Russellville defense made a last-second stand to preserve a 22-14 victory over Walker (Maddox Middle School) in Tuesday's eighth-grade game at Jasper.
Walker's seventh-grade team defeated Russellville 24-14.
The Russellville eighth-graders (3-2) secured their third straight win by stopping Walker at the 10-yard line with 17 seconds remaining.
Fergerson started the scoring in the first quarter with a 13-yard touchdown run to make it 6-0. The try for two failed.
Maddox Middle answered with a 65-yard touchdown run to tie the game. The two-point try made it 8-6.
In the second quarter, Fergerson hooked up with Jay Bates on a 19-yard scoring pass to put Russellville back on top. Bates then connected with tight end Chase Gilmer on the two-point conversion to make it 14-8 at the half.
Maddox Middle tied the game in the third quarter on a 70-yard touchdown run. The try for two was no good.
Russellville regained the lead in the fourth quarter when Fergerson scored from 12 yards out. He added the two-point run to make it 22-14.
Maddox Middle then drove deep into Russellville territory, but the Golden Tiger defense held on for the win.
In the seventh-grade game, Maddox Middle grabbed a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.
Russellville's Jessie Green responded with a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game.
Maddox Middle opened up a two-touchdown lead in the second half, but Russellville closed the gap on a 53-yard touchdown run by Mason Willis. Jyran Darby scored on the two-point conversion to make it 18-14.
Maddox Middle closed out the scoring with a 5-yard run.