Pair of interceptions helps Golden Tigers overcome slow start

By Staff
Scot Beard
The Russellville varsity football team struggled early, but was able to get some rhythm going midway through the first quarter during Friday's spring jamboree game against Walker.
The offense, which was forced to punt and had a turnover, rebounded for an 18-yard touchdown strike from Joey Howe to Ryan Romans to put the Golden Tigers ahead 14-0.
"We started slow, but overall thought did good job," said Russellville coach Doug Goodwin. "I was not worried about the score, whether it would be good or bad, I just wanted to get everybody in the game."
The touchdown pass was set up by an interception return by Darrian Graham. It was his second pick of the game – he returned his first interception for a touchdown.
Russellville added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to give the varsity squad a 28-0 victory.
"That is pretty typical for a spring game," Goodwin said. "It takes a lot longer for an offense to gel than a defense."
Goodwin was pleased with what he saw from his team, but said there is still quite a bit of improvement needed on the offensive line. The line lost three starters from last season's squad.
"That is expected," Goodwin said. "They have the most difficult position. They have to know assignments against a variety of defenses."
Goodwin was also pleased with the performance of the junior varsity and freshman squads. The junior varsity won 7-0 in one quarter of play and the freshmen won 6-0 in a quarter of play.
"I was encouraged by the way our (junior varsity) and freshman groups played," Goodwin said. "Even though they've been at practice with us every day, I haven't had a chance to watch them since they are on a separate field."
Russellville will open its season Aug. 29 at Deshler.