Golden Tigers know they cannot fly under the radar this season
By Staff
Scot Beard
What a difference a year makes.
Last August the Russellville varsity football team was ranked fourth in the preseason poll, but many thought the Golden Tigers might be over ranked.
They won 13 games and reached the state championship game.
This year the Golden Tiger head into the season ranked second in Class 5A – behind defending state champion Vigor – and several fans are expecting a deep playoff run.
"They worked hard," Russellville coach Doug Goodwin said of his team. "We talked a good bit about it in the spring – about the public not expecting much (last year). It is not like that this time."
People had a good reason to be skeptical last year. The 2007 squad lost in the second round of the playoffs and last year's quarterback was a transfer from a 1A school.
The quarterback, Joey Howe, had an impressive season last year – he threw for 2,659 yards and 24 touchdowns – to answer one of the big questions fans had. Howe returns this year, and with a year of experience in the system under his belt, he could put up bigger numbers this season.
Howe loses Nathan McAllister, his favorite target from last season, but will have Mason Willis, Ryan Romans and Jake Ward to pick up the slack. Willis had 592 receiving yards last season while Romans had 445 yards and Ward recorded 285 yards.
Perhaps the player most fans are eager to see this season is tailback Brent Calloway. The junior, who verbally committed to the University of Alabama earlier this summer, rushed for 1,460 yards and 23 touchdowns during his first season with the Golden Tigers.
Jyran Darby will also get playing time at tailback with Tevin Cross third on the depth chart.
Jesse Green and Vina transfer Channing Haithcock will share fullback responsibilities. Casey Herring is third on the depth chart.
The Golden Tigers took their biggest losses on the offensive line. Gone are three-year starters Bradley Franklin, Chase Woods and All-State player Stratt Byars.
Jonas Boyles will step in at center while Justin Esquivel moves to left tackle and Tanner Steele takes over the right tackle position.
Also on the offensive line are junior Daniel Hollimon at left guard and sophomore Andrew Wallace at right tackle.
The defensive line also took a hit with the losses of starters Demorian Abernathy and Cody Fuller.
Aaron Hollingsworth recorded the third highest amount of tackles last year and returns for his senior season. Trent Brannon, the other returning starter, will help Hollingsworth anchor the defensive line.
The linebacking corps is one of the strongest parts of the defense.
Jesse Green, who led the team last year with 122 tackles and earned All-State honors, will play inside linebacker along with Jacob Gist, who had 98 tackles a year ago.
Brent Calloway and Brandon Galloway will play outside linebacker while Casey Herring and Tevin Cross are also expected to challenge for playing time at the position.
Russellville also returns several starters from last season's secondary. Ryan Romans and Jake Ward return at safety for Russellville while Darrian Graham and Jyran Darby will play the corners.
Expectations are high for the Golden Tigers and the squad definitely has the talent for a repeat performance of last season. The only concern is complacency and a sense of accomplishment from last year.
"We have to keep our heads on straight and work harder than last year," Boyles said.
