• Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices

Franklin County Times
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyles
  • Obituaries
  • Records
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a news tip
  • Submit a photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Birthday announcement
  • Engagement announcement
  • Wedding announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
    Franklin County Times
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
    Archives
     By  Staff Reports Published 
    4:47 pm Sunday, August 23, 2009

    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.

    Also on Franklin County Times
    “OLD GLORY”
    Franklin Living
    “OLD GLORY”
    Jeff Johnson 
    July 2, 2025
    Most of my life I have heard the flag of the United States of America affectionately called “Old Glory.” In my imagination I associated that phrase wi...
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    Main, News, Russellville
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    ELECTION
    Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections. The most hotly cont...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Lifestyles, Russellville
    In the Community
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    High School Sports, Phil Campbell Bobcats, Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Bart Moss For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    Franklin County, News, Phil Campbell, ...
    FFA students bring home state convention honors
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay and Phil Campbell FFA students, along with a Hackleburg member of the Franklin County Junior Cattlemen, earned state-level honors at Alabama’s...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}{"newsletter":"Newsletter"}
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    Columnists, Opinion
    Army’s future requires support, encouragement from community
    July 2, 2025
    “Thank you for your service,” are words I often hear while wearing my uniform in your community. I am grateful to hear those words, but what many peop...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Franklin County, Sports
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    July 2, 2025
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Darby is denied parole
    News
    CRIME NEWS
    Darby is denied parole
    Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
    July 2, 2025
    MONTGOMERY -- A man serving a 10-year sentence on Franklin County assault convictions was denied parole on June 25, according to records from the Alab...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Latest Local News
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    4 cities, towns have contested mayoral elections
    RUSSELLVILLE — Four of Franklin County’s cities or towns will have contested mayoral elections in the Aug. 26 municipal elections.The most hotly conte...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    Participants enjoy ‘Magic of Reading,’ the color of fruits and ballon animals
    RUSSELLVILLE Laughter, wonder and a touch of enchantment filled the Russellville Public Library as magician Russell Davis brought his show “The Magic ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025

    More Local News

    Latest Stories
    Jars of drugs lead to a local trafficking arrest
    RUSSELLVILLE — A Russellville man is facing multiple drug-related charges, including two counts of drug trafficking after law enforcement located and ...
    July 2, 2025
    Rain delays repair projects
    RED BAY – Persistent rainfall has delayed drainage and road repair projects in the city. “You can’t dig when it’s mud,” Mayor Charlene Fancher said re...
    July 2, 2025
    Red Bay Police can use electronic signatures
    RED BAY – Police can now use electronic signatures for their reports. City council members approved the policy after learning it was a requirement to ...
    July 2, 2025
    Land Transactions
    May 30 • Tim Horton and Charles Moudy to Kimberly Shay Horton and Timothy Chad Horton, survivorship • Mario Cifuentes Tello to Edilsar Noe Edcobedo Ro...
    July 2, 2025
    Teenager struck by lighting
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A 19-year-old woman is recovering after being struck by lightning while talking on a cellphone Saturday. Emergency personnel responded...
    July 2, 2025
    Latest Sports
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    Allison tapped to lead Lady Bobcats softball
    PHIL CAMPBELL -- A familiar face will be leading the Phil Campbell High School Lady Bobcats softball program next season. Darby Allison, a 2007 gradua...
    July 2, 2025
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    6 local students accepted into FAME program
    Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) has signed 6 Franklin County students to its 2025–26 Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)...
    July 2, 2025
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    Junior golfers hone skills through summer program
    RUSSELLVILLE -- A young generation of golfers teed off this summer at Twin Pines Country Club, thanks to a local effort to create opportunities for ch...
    July 2, 2025
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    BELGREEN -- Jemma Moore has been named to the AHSAA First Team All-State for softball, becoming just the ninth player in school history to earn the di...
    June 18, 2025
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    R U S S E L L V I L L E -- Teaching for Diane Maddox has never been just about grammar rules or reading comprehension, but rather about connection, cr...
    June 18, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Special Sections
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Special Sections
      • Sponsored Content

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Submit a Classified Ad
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , Franklin County Times