RHS needs to stop Demopolis rush threat

By Staff
Scot Beard
Thursday night's Class 5A state championship game could be a battle of the running backs as Russellville's Brent Calloway and Demopolis' Damarcus James have put up impressive numbers this season.
Calloway has carried the ball 180 times this season for 1,319 yards. He is averaging 7.3 yards per carry and has scored 20 touchdowns on the ground.
Those numbers are good, but when you look at James' statistics for the playoffs, it is scary.
James has carried the ball 131 times and gained 949 yards – and that is just during the Tigers' four playoff games.
It is a good thing the Russellville defense has been playing so well during the playoffs.
Calloway, who has also spent time at linebacker for the Golden Tigers will get a shot at slowing James. Calloway has recorded 55 total tackles and leads the team in tackles for a loss (18) and forced fumbles (4).
Russellville coach Doug Goodwin said the Tigers also have a good defense.
"Their defensive front and the linebackers are good," Goodwin said. "The secondary is tall and rangy and they can all run."
Goodwin said if the Golden Tigers can execute the game plan, they would have a good shot at bringing a state title back to Russellville for the first time since 1968.
"If we can block their front, complete some passes and tackle their tailback, we'll be in good shape," Goodwin said.
There is another challenge waiting for the Golden Tigers this game. This will be the first time Russellville has played a game on the road since Oct. 16.
Goodwin said he isn't worried about the long gap.
"With the game being at a neutral site, it is not going to make much difference," Goodwin said.
The game will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.