Russellville looks to take control of region against East Limestone
Russellville quarterback Devan Parker drops back to pass during Tuesday’s practice. Last week Parker completed 7-of-10 passes for 121 yards, one touchdown and one interception. | Scot Beard/FCT
Top-ranked Russellville looked complacent at times last week against Athens, which allowed the Golden Eagles to stay in the game even though they were down 21-0 early in the second quarter.
This week Russellville will face a team that looks as though it should be an easy victory for the Golden Tigers, but coach Doug Goodwin warns East Limestone looks good despite being 0-3.
“It’s hard to watch them on film and figure out why they haven’t won a game,” Goodwin said. “They are big. The quarterback can fly and the running back can run.”
A win by Russellville will keep the Golden Tigers at the top of the Class 5A, Region 8 standings. Russellville and Muscle Shoals are the only two teams in the region without a loss.
Goodwin said the Indians have a similar offense to Athens. They are predominately run based, but will switch to the spread when they run their hurry-up offense.
Defensively East Limestone presents a four-man defensive line and will use either three or two linebackers. Goodwin said they vary the coverage of the linebackers depending on what type of play they expect the opposing offense to run.
East Limestone can expect a good dose of running plays from Russellville, which has attempted 133 rushing plays and only 24 passing plays through the first three games of the season. The bulk of those carries have come from Brent Calloway who has 536 yards and eight touchdowns on 40 rushing attempts.
Goodwin said earlier this season that just because Russellville does not throw the football much doesn’t mean the Golden Tigers don’t have a passing attack. Russellville opened up the passing game last week after attempting only 14 passes the first two weeks. Devan Parker completed 7-of-10 passes last week for 121 yards.
