RHS takes on Vikings in Top-10 battle
Two of the best teams in the state will clash Friday when Russellville travels to Walker for a non-region game.
The Golden Tigers (4-0, 3-0) are the top-ranked team in Class 5A while the Vikings (3-1, 2-1) are ranked No. 10 in the latest poll.
It will be a tough road test for Russellville as Walker is playing against a ranked opponent for the third time in as many weeks.
The Vikings knocked off Cullman, which was ranked two weeks ago, and lost to Hartselle, which is currently ranked third, last week.
Russellville’s offense has been stout through the first four weeks and has averaged 36.5 points per game.
Leading the Golden Tiger attack is running back Brent Calloway, who has rushed for 730 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this season on only 62 carries. He is averaging 11.7 yards per carry.
Russellville has opened up the passing attack in recent weeks, but the Golden Tigers have thrown for 249 yards and four touchdowns this year.
Devan Parker is 18-of-33 for 205 yards, three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.
Darrian Graham leads all receivers with five catches for 105 yards and one touchdown, but Will Bostick is close behind with four catches for 95 yards and two scores.
Russellville will face a tough Viking defense that has given up less than 10 points per game. Walker held Cullman to 14 points and Hartselle to 10 points.
Those are two high-scoring offenses. Including the games against Walker, Cullman is averaging 29.5 points per game and Hartselle is averaging 32.8 points per game.
The Vikings offense is also one of the better ones Russellville has faced to this point. Walker is averaging 25.3 points per game.
The Golden Tigers have held opponents to 13.5 points per game thanks to a stingy defense led by Robert Terrell who leads the team in total tackles (37) and solo tackles (33). He is tied with Brett Evans and Hayden Crain for the team lead in sacks (2).
The Russellville defense has generated 10 turnovers and held opponents to an average of 201.25 yards of total offense per game.
