Golden Tigers must shake off loss before resuming region play

Russellville’s Jordan Gist returns a kickoff during Tuesday’s practice. The sixth-ranked Golden Tigers host J.O. Johnson in a key Class 5A, Region 8 game Friday night. | Scot Beard/FCT

There were a few things Russellville coach Doug Goodwin did not like in his team’s 49-28 loss at Walker last week.

Not protecting the ball and miscues on defense were the biggest issues he noticed when he reviewed the game film.

“Big plays and turnovers,” Goodwin said. “The defense will have to get lined up right, get to the ball and tackle.”

Goodwin said not everything in the loss was bad. The offensive line blocked well and the receiving corps had its best performance of the season.

The Golden Tigers, which slipped from No. 1 in the Class 5A poll last week to No. 6 this week, will have to put the loss in the past and focus on J.O. Johnson as they resume region play this week.

Goodwin said there are several things that concern him about the Jaguars.

“It’s the same old Johnson,” Goodwin said. “The linemen are huge, the team is fast and they have the same quarterback that threw it all over us last year.”

This could be a tough game for the Golden Tigers if they lose their focus.

Johnson is currently tied with Athens for third in the region standings. The Jaguars have not made the playoffs since 2007 and a win against Russellville could help end that drought.

Russellville is trying to earn its first season without a region loss since 2006.

The Golden Tigers have not lost to Johnson since the 2006 playoffs and lead the all-time series 6-2, but Goodwin said his team can’t take the Jaguars lightly.

“You can’t just show up,” Goodwin said. “You have to show up and play.”