Golden Tigers rebound from loss with 57-0 pounding of Jaguars
Russellville’s Zach Groce dives across the goal line for a Golden Tiger touchdown against J.O. Johnson Friday night. With the 57-0 victory Russellville improves to 4-0 in region play.
Last week Russellville was the victim of a team that seized control of the game early and didn’t let up.
This week the Golden Tigers (5-1, 4-0) showed they were capable of doing the same thing by opening up a 23-0 lead on J.O. Johnson in the first quarter before cruising to a 57-0 victory.
“It was kind of a mirror image of what happened last week, but we were on the right side this time,” Russellville coach Doug Goodwin said. “All three phases were really good. We got off to a fast start and kept the momentum going.”
Russellville opened the scoring with a 7-yard run by Brent Calloway. The Golden Tigers lead increased to 9-0 a few moments later when Johnson (3-3, 2-2) snapped the ball out of the back of the end zone.
Darrian Graham returned the ensuing kickoff 65-yards for another touchdown to put the Golden Tigers ahead 16-0 midway through the first quarter.
Romano Craig scored on a 10-yard run three minutes later.
Tevin Cross and Robert Terrell each scored on 1-yard runs to extend the lead and Calloway scored on a 10-yard pass from Devan Parker to put Russellville ahead 44-0 at halftime.
Terrell picked up his second rushing touchdown of the game with a 2-yard run with 4:19 remaining in the third quarter.
Zach Groce rounded out the scoring for Russellville with a 1-yard run with 8:50 to play in the game.
Goodwin rested many of his starters for much of the second half was pleased with what he saw from the reserves.
“When you can build depth it is good,” Goodwin said. “When they get in there and make plays it’s better. We had the second string defense get a couple of turnovers.”
Calloway finished the game with 16 carries for 140 yards and one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. He now has 1,093 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.
With the win Russellville improves to 4-0 in region play and will travel to Muscle Shoals next week. Muscle Shoals is also undefeated in region play.
The winner of that game would be the favorite to win the region.
