Falcons grounded 35-7 by stout RHS defense
FLORENCE — Many Golden Tiger fans expected a tough game when Russellville traveled to Florence Thursday, but what they got was a chance to see their team blow out the Falcons.
Russellville took advantage of six Florence turnovers — five of which were deep in Golden Tiger territory — to roll past the Falcons 35-7 to finish the regular season.
Neither squad had much success in the first quarter until Russellville drove 89 yards and scored on a 19-yard run by Brent Calloway to take a 7-0 lead.
Russellville increased its lead midway through the second quarter when Jordan Gist blocked a Florence punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown.
“That block swung (momentum) in our favor,” Russellville coach Doug Goodwin said. “From that point on, I thought we were in control.”
Russellville forced Florence to punt on the ensuing drive and got the ball back with 4:54 to play in the first half.
The Golden Tigers put together a nine-play drive that ended with an 8-yard touchdown run by quarterback Devan Parker to put Russellville ahead 21-0 at halftime.
The Falcons threatened to score when they took the opening drive of the second half to the Russellville 5-yard line. On first-and-goal, the center launched the snap over the quarterback’s head and the Golden Tigers recovered the ball at the 25-yard line.
Russellville gave the ball back on the next play when Florence recovered a fumble. The Falcons were unable to capitalize and turned the ball over two plays later.
Russellville began the drive at its own 9-yard line. Calloway carried for 49 yards on the first play of the drive.
The second play of the drive ended with Jackson Witt recovering a fumble to keep the drive going, but a minor confrontation between the two teams delayed the game a few minutes.
When play resumed the Golden Tigers completed the drive, capped off with a 26-yard touchdown reception by Calloway to increase Russellville’s lead to 28-0.
Florence took the ensuing possession to the Golden Tiger 40-yard line before turning the ball over again. Russellville took advantage by driving 64 yards for a score. Calloway completed the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Florence was finally able to get on the board with 4:39 remaining in the game when Lamonte Thompson broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown run.
Russellville fumbled the ball away on the ensuing possession and the Falcons drove to the Golden Tiger 13-yard line. Aaron Gholston ended the threat when he intercepted a pass and returned it deep into Falcon territory.
Russellville was able to run out the clock.
Calloway finished the night with 143 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. He also had the touchdown reception.
“I’m happy with it,” Goodwin said. “We played well, especially early. Their defense does a good job of stripping the ball and our defense did a good job of tackling their running backs.”
Russellville returns home next week for the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs against .
