Golden Tigers clinch playoff berth, then steamrolls Columbia

The Russellville High School football team got a little good news Thursday afternoon, hours before they suited up for their final region game at Columbia.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association ruled that J.O. Johnson had been fined $300, placed on probation for one year and ordered to forfeit five games for violating AHSAA eligibility rules.

The Jaguars beat the Golden Tigers in overtime earlier this season, putting Russellville’s playoff hopes in doubt heading into the final week of region play.

But, with Thursday afternoon’s announcement, Russellville was guaranteed to make the playoffs.

So, with that already take care of, the Golden Tigers put together their most dominant performance of the season and beat Columbia 53-6 Thursday night.

The Golden Tigers exploded early, scoring in all three phases of the game and built a commanding 47-0 halftime lead.

Russellville will know more about their playoff fate following Friday night’s Athens-East Limestone game. Depending on the outcome of that game, the Golden Tigers could finish as high as second in the region and host a first round playoff game.

Read Saturday’s edition of the Franklin County Times for a complete recap of Thursday night’s win.