RHS boys soccer rises to No. 9, hosts 6A champ Cullman Thursday
By Kim West for the FCT
On the heels of another lopsided victory, the Russellville boys soccer team climbed from No. 10 to ninth place in the Class 4A-5A state poll released Monday.
But the Golden Tigers (9-1) aren’t resting on their laurels, adding defending 6A state champion Cullman (6-4-1) to their rookie schedule. Russellville, which is outscoring opponents 53-7 in 10 games, plays the third-ranked Bearcats at 6 p.m. Thursday.
The Week 6 match showcases two of the state’s top scorers in Russellville: senior striker Marvin Betancourt, who wears No. 35, and Cullman junior midfielder Miguel Tizapa, who wears No. 17. Tizapa is a two-time All-State selection and Final Four MVP with 37 goals and 13 assists in 2016.
Russellville snagged its ninth victory March 16, taking down winless Danville 10-0 in an Area 16 match that ended in the 48th minute as a result of the mercy rule. Andy Alonso, Jorge Bahena and Betancourt each scored twice. Daniel Carranza, David Baltazar, Cedrick Mojica and Kenner Perez added a goal apiece.
In the girls’ game, Area-leading Danville led by only one goal at halftime, adding a slew of second-half goals to put away Russellville 6-0. The Lady Golden Tigers dropped to 1-7 overall and 1-1 in Area 16.
Both teams resume play Friday at Mars Hill Bible, at home Monday against East Limestone and Tuesday at Clements.
