Russellville boys soccer moves up again in state poll
By Kim West for the FCT
For the third consecutive week, the Russellville boys soccer team edged up the Class 4A-5A poll, checking in at No. 8 in the state rankings released Monday.
Russellville entered Week 7 with ten victories and only two blemishes, both of which came against ranked teams in Class 6A – a 1-0 tournament loss to sixth-ranked Albertville (12-3-1) in the River City Shootout and a 3-1 loss at home to third-ranked Cullman (8-4-1). In 12 games, the Golden Tigers have found the back of the net 65 times with 13 different scorers, yielding only eight goals.
Russellville hosted reigning 6A state champion Cullman in a March 23 matchup featuring Final Four contenders in their respective classifications. Freshman David Baltazar notched the lone goal off a header in the 79th minute for the Golden Tigers, which trailed 2-0 at halftime.
“We had a goal called out for a foul and one that was headed in the corner … the ref said it wasn’t all the way across, but it was very close. We also missed two wide-open shots. Their keeper was outstanding,” Russellville Coach Trey Stanford said.
He said the loss should be viewed as a learning tool, with the ultimate objective to put together a complete 80-minute performance and peak by season’s end. The Golden Tigers are in contention for an area championship and a playoff berth.
“We had moments that we played well; then there were bad droughts, and Cullman took it to us,” Stanford said.. “We learned a lot from the game and will take it with us down the road. We just want to finish strong.”
Russellville’s 10th victory came March 24 with an 11-1 runaway win at Mars Hill. Senior striker Marvin Betancourt rang up his third hat trick this season, scoring four goals in a match that lasted only 67 minutes due to the mercy rule. Andy Alonso scored two goals, while Daniel Carranza, Jesus Betancourt, Cody Boshell, Kevin Salgado and Andy Alvarez added one apiece.
The Russellville girls fell 5-0 to Mars Hill, which is ranked No. 6 in 1A-3A and produced 56 shots.
Russellville’s home area games against East Limestone were postponed to April 17. The Golden Tigers are scheduled to host West Limestone Friday in area play, with another boys-only match April 4 at 6A No. 9 Florence.
Class 4A-5A soccer poll
- Randolph (8-0-3)
- Guntersville (13-4-1)
- St. John Paul II (6-3-3)
- St. Paul’s (11-5-1)
- Montgomery Catholic (12-3-1)
- Sylacauga (11-2-1)
- Briarwood Christian (8-4-2)
- Russellville (10-2)
- Leeds (9-2-3)
- Madison County (6-1)
