A Look Ahead: Russellville faces Homecoming Week
The Russellville Golden Tigers will celebrate homecoming this week as they host the Hamilton Aggies. The Golden Tigers are steamrolling opponents, and that should continue this week.
Red Bay plays host to the Colbert County Indians as the Tigers jockey for homefield in the playoffs. Phil Campbell will try to get back on the winning track as the Bobcats host Lauderdale County. Tharptown and Vina will both be on the road; the Wildcats head to Hatton, while the Red Devils go to Waterloo.
Phil Campbell (2-4; 1-2) hosts Lauderdale County (3-4; 3-1)
Except for a fourth-quarter comeback win at Clements, Phil Campbell has struggled in region play. This week the Bobcats will host a Lauderdale County team with a deceptive losing record. Most of their losses have come in tougher non-region play.
The Tigers are 3-1 in region play and outscoring opponents 38-16. The Bobcats are being outscored 27-11 in region play thus far.
“Lauderdale County is very big, very strong and very physical,” said Phil Campbell coach Kevin Barnwell. “They are a power running team, and their quarterback is very versatile. Defensively they will be very aggressive. We will have to play well.”
Red Bay (4-2; 3-1) hosts Colbert County (5-2; 4-0)
The Red Bay Tigers appear to be headed to playoffs once again, but they would still like to get that first game at home. To do that, the Tigers will have to upset a Colbert County team that is undefeated in the region and outscoring opponents 48-9 on average.
The Tigers have had a dominating rush offense this season, and they will need to control the ball and keep the Indian offense off the field to get the win in this one.
“Colbert County will be the best team we have seen this year,” said Red Bay coach Michael Jackson. “We have to limit their big plays. They make a living using their team speed, so we will have to do good making plays in space. We will need to take care of the ball and limit our mistakes.”
Russellville (6-0; 4-0) hosts Hamilton (2-4; 1-3)
The Russellville Golden Tigers go into homecoming undefeated, and it should stay that way as they host the Hamilton Aggies. The Aggies have only won one region game are getting outscored by region opponents 39-20 on average.
For the second time this season, Friday night Russellville took a close halftime lead and turned it into a blowout.
The Golden Tigers are averaging 46 points per game and giving up 19 points per game in region contests.
“Hamilton has a very good quarterback and a big running back. They are very good at what they do on offense,” said Russellville coach John Ritter. “Their defensive ends are big and very good players. Their linebackers make plays all over the field. We must be disciplined and cut down on our penalties.”
Tharptown (1-4; 0-3) at Hatton (3-3; 1-3)
The Tharptown Wildcats had a much-needed off week last week and will travel to Hatton this week. Tharptown should have all starters back with the return of quarterback Carson Petree. Petree and Luis Macias, the team’s two best athletes, have been nursing injuries for several weeks. Macias returned last week.
“Hatton has good size all over the field with athletic skill guys,” said Tharptown coach Kevin Lacey. “Offensively they are disciplined and can line up in the wing-T and pound it down the field or they can go spread and run the perimeter or throw the ball down field. Defensively they fly to the ball. They are very well coached and have progressed every week.”
Vina (0-6; 0-3) at Waterloo (6-1; 4-0)
The schedule did no favors for the Vina Red Devils this week. Jason Harris’ team is having to face the two best teams in their region back to back.
Last week it was the Mars Hill Panthers. This week they have to travel to Waterloo and take on the Cougars. Waterloo is not as potent as Mars Hill, but it is close. The Cougars are averaging 44.5 points per region game and giving up 20 points per game.
“Waterloo has a lot of speed and is very physical up front, said Vina coach Jason Harris. “They try to spread you out and make you tackle in space. Their quarterback is very quick and throws the ball all over the field.”
