ASWA names five from FC All-State

Five Franklin County football standouts recently received All-State recognition from the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

The Russellville Golden Tigers were represented by seniors Zaye Boyd, Devin Buckhalter and Will Rushing, while Red Bay High School had two players, Elijah Ingle and Kolby Bragwell, on the list.

RHS running back Boyd made Class 5A first team after he rushed for over 2,000 yards for head coach John Ritter’s high-powered offense. Boyd has also been named as one of 48 finalists for Alabama Mr. Football and is in the running for 5A back of the year, along with Central-Tuscaloosa’s Javonta Leatherwood and CJ Yarbrough of East Limestone.

RHS receiver Buckhalter was named to the second team in 5A. Buckhalter came back strong this year after an injury cost him the 2017 season on the football field. RHS offensive lineman Will Rushing rounded out the RHS group by receiving honorable mention. The versatile blocker was instrumental in creating holes for the RHS offense and helped the Golden Tigers reach the playoffs and earn a 9-2 record.

Michael Jackson’s Red Bay squad also had a successful run to the playoffs in 2018. Two of his key performers were seniors Elijah Ingle and Kolby Bragwell. Both received honorable mention in Class 2A for All-State.

Ingle starred as a blocker on the offensive line that relied heavily on the running attack for success, and Bragwell was recognized for his good work as a defensive back for the 9-3 Tigers. Bragwell made a number of stops behind the line this year on defense and played both ways, leading the offense as quarterback.