Several Golden Tigers receive all-region honors for football success

A large number of Russellville Golden Tigers have been named to the 2023 football All-Region team for Class 5A Region 8.

The RHS team has won four region titles in a row and have gone undefeated in region play during each of those seasons. The Golden Tigers were 9-3 overall this year, with an AHSAA Class 5A second-round playoff appearance.

Russellville head coach John Ritter was named Class 5A Region 8 co-coach of the year. Overall MVP went to sophomore running back Cam Phinizee. Co-offensive player of the year was senior quarterback Harrison Burch. On the defensive side of the ball, senior Matthew James was named defensive lineman player of the year, and defensive skill player of the year went to senior linebacker Malachi Duncan. The Russellville special teams were represented by junior kicker/punter Manny Martinez who was named kicker of the year.

The All-Region team also featured a first team squad and a group that received honorable mention. Russellville players on the All-Region First Team were Harrison Burch SR/QB, Nick Pounders SR/H, Matthew James SR/DL, Malachi Duncan SR/LB, Devin Green SR/LB, Reece Carson SR/LB, Braxton Goodsen SR/SS, Neyland Baker JR/OL, Jah Williams JR/FS/KR, Cash Crumpton JR/WR, Manny Martinez JR/K/P and Cam Phinizee SO/RB. RHS players receiving honorable mentions included JT Hill SR/DL, Martin Tomas SR/LB, Logan Lindsey SR/OL, Tait Barnes SR/OL, Bralynn Vincent SR/WR and Michael Scofield SR/WR.

Class 5A Region 8 includes Russellville, Ardmore, Brewer, East Limestone, Fairview, Lawrence County and West Point.