Rivalry week football look ahead

Russellville (4-1) hosts Fairview (4-0)

– Russellville returns to action this week hosting the undefeated Fairview Aggies. The Golden Tigers have won three straight (Lawrence County, East Limestone, Ardmore) since losing their only game of the year to Mars Hill. Russellville won this game last year 31-14.

Vina (4-1) hosts Hackleburg (5-0) – Vina got back in the win column last week beating Tharptown 50-6. The Red Devils had won three straight to open the season before losing to Cherokee. Hackleburg is one of the best 1A teams in the state. The Panthers overcame an early 12-0 deficit to Phil Campbell last week to win 42-12. Vina hasn’t beaten Hackleburg since 2001.

Phil Campbell (1-4) at Midfield (1-4) – The Bobcats will travel to the west side of Birmingham to take on the Midfield Patriots. This is another team on the schedule Phil Campbell has never played. The Patriots have lost four straight games since their season-opening win over Huffman. Those losses have come to very good teams (Gordo, Winfield, Vinemont, Wenonah). Phil Campbell lost to Hackleburg 42-12 last week.

Tharptown (0-5) at Tanner (1-5) – Last year, the Rattlers took it to the Wildcats, winning 74-8. All of those players are gone this year, as is the coach. Tanner has one win this year, a 47-13 victory over Belgreen. Tharptown has struggled. The Wildcats lost to Vina last week 50-6.

Red Bay (0-5) is open this week. – The Tigers will return to play next week on the road at Tharptown.

Belgreen (2-3) has a long break in the schedule. – The Bulldogs will return to play Oct. 25 on the road at Victory Christian.