Goodwin earns Coach of the Year

By Staff
Scot Beard
There were many good coaching jobs done around Franklin County this season.
In his first year at Phil Campbell, Bo Culver guided the Bobcats to their first multiple-win season since 2005.
Bill Smith led his Vina squad to a 4-7 record overall and a 3-2 mark in region play as the Red Devils earned their first playoff berth since 1998.
Red Bay expanded its streak of consecutive playoff appearances to 11 seasons under the guidance of Dale Jeffreys.
Russellville coach Doug Goodwin, however, kept a winning tradition going as he led the Golden Tigers to the Class 5A, state championship game for the second straight season.
It was not an easy task.
High expectations were placed on his Russellville squad following last year's success. The Golden Tigers struggled early and limped to a 3-2 record by the midway point of the season.
Goodwin was able to fix the problem and guide the team to a 5-0 record in the second half that included shutout victories against long-time rivals Muscle Shoals and Colbert County.
The momentum continued throughout the playoffs as Russellville dominated opponents as it moved through the north bracket with ease.
The Golden Tigers defeated McAdory in the semifinals to give Goodwin his 200th career victory.
The win also sent Goodwin to the Super 6 for the fifth time. It was his second trip with Russellville – he also took Lineville twice and Demopolis once.
It was Goodwin's third season with the Golden Tigers. He has compiled an overall record of 35-7 with Russellville.
Goodwin is 18-3 in region games and 9-3 in the playoffs as the coach of the Golden Tigers.