Golden Tigers not worried by loss of many starters
Russellville defensive coordinator Freddy Lawrence, center, talks with linebackers Casey Herring (44) and Robert Terrell (4) during practice Wednesday. | Scot Beard/FCT
The Russellville football team was in this same position a few years ago.
A highly talented senior class was gone and players taking their place knew there would be pressure to succeed.
That group of players rallied to lead the Golden Tigers to the state championship game.
After losing numerous players — five of which that have signed collegiate scholarships — Russellville is looking to put together another championship-caliber performance in 2010. It begins this spring.
“Their effort is good and they are enthusiastic, but we have to keep working,” Russellville coach Doug Goodwin said. “We show signs of potential, but we are not a polished group yet.”
The Golden Tigers are replacing several starters on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, but Goodwin is not too worried.
All-State player and Alabama commitment Brent Calloway is back for his senior season. Calloway, who rushed for nearly 3,000 yards and 45 touchdown the previous two seasons, will help lead an offense that is breaking in a new quarterback following the graduation of Murray State signee Joey Howe.
Grant Hagedorn backed up Howe last season, but he is part of a four-way battle for the starting job.
“All of them do things well, but they have a lack of experience,” Goodwin said. “Nobody is distancing themselves yet, but nobody has done bad enough to be discounted. It is a tight race.”
The defense also lost several key players, including linebacking duo Jessie Green and Jacob Gist.
Helping to fill that void will be transfer Robert Terrell, who has verbally committed to Louisville.
The Golden Tigers have their work cut out for them, but they hope to have a few wrinkles ironed out by the end of spring practice.
Russellville will conclude its spring practice next Friday with an intra-squad game. Admission is $3.
