Smothers leaves RHS for MSHS

J.R. Tidwell/FCT
Former Russellville offensive coordinator Shane Smothers stands during the RHS picture day last summer.

RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Golden Tigers defeated Pelham 27-20 in a spring game just last Thursday.

In that game Coach Shane Smothers was the offensive coordinator and his son Landon was the starting quarterback.

Fast forward four days and news breaks that Coach Smothers will be accepting a coaching position with the Muscle Shoals Trojans, presumably to be their next offensive coordinator.

The Golden Tigers went 9-3 last year and scored 364 points, had 150 first downs, picked up 3,027 rushing yards and 827 passing yards with Smothers as offensive coordinator.

Smothers is heading to Muscle Shoals to coach, his two sons Landon and Luke are expected to follow him to the new school, though nothing in that regard is official at this time.

Coach Smothers could not be reached for comment before press time Tuesday.

His son Landon had 90 carries for 476 yards and three touchdowns last season on the ground and went 67-110 through the air for 801 yards with five TDs and five INTs.

Smothers’ son Luke, a wide receiver, caught 13 passes for 109 yards in 2012.

Russellville head coach Michael Jackson said  “Coach Smothers no longer coaches at Russellville High School, and I wish him well in everything that he does,” in an interview Tuesday.

The Golden Tigers will have the summer to appoint a new offensive coordinator as well as quarterback and wide receiver if necessary.

The coaching position will be posted for at least two weeks before the slot is filled.