By Staff
Scot Beard
During the past two seasons, the Russellville football team has not had much trouble with road games.
In fact, the only loss during that span was a loss to Briarwood during the second round of the playoffs last season.
Russellville coach Doug Goodwin is hoping that does not happen again this year.
"Hopefully we will continue our success," Goodwin said.
In order to do that, the Golden Tigers will have to win on the home field of the Class 5A, Region 7 champions, Madison County.
Like Russellville, the Tigers have a 10-1 record heading into the second round. Their only loss was to Fort Payne, the team Russellville eliminated in the first round.
"They have good players and a good team," Goodwin said. "The quarterback and both running backs are good runners and the quarterback has lots of speed."
The Tiger offense has used that speed to average 28.1 points per game. They have also scored 30 or more points in six games this season including a 57-point performance their first game.
The Golden Tiger defense has played strong and held a potent Fort Payne offense in check for most of the game last week, although the Wildcats' 31 points was the most allowed by Russellville all season.
Russellville got off to a slow start last week and 17-7 at halftime. The Golden Tigers played a strong second half and held on for a 35-31 victory.
Goodwin hopes his team will not struggle early on like it did last Friday.
"Hopefully when Friday rolls around they will be a little more emotionally charged," Goodwin said. "They know what is at stake. If you win, you go on. If you lose, you go home."
With a win, the Golden Tigers would secure their seventh 11-win season in the past eight years.