Region play returns as second half begins

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
Local prep football teams will dive back into region play this Friday as the second half of the football season kicks off with Week 6 action.
After surviving a scare from winless Austin last week to remain unbeaten, the Russellville Golden Tigers (5-0) will host Athens (5-0) on Friday in a battle between the top two teams in the state in Class 5A.
The winner of Friday's game will seize control of the Class 5A, Region 8 race. Both Russellville and Athens are 3-0 in the region thus far.
The Golden Tigers have won five consecutive region championships, and they will carry a 38-game win streak in region play into Friday's tilt.
In Class 2A, Region 8 action, the Red Bay Tigers (2-3, 2-1) will look to rebound from last week's loss to previously winless Hackleburg when they travel to face Winston County.
The Yellow Jackets (0-5, 0-3) have surrendered an average of 48 points over their past four games.
The Phil Campbell Bobcats (0-5, 0-3) will be looking for their first win of the season when they host Cherokee (2-3, 2-1) for homecoming.
In Class 1A, Region 8, the Vina Red Devils (2-3, 0-3) will be seeking their first region win of the season when they host Speake (4-1, 2-1).
The Tharptown Wildcats were scheduled to play a junior varsity game Tuesday at Shoals Christian.