By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
After wrapping up a playoff spot with last week's win over Decatur, Russellville can take the next step in its quest for an elusive state championship this week against West Point.
The top-ranked Golden Tigers (7-0, 5-0 region) can clinch their sixth straight Class 5A, Region 8 title on Friday by beating the winless Warriors.
Russellville has won 40 consecutive region games and needs wins over West Point and Muscle Shoals to finish unbeaten in region play for a sixth straight year.
Head coach Perry Swindall said the Golden Tigers will be without two defensive starters for this week's game.
Senior lineman Casey Morgan suffered a sprained AC joint near his clavicle against Decatur, and junior safety Jacob Daniel injured his left shoulder.
"Both of those guys could probably play if this was a playoff game, but we're going to give them an extra week to heal up," Swindall said.
The absence of Morgan and Daniel likely won't matter much against West Point.
The Warriors (0-7, 0-5) have struggled mightily after moving up from Class 4A this season, averaging just 8.9 points per game.
Swindall said junior quarterback Cory Trapp, who dinged his left shoulder late in the win over Decatur, is fine and will be 100 percent for this week's game.