RHS kicks off banquet season

By Staff
Kim West
The Russellville football program held its annual awards banquet Thursday night at the A.W. Todd Centre.
Eight different players won a total of 11 team awards handed out, while 10 more players were named to the Iron Bunch, which recognizes players who didn't miss a practice during the 2007 season.
Ryan Romans, Josh James, Caleb Mitchell, Josh Montgomery, T.J. Lindsey, Brent Calloway, Blake Jackson, Anthony Cochran, Jesse Green, Kevin Vincent, Chris Gauthier, Evan Fergerson and Stratt Byars were all awarded Iron Bunch plaques.
Russellville seniors Torey Baird and Caleb Mitchell, who was also named best receiver and best defensive back, were voted captains by their teammates.
Senior quarterback Cory Trapp was named offensive MVP, and senior linebacker/running back Kory Suggs was awarded defensive MVP and best linebacker
Seniors Byron Bean (best offensive lineman), Josh Montgomery (best special teams player), Michael Abernathy (best offensive back) and Aaron Ballard (best defensive lineman) were also honored by their teammates.
Russellville, led by first-year coach Doug Goodwin, finished last season ranked No. 8 in Class 5A with a 10-2 record overall and a 6-1 record in Region 8.
Russellville opened the 2007 season with a double-overtime win at Class 4A state semifinalist Deshler and capped a 9-1 regular season with a 41-13 win over Class 6A, Region 8 champion Florence. The Golden Tigers beat Erwin 35-13 in the first round of the playoffs, but they lost at No. 1 Briarwood Christian 31-14 in the second round.