• Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices
    • Subscribe
    • Franklin Living Magazine
    • Services
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
    • Classifieds
    • E-editions
    • Public Notices
      • Public Notices
      • Alabama Public Notices

Franklin County Times
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyles
  • Obituaries
  • Records
  • Subscribe
  • Services
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Policies
  • Terms of use
  • Submit a news tip
  • Submit a photo
  • Birth Announcement
  • Birthday announcement
  • Engagement announcement
  • Wedding announcement
  • Submit a Classified Ad
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
    Franklin County Times
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
      • Site logo
      • Home
      • News
        • Russellville
        • Red Bay
        • Phil Campbell
        • Franklin County
        • Photo Galleries
        • Sponsored Content
      • Sports
        • Belgreen Bulldogs
        • Phil Campbell Bobcats
        • Red Bay Tigers
        • Russellville Golden Tigers
        • Tharptown Wildcats
        • Vina Red Devils
        • College Sports
        • Sports Columnists
      • Opinion
        • Letters to the Editor
        • Columnists
        • Editorials
      • Lifestyles
        • Birthdays
        • Births
        • Couples
        • Food
        • Features
      • Obituaries
      • Records
        • Sheriff’s Report
        • Marriages
        • Land Transactions
        • Police Reports
      • Special Sections
    Archives
     By  Staff Reports Published 
    7:18 pm Sunday, November 30, 2008

    Golden Tigers earn spot in state championship game for first time since 2004

    By Staff
    Scot Beard
    Russellville High School is one step closer to winning the state football title that has eluded it since the 1968 season with its 28-19 victory against Cullman Friday in the state semifinals.
    The only thing standing between the Golden Tigers and the championship is an undefeated Vigor team.
    "Not bad for a team that was supposed to win about four games," said Russellville coach Doug Goodwin referring to the fans that doubted the talent of his team heading into this season.
    The Golden Tigers fell behind early as Cullman took the opening drive 65 yards and scored on a 13-yard pass from quarterback Randy Caldwell to Zachary Horn.
    Russellville only picked up 21 yards on its opening drive and was forced to punt the ball back to the Bearcats.
    The Golden Tiger defense stopped Cullman in Bearcat territory on the ensuing drive. Cullman punted, but it was a short kick and the Golden Tiger offense was back in business at the Cullman 42-yard line.
    On the second play of the drive, Russellville quarterback Joey Howe found Jake Ward streaking down the right sideline for a 39-yard touchdown pass. Jose Betancourt added the extra point – which was kicked from the 20-yard line following a pair of Russellville penalties – to tie the game 7-7.
    Russellville's next possession was not quite as successful. The Golden Tigers fumbled and Cullman recovered near midfield. The Bearcats began an eight-play drive that culminated in a 6-yard scoring pass from Caldwell to Drew Forrest, but the extra point was no good.
    On the ensuing possession Russellville fumbled on its first play and Cullman recovered again. This time, the Bearcats began their drive at the Golden Tiger 31.
    The Russellville defense stopped the Cullman threat and got the ball back after Cullman failed to convert at fourth-down play.
    Russellville reached midfield, but was forced to punt when the drive stalled.
    Cullman go the ball at its own 21-yard line, but a holding penalty pushed the ball back to the nine. The Bearcats reached their own 17 before their drive fizzled.
    Facing fourth-and-15 Caldwell lined up to punt, but audibled to a fake punt. He completed an 11-yard pass, but the receiver was tackled before he could pick up the first down and Russellville took over at the Cullman 28.
    "We sort of baited them into (the fake)," Goodwin said. "We showed them something that was not there."
    Seven plays later Russellville took the lead when Mario Roman scored on a 1-yard run with 3:06 remaining in the first half. Betancourt's point after kick was good to give Russellville a 14-13 advantage.
    The Golden Tigers padded the lead a few minutes later when Brent Calloway broke loose on a 75-yard touchdown run with eight seconds remaining in the half. Betancourt added the extra point to push the lead to 21-14 at halftime.
    "We decided to take a chance and run the ball," Goodwin said. "(The play) was blocked perfectly at the line."
    The Golden Tigers added another touchdown when Howe hit Ward for a 25-yard pass on the opening drive of the second half.
    Cullman advanced to the Russellville 32 on the following drive, but the offense ran out of gas and turned the ball over on downs.
    Russellville was unable to do anything on offense and was forced to punt.
    Cullman took over at midfield and moved to the Golden Tiger 13, but Darrian Graham picked off a Caldwell pass in the end zone after two other Russellville players tipped the ball.
    The Bearcats were finally able to reach the end zone with 6:47 remaining in the game as Caldwell hit Patrick Stewart for a 40-yard touchdown pass. The Russellville defense batted down the two-point pass to preserve a 28-19 lead.
    Cullman got another possession with 1:33 remaining and drove 32 yards before Graham intercepted his second pass of the game for the Golden Tigers with eight seconds to play, sealing the win.
    With the win, Russellville advances to the state championship game for the third time this decade and the first time since 2004.
    Goodwin is also making his first trip back to the finals since 2004 when he led Demopolis to the Class 4A title.

    Also on Franklin County Times
    Phil Campbell Festival
    Lifestyles, News, Phil Campbell
    Phil Campbell Festival
    Griffin Traylor 
    June 26, 2025
    The Phil Campbell Festival was held June 20-21 at Memorial Park in downtown Phil Campbell. This year’s event featured performances by Jase Swinning, w...
    Sparkman joins Belgreen as assistant principal, coach
    Main, Z - News Main
    Sparkman joins Belgreen as assistant principal, coach
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    BELGREEN -- Jacob Sparkman, a seasoned educator and coach, is stepping into a dual role this year at Belgreen High School as assistant principal and o...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    News, Red Bay
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    RED BAY -- Children at the Weatherford Public Library got an up-close look at a variety of animals during an Animal Tales event that was part of the l...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    News, Z - News Main
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Alicia Swann may be new to her role as Franklin County’s 4-H agent, but she’s no stranger to the community. A Hodges native, Swann steppe...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    News
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
    June 25, 2025
    RED BAY — A Red Bay man is facing five counts of reckless endangerment and one count of attempted arson after he dumped gasoline throughout a residenc...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Vina, Tharptown coaches face off at Coleman Coliseum
    News
    Vina, Tharptown coaches face off at Coleman Coliseum
    María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
    June 25, 2025
    TUSCALOOSA -- Most summer play dates don’t come with championship banners overhead, or a college coaching legend posing for photos of a father and dau...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Son is sworn in to finish what his dad had started
    Main, Z - News Main
    Son is sworn in to finish what his dad had started
    Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
    June 25, 2025
    RUSSELLVILLE Grayson Murray was sworn into office on Friday morning as Franklin County commissioner for District 1. Murray was appointed by Gov. Kay I...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}
    Alabama must act to save medical residency programs
    News
    Alabama must act to save medical residency programs
    June 25, 2025
    This July, hundreds of newly matched medical residents are expected to begin their postgraduate training in hospitals and clinics across Alabama. It’s...
    {"epopulate_editorials_prism":"epopulate_editorials_prism"}

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    ❮ ❯
    Latest Local News
    Phil Campbell Festival
    Phil Campbell Festival
    The Phil Campbell Festival was held June 20-21 at Memorial Park in downtown Phil Campbell. This year’s event featured performances by Jase Swinning, w...
    June 26, 2025
    Franklin EMA seeks grant to purchase scene light
    RUSSELLVILLE The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is hoping to secure funding for a much-needed piece of equipment to improve nighttime eme...
    June 25, 2025
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    Children meet animals during Weatherford Public Library event
    RED BAY -- Children at the Weatherford Public Library got an up-close look at a variety of animals during an Animal Tales event that was part of the l...
    June 25, 2025
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    Swann Brings new energy to Franklin County 4-H
    RUSSELLVILLE Alicia Swann may be new to her role as Franklin County’s 4-H agent, but she’s no stranger to the community.A Hodges native, Swann stepped...
    June 25, 2025
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    Argument leads to attempted arson charge
    RED BAY — A Red Bay man is facing five counts of reckless endangerment and one count of attempted arson after he dumped gasoline throughout a residenc...
    June 25, 2025

    More Local News

    Latest Stories
    Franklin EMA seeks grant to purchase scene light
    RUSSELLVILLE The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency is hoping to secure funding for a much-needed piece of equipment to improve nighttime eme...
    June 25, 2025
    Calendar Of Events
    June 28 – Orange Baptist Church VBS,9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., one day only. 8153 Highway 34, Russellville. Theme: “Magnified.” Open to all ages.July 13–18 ...
    June 25, 2025
    Murray, 20, steps boldly into politics of Franklin County
    The adage he’s got some big shoes to fill takes on a whole new meaning for Grayson Murray.On Friday, Murray was officially sworn in as Franklin County...
    June 25, 2025
    Birthdays
    June 25Monica Hovater Stanley Tim Alford Truman Stanley Tiffany Hallman June 26Monica Hovater Stanley Brad Fuller Chris Fuller Kellie Hargett Jo White...
    June 25, 2025
    Red Bay ’24 audit indicates improved finances
    RED BAY – The city’s financial position continued to strengthen over the past year, according to the Fiscal Year 2024 audit.J.C. Johnson of The Sparks...
    June 25, 2025
    Latest Sports
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    Belgreen’s Moore earns First Team All-State honors
    BELGREEN -- Jemma Moore has been named to the AHSAA First Team All-State for softball, becoming just the ninth player in school history to earn the di...
    June 18, 2025
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    Maddox retires after 26 years of shaping young minds at RMS
    R U S S E L L V I L L E -- Teaching for Diane Maddox has never been just about grammar rules or reading comprehension, but rather about connection, cr...
    June 18, 2025
    Reynolds rebounds from knee injury, excels in baseball
    Reynolds rebounds from knee injury, excels in baseball
    REDBAY--TyReynolds hasn’t picked out the spot yet, but promises it will be a place of prominence, a semi-shrine for one item that shaped so much of hi...
    June 18, 2025
    ‘Sky’s the limit’ for Phil Campbell aviation program
    ‘Sky’s the limit’ for Phil Campbell aviation program
    PHIL CAMPBELL — Students at Phil Campbell High School recently had an unforgettable learning experience — one that lifted their studies to new heights...
    June 18, 2025
    Tournament raises $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation
    Tournament raises $1,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation
    Let us share your photos. Information should include the names of all people in the photo, the name of the photographer, and a brief explanation of th...
    June 11, 2025

    More Sports Stories

    x

    Sections

    • Home
    • News
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Lifestyles
    • Obits
    • Special Sections
    • Sponsored Content
      • Home
      • News
      • Sports
      • Opinion
      • Lifestyles
      • Obits
      • Special Sections
      • Sponsored Content

    Services

    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise With Us
    • Policies
    • Terms of use
    • Submit a news tip
    • Submit a photo
    • Birth announcement
    • Birthday announcement
    • Engagement announcement
    • Wedding announcement
    • Submit a Classified Ad
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter
      • About Us
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise With Us
      • Policies
      • Terms of use
      • Submit a news tip
      • Submit a photo
      • Birth announcement
      • Birthday announcement
      • Engagement announcement
      • Wedding announcement
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

    Follow Us

    Copyright

    © , Franklin County Times