Golden Tigers seeking help along offensive, defensive lines
By Staff
Scot Beard
Last year nobody expected much from the Russellville football team, but the Golden Tigers went 13-2 and played in the state title game.
This year, people will be less likely to overlook Russellville. The Golden Tigers are returning several starters at the skill positions, including two All-State players in linebacker Jesse Green and tight end Mason Willis.
Russellville will also be losing two All-State players in receiver Nathan McAllister and offensive lineman Stratt Byars.
Doug Goodwin, Russellville's coach said his main concern this season was the offensive and defensive lines.
"We need to find offensive linemen to replace the three we lost," Goodwin said. "We have to find defensive lineman too."
On the offensive side, the Golden Tigers lost Byars, Bradley Franklin and center Chase Woods. Goodwin said the search is going well.
Jonas Boyles was Woods' back up last season and rotated at the guard position with Franklin. Justin Esquivel is making the move to left tackle while Daniel Hollimon is working at the left guard position.
Newcomer Andrew Wallace is projected to play right guard.
They will have to play well for quarterback Joey Howe and running back Brent Calloway to do their jobs.
Defensively, Russellville is losing Demorian Abernathy and Cody Fuller on the line and linebackers Justin Fretwell and Kevin Vincent.
Picking up the slack for the linebacking corps will be Green and Jacob Gist.
Jake Ward, Ryan Romans, Darrian Graham and Jyran Darby – last year's starters in the secondary – return.
Overall, Goodwin is pleased with where the team is right now.
Russellville will host Walker Friday. The game starts at 7 p.m. and the varsity will play the first half while the junior varsity will play the third quarter and the freshmen will play the fourth quarter.
