Golden Tigers open season in battle of Top-10 teams
By Staff
Scot Beard
Last year Russellville opened its season with a 26-14 win against Deshler to set the tone for a 13-2 season.
The Golden Tigers, which enter the season ranked second in Class 5A, will try to duplicate that feat Friday when they meet the Deshler, which is ranked third in Class 4A.
This year, however, Russellville will not have home-field advantage.
Both squads are coming off successful seasons. Russellville reached the state finals while Deshler lost in the semifinals.
This rivalry, which dates back to 1952, is evenly matched with Russellville holding a 27-25-2 edge in the series. Things should be close this year too.
Russellville returns several starters, including quarterback Joey Howe, who passed for 192 yards against Deshler last year, and running back Brent Calloway, who scored a pair of touchdowns against the Tigers in 2008.
Deshler, on the other hand, lost 10 starters from last year's team, including quarterback Chase Blackburn.
Returning for Deshler is wide receiver/defensive back Deion Belue, who has committed to the University of Alabama.
The question is can an inexperienced quarterback get the ball into Belue's hands enough for the speedy threat to be effective?
Deshler – like Russellville – lost three starters on the offensive line, which could make it a long night for either team's quarterback.
Russellville will be looking to make a statement in the game. The Golden Tigers want to let fans know last year was not a fluke and the program is as strong as ever.
Deshler is also looking to make a statement. After losing the first two games last season, the Tigers want to get off to a strong start this year.
They also want to end a four-game losing streak to the Golden Tigers.
The eight returning starters on the Russellville defense might have something to say about that. The Golden Tigers held Deshler's Wing-T offense to only 155 yards last year.
