Romans has strong performance at North-South All-Star game

NORMAL, Ala. — Ryan Romans’ final game representing Russellville High School will be a memorable one for the University of North Alabama bound football player.

Although he did not suit up with dozens of other Golden Tigers, Romans did take the field with the best senior players in the state of Alabama to help guide the North team to its second straight victory against the South in the North-South All-Star game.

“We were talking about that all week,” Romans said.

The South has dominated the series over the years, but the North has back-to-back 14-7 victories.

With the win, Romans got a small measure of revenge against a few players that defeated the Golden Tigers in the state championship game the last two seasons.

“It’s not like winning state,” Romans said. “But it is good to come out and win.”

Romans, who recorded six tackles, including one for a 4-yard loss, said the experience was great and he enjoyed spending the week with some of the best players in Alabama.

He said he felt he gained something from the week that he can put to use when he begins practicing with UNA in a few weeks.

“I had to learn a new defense. It was similar, but I had to more in and out of position a lot more,” Romans said.

North head coach Bob Godsey said Romans played well and enjoyed having him on the team. Godsey’s only other experience with Romans was as the head coach of Hartselle, one of Russellville’s biggest rivals.

“It was fun having him on the same team,” Godsey said. “It was nice to get to know him other than as an opponent.”