When the Russellville High School football team begins what is hoped to be a long march deep into the state playoffs Friday night, eight All-SKY performers will lead the way,
The Panthers will entertain Fort Knox in the opening game at Rhea Stadium. The Panthers are the top seed in Class 1A Region I, District 1, and the Eagles are the number four seed from District 2.
Named All-SKY were five first teamers and three second teamers from the league will includes most of the football-playing schools in the Bowling Green area.
On the first team defense are Jason Mitchell, Trey Matthews and Mason Aguirre. First team offense are running back Josh Bigbee and lineman Truston Clayton. Second team All-SKY are defenders Jaylyn McMurry and Caleb Hardison and running back M.J. Jones is on the second team offense.
(Shown in the picture, from left, are Trey Matthews, Josh Bigbee, MJ Jones, Truston Clayton, Jaylyn McMurry, Jason Mitchell, Mason Aguirre, Caleb Hardison.)
"We are extremely proud of these eight young men and what they have accomplished for our team this year. These young men have worked extremely hard this year and these awards are well deserved,” said Coach John Myers.
“It was a great feeling being able to have these many athletes represent our school, community, and football program. Panther Nation, you should be proud! This was a great way to start our week as we prepare for the first round of the playoffs.”
The Panthers go into the playoffs with an 8-2 record. The losses are to Class 2A Murray and Class 4A Franklin-Simpson. The 34-12 loss to the F-S Wildcats came last week after the top seed had been clinched.
Fort Knox is 3-7 on the season. Coach Samuel Wilson’s team has beaten Trimble County 14-6, McCreary Central 74-44 and Louisville Shawnee 34-32. Those three teams have a combined record of 2-27. The Eagles lost to district opponents Campbellsville (51-0), Bethlehem (62-0) and Caverna (50-12). They have also given up 40 or more points to Thomas Nelson, Atherton, Fort Campbell and Larue County.
By scoring only two touchdown last week, the Panthers fell to third in Class 1A in scoring. Beechwood has scored 487, Pikeville 450 and Russellville 448. Only Paintsville (435) and Harlan (433) join that trio in scoring 400 or more points.
The Panthers have scored over 40 points in all eight of those wins. Four of those victories have been by 35 or more points.
The teams which Russellville has beaten have a combined record of 24-56 with Butler County (8-2) and district rival Crittenden County (6-4) accounting for over half of the wins.
Here are the statistics for the All-SKY players:
Josh Bigbee: 1,150 rushing yards on 100 carries for 12 touchdowns: 1 reception for 80 yards and a touchdown; 33 fumble recoveries, including 1 for a 15-yard touchdown; 42 tackles, 32 of them primary
M.J. Jones: 830 yards rushing on 60 carries for 12 touchdowns; 3 receptions for 50 yards, all 3 touchdowns; 5 two-point conversions; 46 tackles, 32 of them primary; 2 tackles for losses; 2 forced fumbles; 1 interception; 1 blocked punt that was recovered by Dru West for a touchdown
Jason Mitchell: 8 catches for 197 yards and 3 touchdowns; 83-yard kickoff return for a touchdown; 1 two-point conversion; 4 interceptions, 1 for a 47-yard interception return; 32 tackles, 18 of them primary; 1 tackle for a loss
Mason Aguirre: 43 tackles, 29 of them primary; 2 sacks, 1 interception; 4 tackles for losses, 1 fumble recovery
Trey Matthews: 43 tackles, 32 of them primary; 4 tackles for losses
Jaylin McMurry: 240 yards rushing on 38 carries for 5 touchdowns; 16 passes completed in 29 attempts for 5 touchdowns; 1 two-point conversion; 1 interception on defense; 17 tackles, 16 of them primary
Caleb Hardison: 55 tackles, 41 of them primary; 4.5 sacks; 2 fumble recoveries, 1 for a touchdown; 7 tackles for losses
Truston Clayton: 37 tackles, 24 of them primary; 3 sacks, 4 tackles for losses, 2 forced fumbles
All eight of these players went both ways on offense and defense. There are no stats for their blocking excellence.
Game time is 7 p.m. It will be carried live on WRUS (610 AM) and www.network1sports.com/station/wrus,
John Brett Reynolds and Alex Watkins will call the game.