The state semifinalist Russellville football team was honored at a recent awards banquet.
Of the eight eligible players, six were named First Team Academic All-State. They were Javaren Robey, Jordan Blick, Trey Matthews, Chris Matthews, Kobe Kerr and Brennan Hughes. Honorable Mention Academic All-State were Paul Jones and Jaylyn McMurry.
Trey Matthews and Josh Bigbee were Honorable Mention All-State on the field.
Award recipients for the banquet are as follows:
Javaren Robey Surprise Player of the Year
TK Hampton 110%/ Most Improved Award
MJ Jones Co-Offensive player of the year
Jordan Blick Coach’s Award
Dru West Most Improved Award
Jaylyn McMurry Co-Offensive Player of the Year
Jason Mitchell Receiver/Def. Back Awards
Johnny Drumgole Most Versatile
Chris Matthews Big TEAM/little me Award
Mason Aguirre Team Captain/Linebacker Award
Truston Clayton Team Captain/Linemen Award
Caleb Hardison Newcomer of the Year Award
Trey Matthews Team Captain/Linemen Award
Milam Watkins Most Improved
Richard Thomas Senior Award
Damon Hales Scout Team Player of the Year Award
Josh Bigbee Team Captain/Co-Offensive Player of the Year
Bigbee finished with 1,531 yards on 132 rushes. He scored 20 touchdowns (15 rushing, 3 receiving, 2 other). He caught 5 passes for 171 yards. He totaled 50 tackles, 37 of them solos, and recovered 3 fumbles.
Jones rushed for 1,228 yards on 94 carries. He scored 23 touchdowns (19 rushing, 4 receiving). He caught 6 yards for 101 yards. He intercepted a pass and piled up 69 tackles, 45 of them solo. Additionally he punted 19 tmes for a 34.5 average.
McMurry completed half his passes for 624 yards and 12 touchdowns. He rushed for 395 yards on 57 carries for 8 touchdowns. He intercepted 2 passes on defense and had 25 tackles.
Mitchell scored 8 touchdowns, 5 on receptions. He caught 11 passes for 271 yards. He added 38 tackles.
Hardison had 83 tackles, 63 of them solo. He was credited with 4.5 sacks.
Watkins connected on 45 of 57 extra points.
Aguirre totaled 70 tackles, 44 of them solo and added 2 sacks.
Clayton had 63 tackles, 40 of them solo. He was credited with 3 sacks.
Robey totaled 57 tackles, of which 45 were solo.
Trey Mathews finished with 46 tackles, including 42 solos. He had 2 sacks.
Blick caught 2 passes for 71 yards, both touchdowns.
T.K. Hampton finished second in tackles with 71, 47 of them solo.
Additionally, despite playing only part of the season, Johnny Drumgole was the third leading rusher with 535 yards on 54 carries for 8 touchdowns and sixth in tackles with 57.
Bryson Thomas rushed 49 times for 328 yards and 5 touchdowns. He made 41 tackles with 30 solos.
Freshman Edward Barber rushed 15 times for 131 yards.