Brought back into existence by Russellville High School’s head football coach, Mikie Benton, the program’s third-fourth grade team won the Western Kentucky Youth Football League championship last weekend.

The young Panthers beat Todd County 20-6 in the first round of the playoffs and then topped Logan County by that same score in the championship game.

Benton said, “My first move as a head coach was to bring back football for our youth in RVK. Six months later they have a championship in hand! I owe a big shout-out to coaches Patrick Temple, Dontray Hampton, William Darden, T.K. Hampton, and Jay Lucas! I appreciate you all taking time out of your personal lives to come and coach this young group, teaching them about the game of football and more importantly about work ethic and being great teammates.

“Start them young, that’s what we always hear, and we are starting them off just right here in RVK. The future is Bright!”

One of Russellville’s greatest players ever, Larry Johnson Sr., wrote on Facebook: “Great job young men and a shout out to the coaches and Mikie Benton for his idea for getting this back on track. This is what gets kids psyched up to play ball and keeps them off the streets and out of trouble. Congrats to a bunch of fine young men.”

The character of the team was also on the mind of Councilman Jimmy Davenport. He is the grandfather of one of the players, Mason Davenport. He said, “I think I had more fun than they did. Best bunch of boys (and girl) I've ever been around!”

The team, as shown in the photo: Players standing, left to right, Zakese Elliott, Eli Flippin, Eliana Browning, Jacoveon Temple-Dickerson, Ta'Kyon Darden, Trevon Covington, Draden Elliott, Stephon Bigbee, Jordan Parker and Demetrius Hudson; front row, Brytan Ashley, Dayton Clark, Elijah Sells, Josiah Haycraft, Juvantae Cherry, Kyndle Boards, Ezra Stratton, J.P. Faughn, Khristopher Barker and Mason Davenport; Coaches: William Darden, Patrick Temple, T.K. Hampton, Jeremy Lucas, Dontrae Hampton not pictured