The Beechwood team which the Russellville Panthers play Friday night in the Class 1A state semifinals has a record very similar to Russellville’s.
Coach Noel Rash’s Tigers and Coach John Myers’ Panthers are both 12-1 overall, 6-0 in their region and 3-0 in their districts.
Beechwood has scored over 50 points in six games, 40 or more in 10 of their 13. Three of the wins have been by shutouts. Seven of their wins have come by the 36 or more points required for a running clock. The Tigers’ lone loss has been by 44-10 to Covington Catholic, a team which made it to their Class 5A regional semifinals.
The Panthers have scored over 50 points seven times, 40 or more in 11 of their 13. Nine of their wins have come on running clocks, and they have shut out four opponents. Their loss came 34-7 to a Franklin-Simpson team which remains unbeaten going into the Wildcats’ Class 4A state semifinals contest at John Hardin Friday.
Russellville leads the state in scoring (47 points per game), fewest points allowed (11 per game) and winning margin (36). Beechwood is second in scoring (42) and third in fewest points allowed (13). That’s a winning margin of 29 points per game, which ranks second behind RHS with undefeated Paintsville third at 27.
Both teams prefer the run over the pass. Aiden Justice and James Davis get the bulk of the carries and the yards for the Tigers. Quarterback Brayen Burch is capable as a passer but is not a running threat.
Panther quarterback Jaylin McMurry is the team’s second leading rusher. He doesn’t throw often, but he’s usually accurate when he does pass, and those receptions often lead to big gains. McMurry has completed 32 of 54 passes for 743 yards and 15 touchdowns. With rushing and passing combined, McMurry has totaled 1,602 yards and 25 touchdowns.
The Panthers have rushed for 4,055 yards and 57 touchdowns with Johnny Drumgole getting 12, M.J. Jones 11, McMurry 10, Dru West 8, Damon Hales 6 and Jacolbie Mason 4. Ten Panthers have scored rushing touchdowns. Drumgole has run for 1,002 yards, McMurry 859, Jones 656, West 485, Hales 330, Mason 222, Bryson Thomas 184 and Edward Barber 180.
M.J. Jones has caught 15 passes for nine touchdowns and 270 yards. Drumgole is second in receiving with eight catches for 206 yards, Paul Jones has two receptions for 189 yards and two scores. Devin Quarles has only caught four passes for 78 yards but three of them have resulted in TDs. Jordan Blick, who also punts and holds on placement kicks, has caught three passes for 123 yards and six points.
Milam Watkins is the Panthers’ record-setting placekicker. He has connected on 29 of 30 conversions in the last five games, bringing his total to 57 of 67 for the season. His backup, Hunter McDowell, is 9 for 11 kicking.
Chris Matthews, Caleb Hardison and Brennan Hughes are among the blockers who have made the big yardage and scoring possible. Jacob Naylor is the long snapper.
Last year these two teams also met in the semifinals. It was close throughout. Here’s what The LoJo reported after that game:
“The season came to an end for the Russellville Panthers Friday as Coach John Myers’ team was edged by visiting Beechwood 34-25. The Tigers came into the game as a three-touchdown favorite, but the Panthers had opportunities to win. Two crucial gambles went against the Panthers. Holder Jason Mitchell decided to run the ball after the second RHS touchdown instead of letting Milam Watkins kick the tying extra point. His run was stopped. In the fourth quarter, Myers decided to go for it on fourth and four from the RHS 32. Jaylin McMurry’s pass to Mitchell failed, and Beechwood scored the clinching TD on that short field.”
Russellville and its fans hope the report after tonight’s game is just the opposite.
The Panthers will leave at about 10 this morning. Well wishers are encouraged to stand along Bethel and Fourth streets as well as Carrico Park Square.
Game time is 6:30 p.m. Russellville time. WRUS will carry the game live with John Brett Reynolds and Alex Watkins on the call. The kickoff show begins at 6. You also can hear it live at https://www.network1sports.com/station/wrus