The Russellville Middle School football team traveled to Ardmore last Tuesday night and returned home with the team's fourth consecutive Northwest Alabama Conference championship.
The Golden Tigers played winning football all season, with the exception of one loss, and made it to the semi final against the Priceville Bulldogs.
The Golden Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 30-22. They then advanced to the championship to face the Ardmore Tigers.
“We came out in the first half and got a stop right away, and Chase Phifer caught a screen pass for a touchdown for us in two plays,” RMS head coach Corey Flanagan said.
The first half turned out to be challenging just like any championship game would be. The Golden Tigers went to the locker room only leading 8-0.
“We challenged our kids at halftime and that ultimately led to us coming out and scoring 22 more points,” Flanagan said.
The Golden Tigers finished the game with a 30-6 win.
Quarterback Tripp Cleveland was 13-15 for 136 yards and one touchdown. Tarus Davis had 206 yards rushing with three touchdowns.
Chase Phifer and Daniel Aycock had multiple tackles, including several in the backfield, to lead the Golden Tiger defense.
RHS varsity football coach John Ritter was impressed with both the middle school team and its large fan base that made the 80-plus mile trip to Ardmore.
“First of all it was a great atmosphere. We traveled well and kudos to Corey and his staff. They do a phenomenal job of not only trying to win the game, but build a program,” Ritter said.
The Golden Tigers finished their season 6-1. Flanagan continues his success with his second championship win in his two years of leading the middle school program.
“For me, this makes me so proud for the players and the coaches. This is a goal we always set for ourselves. We try to prepare these kids for when they become a varsity player and become better at their roles,” Flanagan said.
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