Although Russellville comes into the game with one loss on the season they are often looked at as the measuring stick in 5A North. Russellville always plays good defense, and they are always talented on both sides of the ball. The Golden Tigers have a proud football tradition with multiple state titles from years past.
On the other side of the ball you have a similar program in Briarwood Christian. Briarwood also has a proud tradition with multiple state titles, and they are ranked No.1 in the state, and have been for most of the 2007 season.
You get these two programs together, and you have a big-time high school football game. Often times these games don't live up to the hype, but I expect this one to be everything advertised. Several local TV stations have picked this game as their "Game Of The Week" and after taking a quick look at the talent that will be on the field it's easy to see why.
Briarwood's offense revolves around the top quarterback in the state of Alabama in Auburn commitment, Barrett Trotter. Trotter has been on fire all season, and he hasn't cooled off even a little in the first week of the playoffs. He has led Briarwood to a perfect season thus far, and the offense is rolling with playmakers at the receiver positions, and a solid running game.
The Briarwood defense is led by Mississippi State commitment and middle linebacker Bo Walters. Walters has been knocking down opposing teams' running game all season with help from a talented bunch of teammates.
Walters and company will have a tough task in stopping Division 1 prospect, Michael Abernathy (Alabama, LSU and Oklahoma offers). The big bruising back has been hampered a bit by injury this season, but looks to be back to fine form with more than 400 yards rushing in his last two outings.
Quarterback Corey Trapp has been consistent this season when the running game was struggling, while Abernathy was hobbled. Korey Suggs has come in and played well in the backfield to help create and additional problem for defenses.
Athlete and speedster Caleb Mitchell also plays on both sides of the ball as he sees limited action at wide receiver, and he return punts and kickoffs when he can find a team that will kick the ball his way. Mitchell has MTSU and Tennessee Tech offers with several SEC schools still recruiting him.
The Russellville defense is led by Suggs from his linebacker position, and he is the most impressive linebacker I have seen play this season. He drops in coverage very well, comes free often when zone blitzing, and drops the hammer on opposing teams skill players when he arrives to the ball.
Caleb Mitchell also plays safety for the Tigers, which is his primary position. The speedster had six interceptions as a junior and returned three for touchdowns. He can change a game from either side of the ball.
Like Briarwood, Russellville not only has talent at key positions, but the entire team functions well as a unit and cover the field with good high school football players.
The story on this game is BE THERE!
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