ScoutSouth.com: Russellville vs. Ft. Payne

Russellville is 9-1 going into the first round of the AHSAA play-offs in class 5A with Ft. Payne coming to town with a 7-3 record. Coach Doug Goodwin has plenty of weapons including some underclassmen who help lead his team of Golden Tigers.

Russellville Head Coach Doug Goodwin took time out of his busy schedule to discuss Friday night's contest.

"I think we match up pretty well," Goodwin said of his offense vs. Ft. Payne's defense. "We haven't seen a lot of teams try and throw the ball very much on them, and we've thrown it pretty well at times this year. We'll know much more when we actually get the game underway."

The Golden Tigers have been successful throwing the ball this season with junior quarterback Joey Howe (6-6, 220) leading the way. Howe has amassed more than 1,900 yards with 16 touchdowns. He has thrown only eight interceptions in his 215 attempts and completed 131.

"Joey has gotten better as the year has gone along," Goodwin said. "Which I expected him to do. He has a lot of physical tools and is a great guy with a great attitude. He takes coaching really well. He's starting to get a lot of attention."

Ft. Payne has only given up an average of 10.7 points per game, and the offense has scored an average of 27.4 points per game.

"Our defense runs pretty, and we've had some success against passing teams," Goodwin said. "They are a spread team. So we will see once we get going."

Russellville scores an average of 36.9 points per game and gives up an average of 12.7 points per game.

The two teams match-up good on paper, but coach Goodwin feels the game may come down to the trenches, and the team not making costly mistakes.

"Whoever wins the line of scrimmage battle will have the edge," he said. "As always, turnovers will play a huge part."

Russellville lost one starter several weeks ago, but the Golden Tigers adjusted and have only the one loss on their record back in mid-September to Hartselle 21-14.

"We lost our starting tailback and linebacker Scotty Freeman three weeks ago to a knee injury," Goodwin said. "Other than that, we are in pretty good shape as far as our starters go."

The formula to Russellville's success is given to others as all great head coaches surround themselves with good people.

"Great kids who've played really good together and some great assistant coaches doing a great job," he stated.

Ft. Payne Head Coach Paul Ellis has a reputation of well-coached and well-disciplined teams. They field a gritty defense and a very productive offense.

"They have a really good screen package on offense, and they've put a lot of pressure on opposing QB's," Goodwin said of the Wildcats.

Russellville has some additional weapons who play both sides of the ball in a couple of underclassmen, junior defensive back/wide receiver Ryan Romans (6-0, 178) and class of 2011 linebacker and running back Brent Calloway (6-2, 195).

Romans has 21 receptions for 342 yards and three touchdowns on offense. He has 47 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

Calloway has gained 808 yards rushing on 117 carries with 17 touchdowns. His linebacker position has garnered 15 tackles and two sacks.

"Ryan has had a great year as well," Goodwin said. "He starts on both sides of the ball, and he is starting to get some interest from some big schools. Another great guy with a great attitude. He runs really well."

"Brent Calloway is going to have people all over the country after him in two years. He has exceptional tools. Great size, speed and hands. He gets better every week. Which is understandable because he had to sit out last year (because of the transfer rule). He is another guy with a great attitude who is a lot of fun to coach."

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