By Perry Swack – ST Reporter
Russellville Panthers (5-3) @ Crittenden County Rockets (6-2)
Marion, KY – November 27, 2020 – 7:00pm
Last Week
Russellville received a bye in the first round of the playoffs
Crittenden County received a bye in the first round of the playoffs
Last Five Meetings
2020 – Crittenden County 47 @ Russellville 6
2019 – Russellville 3 @ Crittenden County 41 (Second Round of Playoffs)
2019 – Russellville 14 @ Crittenden County 21
2018 – Crittenden County 28 @ Russellville 12
2017 — Russellville 21 @ Crittenden County 22
Preview
The Rockets dismantled the Panthers 47-6 just over a month ago in Russellville. It was the club’s fifth-straight victory over Russellville. Crittenden County was led by Caden McCalister’s 197 rushing yards on 27 carries and five touchdowns. Coach Sean Thompson’s club rushed for nearly 250 yards, while the Panthers were limited to only 97 yards of total offense. Running back Jovari Gamble paced RHS with 57 yards on the ground. The only touchdown Russellville scored was off of a fumble recovery by safety Jackson Hampton. Coach Mikie Benton’s club forced three turnovers in defeat – a fumble recovery and interception by Hampton and a fumble recovery by defensive end Ben Allen. Russellville contained the Rockets through the air, holding QB Luke Crider to 5-of-15 passing for 62 yards. Crittenden linebacker Tyler Boone tallied a game-high 17 tackles – four for losses. Fellow senior and linebacker Lathan Easley recorded seven tackles in the win. Leading rusher Xander Tabor only rushed four times for 15 yards before breaking his ankle and effectively ending his season.
Prediction
Crittenden County 38, Russellville 14
Crittenden County will advance to the region championship game behind a balanced effort through the air and on the ground. The Rockets are averaging 48.5 points per game in its six wins, but lost, 10-9, at Henderson County in its only game played since losing Tabor. Crittenden County houses both the Class A, District 1 player (McCalister) and coach (Thompson) of the year. Crider is averaging over 150 yards per game through the air and has tossed 16 touchdowns on the season. The Rocket defense has forced 29 turnovers in 8 games led by Easley’s three fumble recoveries and three interceptions from both Preston Morgeson and Ben Dobyns.
Benton and the Panthers are coming off of a 33-0 victory at Todd County Central in the final game of the regular season. Quarterback Lennon Ries completed 8-for-15 passes and 161 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Gamble rushed ten times for 133 yards and two scores, while Chevis Elliot carried six times for 86 yards and a score. Senior wide receiver Jaquis Todd caught three passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers hope to build on this momentum as they look to advance to the region finals for the first time since 2016. The Rockets have reached three-consecutive region championship games.
Next Week
The winner of this game will reach the region finals and face the winner of Holy Cross and Bethlehem. The game will be played at the winner of Russellville and Crittenden County.
