Russell County looks to win its first district title since 2013
By Perry Swack – Sporting Times Reporter
Allen County-Scottsville Patriots (3-1) @ Russell County Lakers (4-0)
Finley Field – October 23, 2020 – 7:00pm
Last Game
Allen County-Scottsville beat Warren East, 34-14
Russell County won at Franklin-Simpson, 28-21, on October 2
2019 Meeting
Russell County rushed for 378 yards – 237 by Collin Darnell and 138 by Dylan Bland – but came up just short, losing to the Patriots by a score of 34-28. It was the two schools first meeting since 2010, when the Lakers were last a part of the 2nd District in Class 4A. Quarterback Gavin Gossage completed all five of his passes for 40 yards and a score. Allen County-Scottsville won behind a balanced rushing attack with three players rushing for at least 50 yards. Landon Witcher led the way with 90 yards on 12 carries and a score. Witcher (11), Dillon Rookstool (12), and Chris Holland (11) each logged double-digit tackle totals.
Last Five Meetings
2019 – Russell County 28 @ Allen County-Scottsville 34
2010 – Russell County 15 @ Allen County-Scottsville 24
2010 – Allen County-Scottsville 50 @ Russell County 33
2009 – Russell County 13 @ Allen County-Scottsville 34
2008 –Allen County-Scottsville 20 @ Russell County 13
Class 4A, District 2 Standings
Russell County 3-0
Allen County-Scottsville 3-0
Warren East 1-2
Franklin-Simpson 1-2
Warren Central 0-4
Preview
Allen County-Scottsville jumped six places in the KHSAA RPI ratings, moving up to 13th. The Patriots are also getting votes in the state’s AP poll. The Lakers, though, are the favorites this season. Coach Ryan Richardson’s club is ranked ninth in the polls and eight in the RPI ratings. Senior Collin Darnell ranks ninth in Class 4A at 114 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Gavin Gossage checks in at 14th in the class at 109 passing yards per contest. Senior Dylan Bland gives the Lakers another talented back, rushing 49 times for 295 yards and six scores on the season. Mason Hinkle leads the team with 40 tackles, while CJ Vonfumetti has tallied 34 tackles (4 for losses).
Most everyone is familiar with the Patriots three-headed trio of QB Trace McIntyre, RB Landon Witcher, and WR Jax Cooper. With those three in tow, Coach Brad Hood and company will continue to win a lot of games. McIntyre went out with an injury in last week’s win over Warren East but returned to finish the game. Witcher also exited the game with an injury, and we have not heard at this time if he is available for Friday’s game. Although Witcher is the team’s top running back, Dillon Rookstool has been excellent on the season averaging nearly 60 yards per game. McIntyre is actually the team’s leading rusher as well, averaging 70 yards per contest – three yards more than Witcher. Rookstool leads the team with 35 tackles, linebacker Brandon Baxter is tied for seventh in Class 4A with four sacks, and junior Tanner Stinson is tied for first in 4A with four interceptions.
Prediction
Allen County – Scottsville 35 Russell County 28,
The teams are rather evenly matched, but I think the Lakers may have a slight edge. They also are playing at home, and the Patriots will have to travel some 80 miles to reach Finley Field. With McIntyre suffering an injury last week – though he should play – and Witcher also dealing with an injury, I believe this will be a tight contest, with home field on the Lakers side. If the Lakers win, they will clinch the regular season district crown and secure home-field advantage through at least the first two rounds of the playoff. A win would give Russell County its first regular season district crown since 2013. It has already earned the opportunity to host a playoff game for the first time since 2013 as well. But with that being said, it’s tough to choose against the fighting Hoods of Allen County-Scottsville. They will play spoiler to the Lakers undefeated season. The loser of this game will be slotted at #2 in the district and host the winner of Warren East and Franklin-Simpson, also set to be played this week.
Next Week
Allen County-Scottsville travels to Monroe County on October 30 for a 7:00pm kickoff Russell County travels to Larue County on October 30 for a 7:30pm kic
