Russellville Football Preview
By Perry Swack
Russellville Panthers
Coach: Mikie Benton, Fourth Season
Record at School: 14-19
2020 Record: 5-4
Lost to Crittenden County, 42-13, in the second round of the 1A Playoffs
Starters Returning: 11 on Offense, 11 on Defense
Despite securing the program’s first winning season since 2017, the Russellville Panthers failed to win a playoff game for the first time since 2005. Most #2 seeds in districts across the Commonwealth play a team it has already beaten. However, both the #3 seed (Caverna) and #4 seed (Fulton County) withdrew from the Class 1A playoffs before the tournament ever began. Therefore, RHS received a bye to the second round where it subsequently lost to top-seed Crittenden County.
With the 2021 season upon us, Coach Mikie Benton and the Panthers are primed and ready to take the next step after a 2020 that saw them pick up impressive wins over Franklin-Simpson and Edmonson County. Returning all 22 starters is a situation nearly every coach in Kentucky would love to be in. Benton and his coaching staff will have this advantage in 2021, as they will look to get back to the top of their district. The “biggest game for us this year will be against our district rival Crittenden County,” said the fourth-year coach. The Rockets have won the four-consecutive district championships, including a sweep of the Panthers in 2020.
On offense, RHS will return a quarterback, running back, and wide receiver that ranked among the top 20 in Class 1A. Jovari Gamble returns at tailback after averaging nearly 100 yards rushing per game last season. Quarterback Lennon Ries will feature under center after throwing for nearly 1,000 yards and 11 scores a season ago. Jaquis Todd will slot in as the team’s top wide receiver after catching 15 passes for 363 yards and four scores. Second-leading rusher Chevis Elliot also returns after rushing 31 times for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Jackson Hampton caught 13 passes for 261 yards and three scores as well.
The Panthers’ top twelve tacklers return for Russellville, led by Elliot (also a defensive back), who totaled 69 solo tackles and 83 total takedowns in 2020. He also recorded six interceptions, a team best. Defensive lineman Zach Dowlen and linebacker Josh McMurry also return to the lineup, after combining for nearly 100 tackles. Dowlen sacked opposing quarterbacks 4.5 times last season, while McMurry led the team with 17 tackles for losses, three fumbles forced, and three fumbles recovered.
In addition to having all their starters returning, the Panthers have had a much more normal offseason to prepare for the upcoming slate of games. The “main difference between this offseason so far vs. last year is being able to have everyone together,” Benton explained. It “plays a huge difference being able to condition and work out as a team. Having the upperclassmen being able to motivate and teach the younger guys plays a huge part.” Expectations are high in Russellville. They will certainly be exciting to watch on the gridiron. “I feel we can put together a very special season in Russellville,” Benton concluded. All signs point to an exciting season for the Black and Gold.
