By Perry Swack – Sporting Times
Cougar Stadium – September 11, 2020 – 7:00pm
2019 Records
Russellville – 4-8 (lost to Crittenden County – 41-3 – in the second round of the Class 1A Playoffs
Logan County – 8-3 (lost to Madisonville-North Hopkins – 35-28 – in the first round of the Class 4A Playoffs
2019 Meeting
Logan County defeated Russellville, 55-28, behind four passing touchdowns by Tyler Ezell and Gary Hardy’s eight carries for 142 yards and 2 TDs. Russellville’s Jackson Hampton caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Lennon Ries, and also scored on a kick return.
Last 5 Matchups
2019 – Logan County 55 @ Russellville 28
2018 – Russellville 7 @ Logan County 49
2017 – Logan County 28 @ Russellville 21
2016 – Russellville 54 @ Logan County 14
2015 – Logan County 6 @ Russellville 41
Preview
The crosstown rivalry game between Logan County and Russellville has historically been a mid-season game; however, with the season starting two weeks later in 2020, the schedule will pit the Cougars and Panthers together on opening night. Logan County will look to extend their winning streak to four games in the series, after winning only once between 2005-2016. The Panthers will be trying to end two streaks – three-straight losses to the Cougars and three-straight season-opening losses.
The Panthers will seek to achieve that end with an experienced roster that only lost one senior starter. Junior quarterback Lennon Ries will spearhead the offensive attack. In 2019 – Ries’ first year at quarterback – he threw for nearly 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns, but also ten interceptions. Head coach Mikie Benton is excited to see him under center after an offseason of working to improve his game. “He’s worked on his mechanics moving forward. I’m definitely excited to see Lennon to get out there and show the work he’s put in.” Ries showed in 2019 that he was able to rush effectively as the QB – tallying 586 yards and five scores. He did most of that without the services of star running back Jovari Gamble, who missed a chunk of the season with a shoulder injury. Benton noted that Gamble is fully healthy in 2020.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers will turn to senior defensive backs Chevis Elliot and Jackson Hampton. Elliot garnered 75 tackles (ten for a loss), while Hampton totaled 65 tackles and five interceptions (two for TDs).
As for Logan County, the Cougars have substantial expectations for the 2020 season. Coach Todd Adler enters his fifth season with the program riding high, having won 29 games over the course of the last three years. They hope to build upon that success, returning the entire offensive and defensive lines from 2019’s team. It all starts with Anthony Woodard, though. The senior wideout caught 14 touchdowns a season ago and logged over 800 receiving yards. Jaden Sells also returns after catching 28 passes for 492 yards and six scores.
Who will throw them to though? That question must be answered as the Cougars must replace four-year starter Tyler Ezell under center, who tossed 81 touchdowns over the course of his career at Logan County. Senior Braxton Baptiste and sophomore Corbin Rayno have been in a quarterback battle this preseason and Adler thinks both will see action throughout the season. The coach likes having the flexibility at the QB position.
Prediction
Perry Swack – Logan County 45, Russellville 21
DT Breakdown – Logan 28, Russellville 21
The Cougars two-headed quarterback of Baptiste and Rayno will find Woodard open in space for three scores which will propel Logan County to victory over its crosstown rival. The Panthers’ Elliot will record double-digit tackles and the return of Jovari Gamble will give Benton and company a strong run game to rely on.
Next Week
Russellville hosts Franklin-Simpson on September 18 in the Linton-Wren Kickoff Classic
Logan County travels to Greenwood on September 18
